A/N: Well, in Rip Van Winkle's fine words… "Been a while hasn't it?" I'm terribly sorry that I haven't been writing pretty much anything these days. Family issues, job promotions, and the end of semester sort of put a damper on any creative juices that looked ready to flow. To anyone who is currently wondering, "Oh Really, Miss Brainiac" will be up within the next two days. And hopefully I can start on another one shot because I do enjoy those the best.
Thanks for the reviews I got on this little story, by the by. They were lovely and made me want to write even more. If you think that the chapters (i.e.: "First Week in September") aren't moving along fast enough, let me know. I was thinking of picking just random weeks and such. Anyway, please enjoy it, and review if you are so inclined!
The book I based this out of is called I Can't Tell You by Hilary Frank. Very creative with an ending that isn't just a happy one, but true to the characters. I highly recommend it.
Okay—onward! And sorry for wasting so many minutes of your time with the Author's Note!
Disclaimer: Most assuredly not mine.
SECOND WEEK IN SEPTEMBERSmooth White Sheet of Paper Inside of a Nondescript, Leather-bound Journal 1:57 AM
Sunday, September 8th
Dear you—
Went down to the Sick Bay to get a sleeping potion, and I saw them—Black, Pettigrew, and Potter. They were standing beside someone's bed, having a right whispering match. I bumped into a bed stand when I saw them. Potter whipped his head around and stared at me, even though I stepped into some shadows so he wouldn't see me. He said nothing though…just pulled the curtains around the bed really quietly, disappearing from view.
I don't quite know what to think.
Actually, I do. It was Remus's bed they were by. They don't know that I know, but I know about Remus.
Let's just say—it doesn't make him a monst— a bad person. He's still grand, but I can't help but wonder what's going to become of him someday.
Wish I could help him.
And I hope that Ja—Potter didn't really see me.
—Lily
Little Yellow Tag on a Brown Bottle 2:01 AMSleeping Potion
Take With Caution!
Please Do Not Cast Spells While Under Its Influence!
3 Doses
Report Submitted by Madam Pomfrey to the Headmaster 7:45 AM8 September
Patient(s): James Potter, Peter Pettigrew, and Sirius Black
Infirmity: Scrapes, knocked heads, funny colour in the face
Prescribed: One day bed rest, Bruise Potion, Abrasion Potion
Notes: I have assigned one evening of detention as the boys were hauling Mr. Lupin back to his bed after I specifically stated last year that they were not to escort Mr. Lupin to the willow after last year's accident. Also, I recommend that the Gryffindor quidditch practice be cancelled Monday for this week as Potter and Black are still recovering. They may proceed on Friday.
Signed,
Madam PomfreyHead Nurse
Remus Lupin's Finger On the Crisp White Sheeting of His Hospital Bed 12:14 PM
B-O-R-E-D-O-M-K-L-L-E-D-T-H-E-W-E-R-E-W-O-L-F
Scrap of "Get Well" Card Thrown at James Potter 3:50 PM
So, what're we doing after we get out of here?
Scrap of "Get Well" Card Thrown at Remus Lupin 3:52 PM
So, what're we doing after we get out of here?
Dunno. Remus?
Scrap of "Get Well" Card Thrown at Sirius Black 3:53 PM
So, what're we doing after we get out of here?
Dunno. Remus?
I'm famished—could really use some of my favourites. Kitchens?
Scrap of "Get Well" Card Thrown at Remus Lupin 3:55 PM
So, what're we doing after we get out of here?
Dunno. Remus?
I'm famished—could really use some of my favourites. Kitchens?
Spotted dick, eh Remus?
Back Side of a Scrap of "Get Well" Card Chucked Rather Violently at Sirius Black 3:57 PM
You're ridiculous.
Piece of Parchment Paper, Balled Up and Stuffed Into a Black Sock Which No Longer has a Mate 10:17 PM
Lily,
You were staring at me all through dinner. Why? Is it because you've realized that despite your best efforts you have fallen deeply and irrevocably in love with me? Have you realized that we are to be soul mates and have little brilliant black-haired, green-eyed children and then die together in a happy embrace when we are old and crinkly and living in some charming house in Milton Keynes?
Or could it possibly be that you saw me in the sick bay and you know what I was doing there? Could it be that Padfoot never really gave you credit for your cleverness? Did you know he thinks you're too thick to have figured all of Remus' full moon illnesses out? Did you know that I cuffed him when he said that?
Well, I know that you were there.
But I don't know why you didn't say anything.
And I don't know if you're afraid of Remus, or if you feel sorry for him.
You should under— I mean you shouldn't be—
I don't know what I want you to think.
Because…
Me seeing you see me plus you hiding in the dark corner of the hospital room equal me feeling bad that I can't tell you everything there is to know about everything.
James
Piece of Parchment on a Table in the Gryffindor Common Room 10:45 PM
Transformations of the Furry Kind: Analyzing the Animagus
By Sirius Black
The art of the Animagi is very misunderstood these days. Many wizards associate the art of changing from human to animal as something monstrous, but contrary to popular belief, animagi are dea—very useful…
Notice Posted on the Announcement Board in the Gryffindor Common Room 8:00 AM
PREFECTS MEETING TUESDAY!
Begins after dinner in the Head's Common Room
Please bring weekly report
Folded Up Piece of Pink, Finely Scented Parchment Dropped onto Sirius Black's Breakfast Plate 8:11 AM
I want some Sirius Black Pudding for brekky, please.
Loopy Blue Letters Written in the Warm Air of the Great Hall Above the Gryffindor House Table 8:13 AM
Terribly sorry, but there simply isn't enough to go around.
Piece of Parchment, Folded into Eighths and Dropped onto a Charms Desk 10:31 AM
Dear Lily,
I saw you in the hospital last night. I have very good eyes, you know. And since I saw you, you must have seen me. And since you saw me, you also saw James and Sirius AND Remus. And since you saw Remus, you must know why he was there.
My deductive reasoning skills are also good.
But don't worry, I won't tell anyone that you know because besides eyesight and reasoning skills, I am very good at keeping secrets.
Peter
Ripped Piece of Parchment, Balled Up and Thrown at Peter Pettigrew 10:35 AM
What was that note you just passed to Lily?
Prongs
Piece of Parchment, Folded in Half and Dropped onto a Charms Desk 10:46 AM
Er…thanks Peter. That's brill of you.
—Lily
Piece of Parchment, Unfolded and Passed to James Potter 10:47 AM
Er…thanks Peter. That's brill of you.
—Lily
Ripped Piece of Parchment, Balled Up and Thrown at Peter Pettigrew 10:54 AM
BRILL! She thinks what's "brill" of you?
Ripped Piece of Parchment, Wadded Up and Passed to James Potter 10:57 AM
BRILL! She thinks what's "brill" of you?
I just told her I'd keep an eye on her, Prongs. She's gonna be your bint someday, right?
Wormtail
Ripped Piece of Parchment, Balled Up and Thrown at Peter Pettigrew 11:01 AM
BRILL! She thinks what's "brill" of you?
I just told her I'd keep an eye on her, Prongs. She's going to be your bint someday, right?
Wormtail
DON'T call her a "BINT".
Scrap of Parchment Paper, Stuck into James Potter's Copy of the Standard Book of Spells: Year Seven 1:04 PM
Possible Reasons for Lily saying Peter's "Brill":
1. He saved her life from a witch-eating plant in Greenhouse 6
2. He predicted her death while in Divination—which is a bloody stupid class anyway
3. He's keeping a secret for her—most likely having to do with me or with one of her silly friends
4. He offered to be her "backup", should she one day be old and disfigured and Peter is the last rat-boy on the planet
5. She's lost her ruddy mind
Sirius Black and James Potter's Fingers on a Foggy Window in the Gryffindor Common Room 11:12 PM
What's eating you mate?
Peter
Gross
Shuddup
Seriously though
P plus L equals what
Zero
P greater than J equals what
No solution
J minus L equals what
Dunno
Zero
Scrap of Correspondence Paper Folded into Fourths and Handed to Lily Evans 10:41 AM
Remind me why I took Arithmancy?
Because one day you will fulfill your ultimate dream to be a teacher and expand the spongy minds of students here in this great establishment.
I said remind ME, not yourself
Right. Well, you don't want to be stupid like Potter. Besides, I don't know what I'm going to be. ALARMING!
James isn't stupid. And I'm sure you'll be something great, no matter what you decide.
Thanks Remus.
Smooth White Sheet of Paper Inside of a Nondescript, Leather-bound Journal 8:14 PM
Tuesday, September 10th
Dear You—
Sometimes I look at Potter swagger about in front of all of those prefects, and I just forget about whatever it is I'm thinking of. I can't even form coherent words.
I don't rightly know why—he's not drool-out-of-the-mouth-and-drip-on-your-good-shoes attractive. He's just…very amusing. And slightly on the drool-worthy level…but not that much. NO MATTER what Christine Andrews says. She's mad as a bat anyway.
Tonight at the Prefects Meeting, before I got it started, Potter grabbed my arm and pulled me close to him. Then he whispered, "Just let me get on with this tonight Evans, yeah?" At first I had no clue what he was on about…until he forced me onto one of the sofas in the Heads' room and then proceeded to lead the meeting. He even got the younger, cheekier prefects to give detailed reports, which is something that I have NEVER seen done before.
A M A Z I N G.
I suppose he did a decent job with it after all.
And perhaps it was just my surprise at his taking over the meeting that made my mouth hang open and my tongue unable to produce words. And not the fact that he's slightly, if not more than slightly, drool-worthy.
You know, I wonder if Potter and I could get off if he had a completely different personality and brain. I would think so. I've nothing against his glasses. And possibly I could like his hair if he'd keep his damn hand out of it…
No other news.
—Lily
Piece of Parchment Paper, Balled Up and Stuffed Into a Black Sock Which No Longer has a Mate 11:11 PM
Lily,
Did you notice my leadership skills this evening? Did you see how much I could be mature, commanding, funny, and charming if I put my mind to it? Did you see how much I wanted to impress you?
I think that you did possibly. I can tell because…
You just kept cod-fishing at me all night, opening and closing your mouth in disbelief.
You wouldn't take your hand off of the place where I grabbed your arm.
You didn't jump up and shout and scream.
You said, "Excellent point, Potter," when I pointed out the dangers to one's sleep patterns when Zambini suggested extending the patrolling hours (although I must admit I was saving my own hide with that one).
But mostly, Lily, I have the feeling that you were impressed because when the meeting was over, you smiled ever so slightly at me before cod-fishing away to your dorm.
So thank you for noticing that I can be more than a prat to you because truthfully Lily, and here is where Sirius would really ream me if he ever read this letter—
That's all I wan— need from you.
James
Small Piece of Parchment Paper, Folded into Sixteenths and Shoved Not So Discreetly into Lily Evans Robe Pocket 9:22 AM
Lily,
I still haven't told anyone that you saw Remus.
Eh?
Peter
Piece of Parchment Paper, Folded in Half and Placed Next to Peter Pettigrew 9:47 AM
Peter—
I am, don't get me wrong, very grateful that you have kept your spying on me to yourself. But I have to ask—what the bloody hell does "Eh?" mean?
—Lily
Piece of Parchment Paper Handed to Lily Evans at the End of Double Charms 11:45 AM
Lily,
"Eh?" means nothing if you don't want it too. I am very considerate of your feelings. However, I must caution you that if you aren't really that grateful, which your phrase "spying on me" suggests, I may have to say something to someone. And I have seen werewolves angry. SO please, if you would, don't be ungrateful.
And by the way—have you finished your Transfiguration essay? Because while I am a very good student, I don't like Transfiguration much…
Peter
Written in the Margins of Sirius Black's Barely-used Copy of Defending the Distrustful: Protecting Those Who Don't Want You To 1:27 PM
So you think that Peter is up to something?
That's what I said at lunch, yeah?
Yeah but…it's Peter.
And?
And he's stupid!
Prongs, mate, Peter is hardly stupid. He's an idiot when it comes to interacting with HUMANS, but he's not lacking when it comes to shady, shifty, clever plans. Don't you remember when we found out about Remus in Third Year? Peter wheedled his way into our good favor, right, because he said he was good at keeping secrets and so on?
I remember.
So I wouldn't put it past him if he were up to something now. He's been dodgy ever since the summer hols and his trip abroad.
Zambia.
Zambia.
So what do we do? It's Lily he's bugging now.
Aye. It's Lily.
What does that mean?
Nothing. I'm just saying…it's Lily.
Bugger all.
Smooth White Sheet of Paper Inside of a Nondescript, Leather-bound Journal 9:50 PM
Wednesday, September 11th
Dear You—
Peter Pettigrew was watching me all day long. With his beady eyes and what not.
But then again, so were Potter and Black.
And on the subject of watchers…so was Remus.
I checked for something on my face, but Emmeline said I was fine…she pointed out that the only thing I've got to worry about now is creepy school boys with "too much spark in their pockets"…
Whatever that means.
Actually, I know what that means, but I don't want to get into it because—well because.
I just want Peter to leave me along.
And Potter and Black.
But Remus is fine. No matter what Peter said about "angry werewolves".
—Lily
Parchment Balled Up and Shoved into Peter Pettigrew's Hands 11:23 AM
I don't know what you're playing at mate, but you better tread carefully, savvy?
Padfoot
Parchment Balled Up and Handed Back to Sirius Black 11:44 AM
I don't know what you're playing at mate, but you better tread carefully, savvy?
Padfoot
Don't know what you're talking about. Seriously though Pad-- savvy? We still on for the kitchens tonight?
Wormtail
Parchment Balled Up and Thrown At James Potter 12:14 PM
I don't know what you're playing at mate, but you better tread carefully, savvy?
Padfoot
Don't know what you're talking about. Seriously though Pad—savvy? We still on for the kitchens tonight?
Wormtail
You see Prongs… Clever.
Padfoot
Parchment Balled Up and Thrown at Sirius Black 12:19 PM
I don't know what you're playing at mate, but you better tread carefully, savvy?
Padfoot
Don't know what you're talking about. Seriously though, Pad—savvy? We still on for the kitchens tonight?
Wormtail
You see Prongs… Clever.
Padfoot
Aye, mate, I see. Clever like a Zambian tribesman… He's right though. "Savvy?" What are you, a pirate?
Prongs
Parchment Balled Up and Thrown at James Potter's Head 12:21 PM
I don't know what you're playing at mate, but you better tread carefully, savvy?
Padfoot
Don't know what you're talking about. Seriously though, Pad—savvy? We still on for the kitchens tonight?
Wormtail
You see Prongs… Clever.
Padfoot
Aye, mate, I see. Clever like a Zambian tribesman… He's right though. "Savvy?" What are you, a pirate?
Prongs
Walk the plank ye lily-livered blighter!
Smooth White Sheet of Paper Inside of a Nondescript, Leather-bound Journal 8:10 PM
Thursday, September 12th
Dear You—
Today, Professor McGonagall called my teacup the "best example of advanced transfiguration this year". I should hope so—it was an earthworm to begin with!
And they are all still watching.
Although, Remus had a good laugh with me today in the corridor outside of the Gryffindor Tower, so he isn't as dodgy as the rest of them. He's got nice eyes; I don't mind his watching me that much.
—Lily
James Potter's Finger on the Inside of His Heavy Bed Curtains 12:27 AM
L I LY P O T T E R ?
Piece of Parchment, Placed ona Desk in the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom 3:48 PM
Quidditch this evening, Evans?
Piece of Parchment, Placed ona Desk in the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom 3:49 PM
Quidditch this evening, Evans?
Bugger off, Potter. I'm taking notes!
Piece of Parchment, Placed on a Desk in the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom 3:51 PM
Quidditch this evening, Evans?
Bugger off, Potter. I'm taking notes!
Fine, fine. But I must ask, are the painters in this week?
Piece of Parchment, Handed to James Potter 5:31 PM
My, that's a lovely shiner you've got there Prongs.
Piece of Parchment Shoved at Remus Lupin 5:33 PM
My, that's a lovely shiner you've got there Prongs.
Shove it, Remus. Lily's not in her best form.
Piece of Parchment Handed to James Potter 5:35 PM
My, that's a lovely shiner you've got there Prongs.
Shove it, Remus. Lily's not in her best form today.
Au contraire, I'd say she's in fine form this evening.
Smooth White Sheet of Paper Inside of a Nondescript, Leather-bound Journal 8:57 PM
Friday, September 13th
Dear You—
I have to mention first off that it's Friday the thirteenth…Ooer. Not that I haven't heard all about it today and how it can help strengthen magical connections. They may as well post flyers. Interesting though.
I'm waiting for Potter to come down so that we can go patrol. He's all put out because I jabbed my fist in his eye during D.A.D.A.
Let's just say, he asked for it.
Blimey, finally we can go.
—Lily
Small, Conjured Notepad with Red Cover and Bright White Pages 10:03 PM
You know you asked for it.
Go on then...respond. That's how this works, you know.
Bloody hell. I certainly did NOT ask for your bony fist in my eye socket, Evans.
You asked me if the PAINTERS were in this week. What was I supposed to do?
Reply politely that no, they were not.
Pfft.
Besides, I'm not talking to you this evening.
We aren't talking. We are jotting.
Well I'm not jotting to you then.
Really? And pray, what's all that up there? Hieroglyphics?
I'm not jotting starting n o w.
Of course you aren't. Hieroglyphics boy.
They aren't HEIROGLYPHICS.
Still jotting…
You know, seems to me that you are the one who's got the "painters in".
Fine. Let's split up then, eh?
No, no. Please don't trouble yourself to reply. That's fine…just wander off into an invisible passage. They'll ask "Where'd Potter go?" And I'll have to reply, "He got walled in someplace".
Hah!
Bloody hell, I'm jotting to myself now.
Piece of Parchment, Folded in Quarters and Handed to Lily Evans 9:40 AM
Evans,
I think it's best that we just patrol separately this evening. Last night I caught seven snoggers in secret passageways, and I'm sure we never would have found them were we patrolling together.
Good luck.
James Potter
Smooth White Sheet of Paper Inside of a Nondescript, Leather-bound Journal 9:55 AM
Saturday, September 14th
Dear You—
I don't know why Potter's little note bugs me like it does but…well it really does. Who is he to think that I couldn't have helped him find those "snoggers"? I'm just as perceptive as he is, thank you very much.
And anyway, he's like a little second year with the way he gets so titchy.
He couldn't even give me the note himself—had to have some fourth year pass it to me across the breakfast table. You know what I say to that? I say that that is just fine because who needs to patrol with a prat anyway?
I'm going down to the lake. Can't stand it in here sometimes.
—Lily
Piece of Parchment Paper, Balled Up and Stuffed Into a Black Sock Which No Longer has a Mate 9:56 AM
Lily,
Your Saturday minus me enjoying you enjoy your Saturday equals not the best Saturday I could have.
However, that is the price I must play for giving you the cold shoulder.
James
