MY3 ~ Marauders, Inc. Chapter 1: The Beginning of the Summer From Heck, a harry potter fanfic

A/N: This chapter actually starts off a week into summer vacation, and only covers the first month of it. Lots of stuff happens, so be prepared. Without further ado, here is the first chapter of 'MY3 ~ Marauders, Inc.'

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Official Disclaimer: I do not own the characters that you recognize, the spells you recognize, and places you recognize; including but not limited to the following - Sirius Black, James Potter, Lily Evans, Arabella Figg (I own her personality though!) Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Lucius Malfoy, and Albus Dumbledore. Hogwarts, the Sorting Hat, Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and various spells. I do own what you do not recognize. So, don't take them without permission! I am not associated with any owners of Harry Potter (including the amazing J.K. Rowling) and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

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MY3 ~ Marauders, Inc.

By: Noelle

Chapter 1: The Beginning of the Summer from Heck

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It was a warm summer night in Surrey. Michael Barnette-Potter lay asleep in his bed, his window open. The curtains fluttered in the breeze.

Michael was enjoying the sleep of summer. Going to bed late, waking up later… it was the good life.

Rolling over to his other side, Michael's eyes opened slightly…

"OH MY GOD -- "

"Ric. Godric, Michael. You are not to use the good Lord's name in vain…" Godric Gryffindor said, floating beside him, as if on an invisible bed.

"What are you doing?" Michael asked, his blue eyes squinting. "I was trying to sleep!"

"So was I. And you interrupted me," Godric claimed.

Michael looked at his ancestor in disbelief. "What? I interrupted you? How about you interrupted me?"

"No, the first was quite right…" Godric said, grinning.

"Godric," Michael said, his eyes squinting. "I'm warning you…"

"Oh! That's why I'm here! I'm supposed to give you a warning!" Godric exclaimed. Michael looked at him interestedly. "Now, what was it?"

Michael stared at his Godric, before sitting up, taking his pillow in his hands. He then proceeded to hit himself with it, while Godric tried to remember. After awhile, however, the pillow didn't work anymore. "Godric," Michael moaned. "Can't you use those 'Other Worldly' powers of yours? Also, it is sort of creepy to see you, who happens to be pretty solid, floating like a ghost. Do you think you could come down? And what are you?"

Godric looked at Michael, choosing to ignore his second and third questions for the time being. "Of course, my boy. But what's the fun in that?"

"AURGH!!!"

"Oh fine," Godric pouted, conjuring up a parchment with his 'Other Worldly' powers, as he floated gently to the ground. He sat at Michael's desk, kicking his feet upon it and leaning the chair back as far as it could go. Godric looked over the parchment, scrutinizing its contents. He then crumpled it up, and it burst into flames. "Michael, my boy, you are in grave danger…"

"So what else is new? I'm a Marauder!" Michael said proudly. "Danger is my middle name!"

"But," Godric said solemnly, "this is serious. Ever since Voldemort returned from America, he has been setting up terrible plans and schemes. He seems to believe that no one takes him seriously. And he wants to prove them wrong. Do you see where I'm going with this?"

Michael wrinkled his forehead. "Not really. What does any of this have to do with me?"

"Everything," Godric said softly. "You see, he has come up with one major… thing… so that people would take him seriously. He plans to eliminate the whole Gryffindor line. He knows that you're a part of it somehow. He does not know that you are one of my official heirs, but he knows your something. He has ordered your assassination, Michael."

"Why? Why is he doing this?" Michael questioned in shock, suddenly very awake.

"He, as you know, is of the Slytherin lineage. He wants to avenge his ancestor. I suppose this is all my fault…"

"Whatever happened between you and him then?"

"I'm not sure this is the time…" Godric said.

"Don't you think," Michael began angrily, "that I DESERVE to know since my life is in danger because of this?"

Godric exhaled deeply. "Very well. I will not divulge all of the little details." He closed his eyes, as if recalling a memory. "You know, Salazar and myself were cousins. As children, we were the best of friends. But then, the insurrections and 'witch hunts' began. The muggles did not like magic. They did not understand it. Salazar's family was greatly opposed to muggles, because many of their kin were killed. My family was more understanding toward them. We've seen both muggles and wizards do terrible things to each other. So we started to fall out, I suppose. By then, Rowena Ravenclaw had come to me, with her idea to create a Wizarding School. Rowena and I had a sort of relationship, but it wasn't anything serious at the time. She wanted to bring in her friend, Helga Hufflepuff. She felt, though, that we needed another person. So I suggested Salazar. I thought that this could end our problems, and bring us closer. He agreed, reluctantly, to it. But then, the issue of allowing muggle-born children came up. Helga and I believed that muggle-borns had just as much of a right as pure-blooded wizards to study magic. Salazar believed we should ban them. Rowena just thought we should put some restrictions, to be safe. In the end, Rowena won. Salazar was furious, but remained at Hogwarts for a few years. That is, until his mother and father were killed by muggles. He immediately came to us, and demanded the muggle-born children not return that year. We refused, and he left. That was pretty much the beginning of his downfall. The rest of the story is too gruesome for you to know right now."

"You know," Michael said agitatedly, "I'm not a little kid anymore. I'm going to be thirteen in November!"

"And that, my boy, is at least five years too young. You will know when you're eighteen, or possibly later."

Michael pouted. "So, Voldemort wants to kill me… what else is new? He tried to kill me in First Year. So I don't see the point in -- "

"But," Godric interrupted, "he didn't hire a world-wide assassination ring to come and kill you, did he? He figured that it would be too much trouble to do it himself. He has to make other plans. So, he contacted a few of his 'old friends' who happen to belong to L'Ordine di Morte. You see, around, well, a long time ago, a group of Italian wizards were a part of the muggle Italian Mafia. They branched off from it to form L'Ordine di Morte (The Order of Death). For as long as I can remember, they performed assassination after assassination. Mostly on political workers, but they would assassinate whoever they were asked to. So, Voldemort, knowing they were the best, ordered an assassination on you."

"Aren't they just in Italy, then?" Michael asked.

"No. They started in Italy, but have expanded all over the world. They even have hit men here. That is why I believe you should get out of the country this summer. Go somewhere else, where they aren't so well developed." Godric comfortingly put his hand on Michael's shoulder. "Just hide out until you go back to Hogwarts."

"But what about James, and Jules? Aren't they in danger also?"

"Not as much as you. Voldemort would like them to be not breathing, if you will, but he does not know if they are of my lineage. And his top priority is killing off my descendants. Luckily, their connections to me are fairly well hidden with all of the muggle marriages. It should be a few years before he discovers that."

Michael nodded, deep in his thoughts. "Where should I go? Where are they less developed? You know, I had plans for this summer. Now, I might have to throw them all out."

"Well, Michael, it's better than you dying!" Godric boomed. "Now, I asked around (Hey, I can become pretty darn solid) and I have found that it is not safe for you at all here in England. Now, you have three choices. You can either go to Spain, America, or Australia. Now, I want you to think and brood over this decision and let me know by tomorrow. We can then figure out the travel plans. Like, I don't want you to be all alone. But I don't think it would be wise for Edward or Elisabeth to come with you. I suggest that you select a friend or two to take."

Michael's eyes widened, and he had a hard time hiding his grin. This was the perfect excuse to help out Bella.

"Godric," Michael said, as he faked a yawn. "I am rather tired. Do you think we could finish this tomorrow."

Godric, at once, softened. "Of course, my boy," he said softly. "You sleep tight. We will discuss this in the morning with Edward and Elisabeth."

"Good night, Godric," Michael aid, as he laid his head on his pillow. Godric affectionately ruffled his permanently slightly messy hair, and disappeared in a flash of light.

As soon as he was gone, Michael jumped out of bed, and grabbed a piece of parchment out of his desk. He jotted down the following message:

Bella

I found a way. Other information will be sent tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Michael

Michael searched for his owl to send the message. However, he remembered that Trouble was already out, sending Remus (who was vacationing in Germany) a letter. Michael grabbed his wand, and ran out into the hall, and down to James' room.

He quietly opened the door, taking care to make it not creek. He cast a Silencing Charm on James' owl, so it wouldn't make a racket. He then quietly took Brownie (the incredible Green owl) out of the cage. Michael quietly crept back to his room, after shutting James' door. He then sent off Brownie with Bella's letter.

Finally, Michael settled down to sleep, with dreams of black cloaks and green lights flashing in his mind.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

Arabella Figg awoke the next morning, in a not so great mood. She had not yet heard any word from Michael, and she was beginning to become quite impatient. School had already been out for a week and a half!

"Mum!" she called out, as she trudged down the stairs.

"Yes, Bella?"

"Did any post come yet? I'm awaiting a very important letter!"

"Well, honey," Aurelia Figg said, as her daughter came into the kitchen, "so am I. Melinda was supposed to send your father a letter each week, to let him know that she was still alive. We haven't gotten anything yet. However, we had one visitor last night." Aurelia pointed to the green owl sitting on the table.

"Brownie? Why would James be sending me a letter?"

"Brownie?" her mother coughed. "Why is Brownie green?"

"Brownie is James Potter's owl," Bella answered.

"Oh," her mother said knowingly. "Well, Brownie arrived at around dawn, demanding an owl treat."

Bella grabbed the letter curiously off of its foot. She read the letter, and grinned. Michael Barnette (or was it Potter, she wondered) had found a way. Finally. "Mum?" Bella said sweetly.

Aurelia Figg gave her daughter a strict look. "What do you want now?" she asked monotonously.

Bella grinned a little too sweetly, making her mother's eyes narrow more, if possible. Bella immediately dropped her grin, and her face fell. "You see… I miss Aunt Melinda."

Aurelia's face softened. "So do I. And so does your father. He is taking it especially hard. I mean, his baby sister is on the run."

"Do you think I could look at the letters she sent?"

Scrutinizing her daughter, Aurelia consented to this. She gave Bella a shoebox. "Thanks Mum!" she screamed, as she ran up stairs.

When she got to her room, Bella emptied the shoebox onto the floor. She then spread all the letters out. "All right… let's see. There has to be some kind of pattern."

Bella took all the letters and organized them by date, from May 30 to August 10. There were seven letters all together. She then grabbed a parchment from her desk, and jotted down the following information:

May 30 -- Franklin, Massachusetts

June 4 -- Beaverton, Oregon

June 9 -- Elmira, New York

June 15 -- Nacogdoches, Texas

June 23 -- Tombstone, Arizona

June 30 -- Ocean City, New Jersey

August 3 -- Nome, Alaska

'Oh', Bella thought, as she examined her writings, 'this is hopeless'.

"Bella!" she heard her mother call from downstairs.

Bella ran downstairs, screaming 'I'm coming!'. She met her mother in the parlor. "Bella, darling, your presence is requested at the Potters."

"Oh, that's right. Do we have any Floo?"

"Well, there's enough to get you there. You'll have to borrow theirs when you return. And I would like you back by five o'clock, at the latest."

"Yes Mother," Bella said, running back upstairs to grab a bag. She threw in some parchments and her writings of Melinda's locations. She also threw in the letters themselves. Running back downstairs, Bella kissed her mother goodbye.

Bella walked over to the fireplace, which was already going. She grabbed a pinch of Floo powder, and threw it into the fire. "The Nut House!" she shouted, as she stepped in.

Bella tumbled out of the fireplace, into the third floor study. She was covered in ash and soot. "Michael, your friend is here!" Elisabeth Potter called out, as she hid a smile at Bella covered in soot. "Oh, dear," she said to Bella, "it's so much easier with magic." Elisabeth waved her wand, and the ash disappeared.

"Thanks," Bella said gratefully, as Michael, James, and Jules ran into the study. "Hullo Bella!" Michael greeted her amiably.

"Hullo."

"Father's going to be here in a minute, with some 'Mystery Guests'," Jules told her. "I think Professor Dumbledore is one of them, but there's four."

Bella nodded, and gave Michael a meaningful look, and jerked her head toward her bag. 'Information,' she mouthed to him. Michael nodded.

At that moment, Edward Potter walked into the study, followed by four men. True to Jules' word, Albus Dumbledore was one of them. He gave Michael and Bella encouraging looks. Bella didn't recognize the other men.

Edward walked over to Bella. "You must be Miss Arabella Figg," he said. "I have heard many interesting things about you. I'm sorry about your aunt."

"So am I," she answered honestly. "And Bella, if you will."

"But of course," Edward answered, with a smile. "It's beyond me on how Michael and James can have such a well-mannered friend."

"Hey!" both boys protested. Everyone in the room laughed.

"We are just awaiting a few more people before we can begin. And here they are!" Elisabeth said, as four more men walked into the room.

"Now, allow me to introduce everyone. I'm sure that you all know Albus Dumbledore. Now, this is my… uh… cousin Godric," he said, acknowledging the man next to him. Bella swore she had seen him before. "And this is Thaddeus Bluffton. He works in the Magical Law Enforcement. This is Bob Smith, the Minister of Magic…" Bella looked at Toria's uncle in interest. He was tall, and looked remarkably like he was related to Toria. They shared the same brown eyes, and brown hair. "This is Orion Black, Department of Mysteries…"

"Hey Mr. B!" Jules said, waving to him enthusiastically. Orion tried to look serious, but waved back when the others weren't looking.

"Artemis van Brunswick is to my right. He too works in Magical Law Enforcement. David Pierce is to my left. He works in the Department of Mysteries. And this is Eleanor Canterbury," he said, turning to the lone woman of his guests. "We are here today to discuss my son's situation. So… I'm sure you each know a little of his situation. But there is now more." He paused, not knowing how to say what he wished to. Godric comfortingly put his hand on Edward's shoulder. At once, Edward relaxed. "Voldemort has decided to do something so that everyone will take him seriously. He has decided to eliminate the whole Gryffindor line."

"Good for nothing arse," Godric muttered.

"So we have to take steps to protect Michael."

Bob Smith cleared his throat. "I do not understand why we must do that. Hasn't Voldemort tried to kill him before? And hasn't he not succeeded?"

"Well, it is not just Voldemort now," Orion Black said, stepping up. "He has involved L'Ordin di Morte."

Many of the occupants of the room gasped. Bella looked at Michael curiously. He seemed to not care about any of this.

"Well, it's all over now that they are involved," said Artemis van Brunswick. Edward and Godric both looked at him sharply.

"It," Edward said, "is far from over. I am sending Michael into hiding until he returns to Hogwarts. But I figured that I should let you know that England is going to be filled with assassins soon enough, and everyone should be prepared."

"However, many of you know me too well," Edward said, smiling. "You know that I adapted a 'Live and Learn' parenting style. My problem is the 'Live' part. I know that Michael will need some companions to go with him, if we expect him to return. So, that is why you are here. We need to decide his companions, and basic strategy. Also, while he is gone, we must get rid of L'Ordine di Morte."

"You want us to get rid of one of the greatest and most powerful crime rings in the world before September?" Orion boomed. Everyone stared at him incredulously. "Just making sure I heard right," he added sheepishly.

"So, why don't we have a seat and decide his companions. Michael has already requested that Miss Arabella Figg join him. I figured that we should send six people, including Michael. Four more to go."

"I'm going," James Potter said confidently.

"I don't think that's wise," Eleanor Canterbury interrupted. "Edward, you are already sending one of your sons into danger. It's a shame to risk both."

"Look lady," James said haughtily. Eleanor gasped at being referred to as 'Lady'. "I am going, and I will protect my baby brother, no matter what."

"James," Edward broke in gently, "I agree with Eleanor."

"Father, I don't care if you send me to Australia in a potato sack. I don't care if you lock me up in Azkaban. I will find a way to get to Michael. So you may as well give me your permission, seeing that I'll be with him either way."

Edward sighed heavily. "I guess I don't really have a choice. That leaves three positions left. What do you think, Albus?"

Professor Dumbledore bit on the end of a Sugar Quill thoughtfully, a pad of parchment in front of him. "I believe that Thomas Brooks would be an asset. He is fairly strong in defensive maneuvers."

"What about Remus Lupin?" Artemis van Brunswick questioned. "Looking at his scores, he seems to be the strongest in Defense."

"Incapacitated (A/N: Due to the upcoming full moon, by the way)," Albus Dumbledore said shortly. "I also believe that Sirius Black and Charlotte Hunter would be of assistance. They are quick on their feet, and think quickly in emergency situations."

David Pierce let out a low whistle. "Charlotte Hunter? Albus, don't you think that's a bit of a risk, considering her status?"

Professor Dumbledore turned sharply to face him. "I do not consider it any more of a risk that sending any of these other students off."

"If you say so, Sir," Pierce said, leaning back.

Edward Potter turned to Eleanor. "I would like you to contact Thomas Brooks and Charlotte Hunter. Tell them to arrive at Potter Manor tomorrow. Also, contact Aurelia Figg and inform her that her daughter will be staying here for the night, and will be leaving tomorrow."

"Will they be asked to bring supplies?" she asked.

Considering this, Edward sighed. "No. I'll supply them with the necessities. Tell them to arrive no later than 6:00. I have a feeling that L'Ordine di Morte is already on their way, and it will be safer to get to their destination earlier. They will be travelling as muggles, so tell them to dress appropriately."

"Yes Sir," Eleanor said, before exiting the room.

"Now I would like anyone under the age of 14 to exit the room," he said.

"Aww… that's not fair!" James and Michael protested at the same time. Bella just crossed her arms.

"Official Ministry business," he said. "No up to bed. Why don't you show Miss Figg to a guest room."

Grudgingly, James and Michael exited the room, Bella in tow. Bella looked around in amazement at Potter Manor. James led them up two flights of stairs to the fifth floor. "Here is your room," he said sulkily, opening a door. "Good night."

"Good night James. Good night Michael," Bella bid them adieu, happily taking in her new surroundings. The room was magnificent, dressed in creme and blue. Wizard pictures adorned the walls, all the people sleeping.

Bella jumped onto the bed, before giving into the inevitable sleep.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

"Lunch is ready! Come get it!" Violet Evans cried out, as she set the last of the dishes on the table. She heard multiple footsteps running down the stairs. However, they stopped at the doorway.

"Let me out!" Noelle said angrily, as she pushed Lily back.

Lily shoved Noelle. "No, me first!"

The two girls were stuck in the doorway. Violet sighed exasperatedly at them.

Meanwhile, Petunia Evans skipped into the kitchen, and fixed herself a generous plate, all the while smirking at the two witches in the doorway.

Noelle finally managed to squeeze through, and smirked triumphantly at Lily as she fixed her plate. Lily scowled back.

Noelle Marie Charrier had been living with the Evans for the past week and a half. It was not that pleasant. Lily and she were constantly bickering, unless they were teaming up against Petunia. Violet Evans was at her wit's end with them. Ethan Evans was not there yet, but he was getting closer each day. Of course, he didn't even spend the whole day with them. Fortunately for him, he was on a business trip in Japan.

"Aren't you glad that you have one NORMAL daughter, Mother?" Petunia asked silkily, glaring at the two enemies.

"Well, aren't you glad, Mrs. Evans, that you have one SPECIAL daughter and one SPECIAL house guest?" Noelle said, glaring back at Petunia.

"ENOUGH!" Violet screeched. "Petunia, you are to go to your room. Lily, Noelle. I have had it with your fairly constant bickering. You are to go to the parlor, and you are to remain there until you can be CIVIL to each other -- "

Immediately, Mrs. Evans was met with protests from everyone. "I will not hear it. Do you understand?"

Lily glared at her mother. "I understand that you are going to have a lot of explaining to do come September when we're still in the parlor and not at Hogwarts," she said, stalking off to the parlor. Noelle followed her, rather reluctantly. Petunia smiled slightly, at the thought of their punishment, and skipped up to her room.

Violet Evans waited until the girls left the room before creeping into the den. "Grams?"

"Yes, my darling?" Grams said, from her seat on the sofa.

"I am in dire need of your witchy wonders," Mrs. Evans said with a faint smile. "It seems that Noelle and Lily can't seem to get along. So I sent them to the parlor, where they will remain until they can be civil. Can you put some charms or wards up to make sure they don't trick me?"

"Of course," Grams said with a grin, snapping her fingers. A faint POP was heard.

"That's it? You don't need your wand?"

"My dear," said Grams softly, "my powers, like wine, have ripened with age."

Meanwhile, Lily and Noelle were locked in the parlor.

"What a mess you've gotten us into this time, Charrier," Lily said snottily, sitting on the antique couch by the window.

"I should be thanking you, Evans. You are the one who got us into this. I was fine…" said Noelle, snidely.

"Well, I was fine until you came here!" Lily said angrily.

Noelle didn't bother to respond. She, instead, sat down quietly, staring off into space. Lily huffed in aggravation, and turned off to stare at the window. She watched as the sun set into the clouds.

The sky was beautiful -- a swirling mass of pink and gold hues. The pinks slowly turned to a deep orange, as night set in. The oranges turned to a violet-ish blue, and the blue to black. Stars speckled the night sky. Lily opted for counting them. Anything was better than talking to Noelle Charrier, the Slytherin. Finally, Lily fell asleep, not anywhere close to counting all of the stars.

Noelle fell asleep long ago, as she was admiring the setting sun. If things continued going the way they were, Lily's prediction would be true -- they would still be there in September.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

James awoke as the first rays of dawn streaked into his window. Squinting his eyes, he groped around for his glasses. He recalled the previous summer, when he launched Michael out of the window, to retrieve James' boot, which he tried to decapitate birds with.

Dressing quickly, James went to wake Michael up. He charmed a pillow to whack his brother repeatedly, until he woke up.

James then moved onto the task of waking Bella. He had a great idea involving ice cream, purple slippers, and a tissue, but was dismayed to find Bella already awake and dressed.

"Breakfast is in ten minutes," James said cheerily. Bella nodded mutely, rubbing her eyes. Apparently, she was still tired.

James began to descend the stairs when he heard Michael shout, "JAMES! I AM GOING TO GET YOU BACK. OUCH! BUGGER! STUPID PILLOW! JAMES!" Smirking, James continued his way down.

Sirius, Charlie, and Thomas were already seated at the table, enjoying a hearty meal. Sirius waved a piece of egg at James. "Hullo," he said, his mouth full.

"Morning," James said.

"Was that Michael I heard? What are you doing to torment him now?" Thomas asked, arranging his pancakes, bacon, and sausage links into a happy face.

"Me? Torment my dear, beloved brother?" James asked sarcastically. "How could you ever think such a horrific thought?"

"JAMES!!!" Michael's voice broke out from downstairs. "HOW DO YOU STOP THIS BLOODY PILLOW?"

Thomas raised his eyebrow at James. Sirius, who finished his egg, grinned. "Pillow of Doom? Nice touch, Jamsie."

James' attention turned to Charlie Hunter, who had not yet spoken. "Good morning, Charlie," he said sweetly. A little too sweetly, because Charlie's eyes narrowed. She didn't speak, however, because she was guzzling down a glass of orange juice.

Bella came down the stairs, looking sleepy. She walked through the spacious kitchen to the table, grabbing some bacon strips.

"Bacon? Out of all this food, that is all you're having?" Sirius questioned her in shock.

Bella opened her mouth and closed it. She then tried again. "I'm not a breakfast person," she said softly.

Thumps were heard, and Michael came rolling down the stairs. A pillow was hitting him repeatedly.

"James," Michael said frostily. "I seem to have a pillow attacking me. Would you know why? Or even how?"

James hid a grin. "The newest Daily Prophet headline ought to be 'When Good Pillows Go Bad: The Michael Barnette Story."

"James, I'm warning you. OUCH!" Michael hollered, as he took a particularly hard hit to the head. "JAMES!"

"All right, all right. I don't really understand. I charmed it to stop when you woke up."

"Well, I'm up, aren't I?" Michael said wryly. "And the bloody pillow shows no sign of ceasing."

"Er… oops?" James said, in a rather high-pitched tone. Michael strode over to him angrily.

"My dear older brother," he began. Bella looked in amusement as the two brothers (who looked remarkably alike) faced each other, the younger one looking more menacing. "I seem to have a problem."

"What would that be?" James questioned, backing up.

Michael took several steps forward. "I can't decide whether or not I want to torture you slowly and painfully, or quickly and painfully. What do you think?"

"Oh, boys!" Charlie huffed. "Rather fight it out to the death than figure a way out of something." She muttered a foreign charm under her breath, and the pillow froze.

"Thanks," Michael said sincerely, rubbing his head.

James, however, was not going to thank Charlie now, or anytime soon. The pillow began to hit him as mercifully as it had hit Michael -- and that wasn't very merciful.

Edward and Elisabeth walked into the kitchen to find one of their sons sitting with his friends, eating breakfast, and another of their sons dancing around (trying to avoid the pillow).

"Oh, boys!" Elisabeth said, and she said, 'Finite Incantateum'. The pillow stopped immediately, and dropped to the ground lifelessly.

"So, are you all ready to go?" Edward asked. "The car is out front…"

Quietly, everyone stood up, and grabbed their respective bags. Elisabeth had them made, each engraved with their name. In their bags, supplies were stuffed to the brim.

They walked in single-file out of the door, Michael last. But someone (or something) grabbed Michael from behind.

"Godric!" he said.

"Michael. I wanted to wish you luck on your journey, because I know that you aren't telling me something. But you must do what you think is necessary. Just remember, you can always reach me with the book."

Michael grinned. "All right, Godric. In case of emergency, I'll contact you."

Godric's stern mouth softened into a smile. "That's all I wanted to hear," he said, embracing Michael like a son. Michael then turned off, and with a smile wave, walked through the door. Michael believed he heard Godric muttering, "Gods speed."

Michael caught up with everyone. They were double-checking, to make sure they weren't forgetting anything.

The six soon-to-be travelers went out to the car, where Elisabeth hugged and kissed everyone, wishing them luck.

"Now," Mr. Potter said sternly, "you are to go straight to New York City. There, you will go to the address I gave you, Michael. Mr. Bouvenla lives there. He runs what is pretty much a safe house for wizards. You are to stay there for as long as you can. I have written down other addresses for you to go to if worst comes to worst. You are to contact me weekly. Understand?"

The group chorused, 'Yes'. Edward nodded approvingly. "Now, remember. Just because you are going to another country does not mean that the threat is over. Be careful, and be wary."

Exchanging last good-byes, the group piled into the Ministry car.

They were off to a summer of chaos, disorder, and a whole lot of heck!

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

"Ketchup hair."

"Mud hair."

"Half wit."

"No wit."

"Will you just SHUT IT?" Noelle screamed.

"What? Because I'm winning?" Lily asked smirkishly.

"You are IMPOSSIBLE, you… you… you flobberworm!" Noelle screamed, almost pulling her hair out.

Noelle and Lily had been imprisoned in the same room together for two days now. Violet Evans transferred food into the room, and there was a bathroom in there, so there was no need to come out.

It's quite surprising that one of them isn't dead yet.

"Toad with pink hair and green polka dots," Lily said triumphantly.

"What do you mean by that? I'm a Slytherin. I don't do pink… oh no. You didn't!" Noelle shrieked, as she grabbed her hair. It was pink, with green polka dots. "You… you… half goat!"

Lily screamed as she looked down to find that the lower half of her body was now that of a goat. "AHHHHHH!!!"

Noelle smirked lazily at her (a trademark she learned from Lucius) from her perch on the couch.

Lily grinned, and waved her wand, saying 'Finite Incantateum'. She returned to her normal state.

"You know, you were more attractive the other way," Noelle said, twirling her wand.

"Oh!" Lily growled. "That is it! I have had it with you! Let's finish it right here, right now. One on one. Mano y mano!" She held out her fists as if a boxer would.

Noelle laughed. "That's cute."

"AURGH!!!" Lily screamed.

"Girls," they heard Mrs. Evans' voice carry over into the parlor, "there's no fighting going on, right?"

Staring, as if challenging each other, the girls answered, "Of course not!" Lily sat down at her spot by the window.

"Low down, slimy Slytherin!"

"High and Mighty Gryffindor!"

"El stupido!"

"Glad to see your linguistic skills," Noelle said, "you dirty ape!"

"Idiot."

"Moron."

"Nerd."

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

"Hey 'Stella!"

"AAAHHHHH!!!" Estella Black shrieked, jumping back. Jules Potter jumped into her room, which was on the second story.

"Good thing that tree is sturdy, or I would've had quite a fall," Jules said merrily, while Estella was still trying to recover.

"You scared me…" Estella panted, "…almost to death!"

"What can I say?" Jules said modestly, as she spun around. "I'm a trouble-maker!"

Estella seemed to immediately recover at the word 'trouble'. "Ooh!" she squealed. "Andromada is going to be waking up soon!"

"That was a good idea. Muggle hair dye. Who would've thought? I mean, magic isn't going to work, if they think it was a spell. It's per -- "

At that moment, a scream broke Jules off. Grinning, the two girls ran down the hall to Andromada's room.

Andromada was standing in front of her mirror, a look of utter horror resting upon her face. Her hair, her beautiful, long, straight, jet-black hair, was ruined.

Screaming again, she held out her hair. Gold and dark purple were streaked through it. Jules and Estella covered their ears, and remained silent. They had not considered the wrath of Andromada Black.

"Oh, 'Drom! What happened?" Felicity Black said, running into the room.

Estella thought that she would break down into tears. However, Andromada was quite unpredictable. She whirled around, fire in her eyes. "Where is Sirius?" she said, in a deathly whisper. This voice chilled both Estella and Jules to the bone.

"Honey, Sirius is gone. He left early this morning to go on a trip with his friends. He couldn't have done this -- I've been with him since 2, helping him prepare.

"Then, that leaves only one other person in the Black home," Andromada said, slowly turning. Estella blanched. "And that leaves one of the Potters."

As if on a joint decision, Jules and Estella turned, and ran, and jumped out the nearest window. They landed in a tree, and climbed down quickly, running to Potter Manor.

The wrath of Andromada Black was not to be taken lightly.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

"So, I'm Michael Underling," Michael said, displaying his fake identification card for everyone to see.

"I'm Belle LaFaye," Bella, who was sitting beside him, said happily. "I have a good name!"

"Well," Thomas said, showing off his card from the seat behind them, "I'm Tom Thomas."

"Charlotte Anderson, at your service," Charlie said, from her seat.

"James Alexander," James called out, from in front of Michael and Bella.

Sirius, beside him, grinned. "I am Cyrus Blacking," he said.

The seven companions were on the airplane that would take them to New York. They could barely contain their excitement, but knew that they had to be calm, and not draw attention to themselves. No person could know where an agent of L'Ordine di Morte could be lurking.

After listening to the flight attendant tell them all the safety information, and after the plane ascended into the air, James and Sirius went on to planning pranks for next year. Thomas and Charlie leaned back and talked quietly.

"So, do you have any idea where Melinda might be?" Michael asked Bella quietly. He noticed a man out of the corner of his eye, who was watching him.

"Well, I wrote down all of her previous locations. Aunt Melinda always has a pattern, and always thinks ahead. Here," Bella said, sorting through her bag and grabbing a pad of parchment. Michael, noticing the man still watching them, wished that it was on a pad of paper.

And he then held a pad of paper in his hands.

Michael, believing he was going crazy, surveyed the names of Melinda's previous hideouts.

Michael scanned the list over, looking for any relevance in date. He found none, and moved on to the names. "Well, she moved all over," Michael said, "and didn't follow one path. She went from Massachusetts to Oregon, to New York, to Texas, to Arizona, to New Jersey, and then Alaska. It's impossible to predict where she's going next by that way."

"Wait a second!" Bella whispered excitedly, her eyes lighting up. "I cant believe I didn't see it before!" she grabbed the pad out of Michael's hands. "Yes! That's it!"

"What's it?" James and Sirius asked at the same time, leaning back. Charlie and Thomas leaned forward.

"Going down. The cities read, going vertically, 'F.Benton', and the states read, 'Montana'. She is in Fort Benton!" Bella threw her arms around Michael happily. Michael blushed slightly, and only James noticed this.

"Well, what do you reckon, Captain?" James asked. "Are we leaving New York immediately, and going to Montana? And how? We have our brooms, but it's not that safe. I think Fort Benton is a muggle town. And what about Mr. Bouvenla?"

Michael considered all of this. "I think we should stay in New York for a little while. At least for two days, to adjust to the time changes. And then we can go off, claiming it was too dangerous to stay there. Now, I don't know how to get there. I don't think we could fly. I have my Invisibility Cloak, and James has his, but that's only two, and there are seven of us. And it's not safe to do magic, except for a life or death situation. The L'Ordine can trace magic. So that leaves out Invisibility Charms."

"What if we could get a hold of more Invisibility Cloaks?" Charlie asked softly.

"How? There are only around 20 in existence. And they're scattered around the world."

"And some are scattered in Greece, around the home of my stepfather. He has three, I think."

"So, we'd have five. And someone can double up. So, we'll do that while we can. It should take us a few days to get there, because we can't fly nonstop. We have to rest."

"But," Bella argued, "a lot can happen in a week! What if Aunt Melinda leaves, or something happens to her?"

"We just have to hope for the best," Sirius said. "And now, I'm hoping for some sleep. G'Night!"

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

"Geek."

"Dweeb."

"Petunia lover!"

Noelle spat. "Ugh! How could you even suggest something so crude?"

Lily laughed. "Petunia lover, Petunia lover! Charrier is a Petunia Lover!"

"Potter lover!"

Now it was Lily's turn to wrinkle her nose in disgust. "Potter? Eww… yuck!"

"Potter lover! Potter lover! Evans is a Potter lover!"

"Well, you're a low-down, slimy, good for nothing Petunia lover! And that is the worst insult I could bear," Lily smirked.

"If that's the worst insult, then you had better practice!" Noelle retorted, crossing her arms.

"What about you? You just repeat everything I say!"

"Do not!"

"Do too!" Lily screamed back.

"Do not!" Noelle shot.

"Do too!"

"Ugh, you are impossible! You know, I reckon you were right. We are going to be here until September!"

"And the worst part is that it's not coming soon enough!"

"Well, that's one thing we agree on."

"And the last, you Slytherin scumbag!"

"Muggle-lover!"

"Slimy Snake!"

"Hairy Cat!"

"AURGH!!!" they both screamed together, collapsing back into their respective spots; Noelle now by the window, and Lily by the door.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

The six companions had arrived in New York, and on the doorstep of Mario Bouvenla. Thomas knocked.

The door was thick, and had a small sliding window. It slid open, revealing two dark brown eyes. "Password?" a voice hissed.

"Er… Father didn't mention anything about a password," Michael hissed to James. Sirius, however, strode up.

"I am Cyrus Blacking. You must have heard of me, the world-renowned prankster supreme. These are my partners-in-crime, Mr. James Alexander, Mr. Michael Underling, and Mr. Tom Thomas. And here is our esteemed colleague, Miss Belle LeFaye."

"What about me?" Charlie huffed.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "Over there, you will find an acquaintance of ours, Miss Charlotte Anderson. We are here to offer our services to you."

The once solemn eyes now glittered. "You should have said so. Come on in. I'm Mario Bouvenla. Welcome to the Wizarding Safehouse," he said, as he opened the door.

Mario Bouvenla was fairly short, and stout. He had curly brown hair, and large bushy eyebrows. His brown eyes were welcoming. He was wearing an apron that read 'Kiss the Cook', and it was smeared in several spots with spaghetti sauce.

Sirius walked in first, and the rest filed in a line behind him. The hallway they entered into was narrow, and one person could go through at a time.

"Are you hungry? You had a long flight. Come and eat," Mario said hospitably.

"What's cooking, Mr. B?" Charlie asked from the back.

"A recipe passed down from Bouvenla to Bouvenla, ever since Great Great Great Great Great Grandma Sophie in Italy -- Spaghetti!"

"Count me in!" Sirius said happily, following his nose to the kitchen.

Around the table, several people were already seated, and eating. "We weren't sure when you'd arrive," Mr. Bouvenla explained, as he served dinner.

Sirius sat down, and the others surveyed the people already sitting at the table. When Charlie noticed one person, she screamed. "Roz?"

A girl sitting on the end nearly fell out of her seat. "Charls? Charlie Hunter, is that you? Oh my gosh!"

Roz had long brown hair, and almond-shaped brown eyes. Her skin was incredibly tan, and she was fairly attractive (at least to Sirius).

Charlie ran over to her (as well as she could in the narrow space) and embraced her happily. "Everyone, this is Miss Roselyn Martin, a.k.a. Roz. She was my best friend in the world here. What's going on? I thought you were going to the New York School of Sorcery."

"Well," Roz said, "I was, until some European guy decided he wanted me dead. So I was sent here for awhile."

"We have so much catching up to do!" Charlie and Roz said at the same time. Forgetting dinner, Roz led Charlie upstairs, where they remained for the rest of the night.

After finishing their meal, the five remaining companions trooped upstairs, and into one of the larger quarters. They would all be staying together.

Huddling over maps, Michael and Bella decided on a route to take. Meanwhile, James, Sirius, and Thomas discussed possible names for their group.

"I still think we should stick with the Marauders," Sirius argued.

"I don't think so. That would make Bella and Charlie Marauders, and I'm not sure if I'm personally ready for that," James said.

"What about 'The Company of the Golden Lion'? Thomas suggested, leafing through a book.

"Too long," Sirius said.

"Can't we decide this later?" Thomas asked. "I'm exhausted."

"So am I," James agreed, claiming a bed. Sirius, giving in, selected a bed, and the three of them went to sleep.

Michael and Bella continued to plan their trip.

"If we stay South longer, it will be easier. And the weather appears to be fairer."

"I still think we should go North a bit more," Bella said, pointing to the map. In the process, she lightly brushed Michael's hand. She blushed lightly. "It's shorter."

"Well, if you're sure that it's better," Michael said, finally giving into Bella, "then we shall take that route."

"I just… I don't want to miss her. And I don't want anything to happen to her. She's always been my favorite aunt. I mean, Aunt Mariana, Mundungus' mum, is great, but I'm always been closer to Melinda."

Michael smiled encouragingly. "We'll find her, Bella. And then, we'll take her back to Potter Manor, and we'll go off to Hogwarts, and everyone will live happily ever after."

"As long as we all stick together, nothing can happen, right?" Bella said hopefully. Michael took her hand comfortingly. "Right."

Slowly, as if an instinct, Bella closed her eyes, and leaned gently forward. However, the sound of a door and laughter brought her back down to earth. Her eyes opened in a flash, and she noticed Michael had just opened his eyes also. She whirled around to find Charlie and Roz, climbing into beds.

"Well, if that's not an omen, I don't know what is," Bella said in defeat.

"An omen for sleep."

"Right. An omen for sleep. Good night Michael."

"Good night, Bella," Michael said gently, smiling slightly.

Bella climbed into bed, and wrapped her blanket around her. Dreams swirled in her head, but not all told of good fortune.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

Jules and Estella were certainly not that fortunate at the moment. They were now the latest victims of the 'Wrath of Andromada Black'.

Estella's hair was dyed pink and green, sort of resembling that of a clown. Jules was bald for the day.

"You know, this is just great," Jules said sarcastically.

"We should've found out of Sirius wasn't there before we dyed 'Drom's hair," Estella said solemnly, running her fingers through her own hair.

Jules now looked determined. "Of course, we can't let this minor setback stop us."

"Would we be pranksters if we didn't?" Estella asked rhetorically.

Jules leaned back, and laid on the grass. "Well, I think that we could get out of the house sometime next week, and go to Christopher's house."

"All right," Estella drawled, as she to laid down. "And you still won't tell me this plan of yours?"

"Not yet." Jules closed her eyes. "I just want to make sure it's perfect and can't go wrong. I mean, this is the Opening of Term Feast. It has to be perfect."

"And perfect it shall be," Estella said.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

"What do you mean, you can't find him?" Lord Voldemort screeched, slamming his fist down on a table littered with parchments.

Vanter cowered before him. "Well, it seems that he has left the country, my Lord."

Voldemort's eyes flashed. Taking a deep breath, he muttered, "I need a strawberry milkshake." No one heard him, or answered his request. "Does no one in this whole bloody castle listen to me? Get me a strawberry milkshake, NOW!"

Lord Dkembvare, Voldemort's student, strolled in. Luckily for everyone, he brought a strawberry milkshake along with him. "Here you are, my Lord," he said merrily, handing it to Voldemort.

"Do you bring me tidings?" Voldemort asked him, somewhat hopefully.

"Why yes, my Lord. And what tidings they are! Although Barnette has left the country, we have discovered that he is somewhere in America."

"How is that going to help, Dkembvare? America is a vast country, and there are too many bloody safehouses."

Dkembvare smiled, and one of the curled tendrils of his hair fell into his eyes as he bowed down. "Lord Voldemort, we have discovered his companions, for one."

"Well?" Voldemort snapped, "who are they? More milkshake!"

Vanter hurried out of the room, to get his Lord a milkshake. Dkembvare, meanwhile, grinned. "My Lord, his companions are James Potter, Sirius Black, Thomas Brooks, Charlotte Hunter, and Arabella Figg."

"Figg?" Voldemort questioned. "Is she related to Melinda Figg."

"Yes, my Lord. And we have reason to believe that their trip had an ulterior motive behind it. We believe that they are trying to find Melinda before we do."

"Well, do you know where she is?" Voldemort shrieked. "That would be (here, he counted on his fingers) well, a lot of birds with one bloody stone! We could get them all!"

"I have men working on it. How are the prophecies coming, my Lord?"

Voldemort sighed. "More cryptic than ever. In one of the prophecies, it says that Fate will be an adversary of the Descendents, and yet, in later ones, it says that she will help them. Are there any new prophecies?"

"Just one. 'Fate shall be an old foe' it was, I believe."

"Very well. You are dismissed."

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

A/N: Well, that's it. In the next chapter, our friends in America are travelling to Montana, to find Melinda. But L'Ordine di Morte is right on their tale. Maybe another Michael/Bella moment. Estella and Jules will begin to plan their Start of Term Prank. We'll meet up with Remus, Kiana, and Toria, and see how their summers are going. Also, more Lily and Noelle conflicts. Who knows if they'll get back to Hogwarts? And, we are getting closer to the arrival of Fate! Fate is going to appear before Third Year is over!

Also, the Marauders will name a first female Marauder. And you, the readers, get to choose who:

Bella Figg

Charlie Hunter

Rhiane Richards

Just drop me a line and let me know! Also let me know what you think so far, and any suggestions/criticisms/pranks that you may have. The next chapter is going to wrap up the summer, for the most part, and it should be out sometime in mid April. Until next time…

~Noelle

Luckie7n13@aol.com