So, here we are again. Now you will maybe understand the point about the first chapter. I'm not saying anything more just hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 4: Three little cats

This Sunday had passed too fast. Sundays always did... After seeing all the Slytherins in the Great Hall turned in red and gold from head to feet even the uniforms in the morning, they had spent the rest of the day laughing and joking around. Completely forgetting about any worry just enjoying themselves. And now Beth was finding herself bored to death in her History of Magic class, as most of the students there. She could hear Mr. Bins making his lesson as a background sound not even getting what his words were about. It had just been half an hour it begun and she would have to bear it for the next 3 hours... She didn't know whoever got this idea to begin a Monday class with the drowsiest subject, but she was cursing him in her mind. James and Sirius were plotting it was actually a good way to stay awake. Remus was listening, taking notes, talking with Peter when he felt like he needed a distraction. But Beth was sitting with Lily, which was a silent and attentive student. Not that she minded it, she just would have appreciate to stay awake, because she felt like she was fading away. She would fall in a deep sleep, she was tired of fighting against it but she knew she would lose this time because of this headache. She was giving up, hoping the professor wouldn't find out. Using her arms as a pillows, she just closed her eyes. She let herself fall in the silence and peace, away of the bouncing sound in her head. In the dream world.

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Well, that's what she thought... But as Mr. Bins' voice was disappearing, the noise were growing louder and louder. It didn't ache anymore it just felt like real. She frowned before opening her eyes again. The hitting sound stopped. She saw a crowd in front of her, screaming. This dream again? It couldn't be... It was as if she was making a story in her head. Each time she dreamed about it wasn't the same, it was the continuation. And it felt so real... This crowd in front of her, it couldn't be just her imagination. They had been right in fact: she was mad, she couldn't say which side was the real one.

She felt an arm on her shoulders and saw a hand pass in front of her eyes to take the micro from her (which she wasn't aware to have in her hands until now). She turned to her right to see a sweating James.

"Thanks a lot everyone for coming here tonight and support us. This was our last summer concert before going back to our boring life which means high-school... Anyway, next concert should be soon enough. We will give away information about it in due time. We do not forget, we are here in this big hall thanks to you all. Tonight was amazing and it's all because YOU are here! We love you." He said before waving to the crowd and going in back stage.

To say the truth, the guys leaded out and she followed still unsure of her own mental health. But she wasn't able to really think about it since James cut her off again.

"What are you on?"

"What do you mean?" she answered unsure of how to take it.

"What i mean? Really? For god sake! You were completely stunning, like in a trance, we tried to talk to you at a moment but it seemed like we couldn't reach you world... You were really amazing tonight! Now i wonder how you managed this and that's where my question 'What are you on?' come from. So? Mind to answer me?" He told her this so fast that she nearly didn't catch his speed.

"Actually we all wonder so she have to answer you for all ours sakes." Sirius added with a curious but laughing look when Remus stared at her suspiciously.

"Well to say the truth. I didn't take anything, it's all natural talent guys. Don't be jealous, you'll get to have it one day... i guess." She explained half-joking while getting closer to the dressing-rooms.

"Haha, look who's so cheeky! But don't become big headed it will ruin your image. Oh wait you already are!" Sirius obviously was in a teasing mood. As he saw her grin with a killing look he hid behind James which was laughing too.

"Hey don't use me as a wall mate! You are asking for it since a few days, don't you run away when you finally get it..." James moved aside, letting Beth's way to Sirius completely free.
She jumped on him before he run away again, falling with him to the floor. As they both tried to stand up again she pushed him down to get herself up.

"Seems like someone talks a lot but can't even stand up after being jumped on... Must be YOUR big head that make you lose your balance easily."

He was about to replicate to it but Remus cut them off.

"Okay you both better stop, people are waiting for us outside to get pictures or autographs. We have only 15 minutes to refresh a bit... "

James helped Sirius to stand up.

"He is right, we have to be ready before Mary or Michael comes." James said approvingly.

"Got it." Beth stopped laughing before getting into her dressing-room, puzzling out from the closing doors sound all the guys did the same.

She passed some water on her face, not caring for her make-up which was already a mess. She just took off all that was falling down on her face, leaving just the black lines on her eyes. She finished her own water bottle, opening a new one. That's at this very moment Remus stormed in. She nearly spitted out from fear at first, wondering what was happening, before seeing him closing the door behind.

"I do get why you don't want to tell the guys or neither Peter but why didn't you tell me?" He asked her angrily

"Tell you what? Be fast as you said before we don't have much time to lose..." she said with a neutral ton, sitting in her chair.

"Don't play dumb with me. I know you are having those hallucinations again. I saw the look on your face at the end of the live... You were kind of lost about what was real or not... Did you tell the doctors?" Remus gave her a sorry look, sat on the stool beside her before taking on of her hands in his.

"You know how they are... They'll give me medicines. I don't want to anymore, not when i finally got out. I can deal with it." She took away her hand from his and taking a hairbrush near.

"Can you?" He took the hairbrush from her, nicely brushing her hair. "Look i know you have your pride, but medicines did help you the first time."

"To not be aware of anything around me? Yes they did. But well i didn't kind of like it. It made me have like a black out about some moments of my life. Many moments. It was like they actually didn't know what was really happening in my head so they tried to erase all of what may have been different from common minds."

"You know why they did, even if i didn't like the forceful way they used i have to agree with the fact you weren't able to know by yourself what was real and what wasn't."

"It's not like i'm not awake all along, or as if i fainted. I keep doing things as i normally would, you are the one who told me this." At her words he stopped brushing her hair, turning her around in her chair to face him. He put his two hands on her shoulders.

"Look, yes i told you that, but you act like a zombie. Half not here, mostly answering to others by yes or no, the most elaborated sentences you make not much longer than 10 words... and you know it's not the only problem about it. I'll ask you just this: how long did you stay there this time?"

"... Approximately two days." she whispered hoping he wouldn't get what she said. She looked down when she saw his eyes darkened.

"You must be kidding me, until when would you have waited to tell me if i didn't found out today..." His rude ton got gentle again as he could feel her fear of his reaction. "Stop panicking i am not going to rush to the doctors, even if i told you it did help i understand you don't want it anymore, i will respect your choice. And if i can't do much, i will at least be able to cover you and help when your mind gets back with us." She stared at him with a thankful relieved look before hugging him.

"Mr. Lupin, you are the best cousin that some might have."

"Then you Miss Lupin are the luckiest cousin among lots."

"Thank you, really."

He broke the hug.

"Well, all of this is nice and sweet, but we haven't got any more time to get going. Let's face fate, or more likely all the people that came for us tonight..."

"Yes, let's show ourselves worthy of their respect and love."

They walked out of her dressing-room under the questioning stares of both James and Sirius that were waiting. Apparently Peter was gone to flirt a bit with Mary whom he fancied. Without a word all of them walked through the corridor, joining the staff room. They got nearly jumped on by Michael again which was overly happy about the great performance of tonight and didn't seem to mind making wait all the people outside. But Beth couldn't care less, she was now being witness of the most weird, sick and surprising stuff in her opinion: seeing Peter flirt with a girl. Of course she heard about it and all, but it wasn't the same than seeing it with her own eyes. He was trying to be discreet approaching her with some bad pretext, letting his hands "accidentally" fall all along her back to her booty... She immediately felt sorry for Mary and went to help her out pretending she needed her make up to be redone. The fifteen minutes of wait became an hour, they were just too happy so much people came and it all went well in this first big concert. They already did play to a full house, but the halls they used to have concerts in were lots smaller. This fact had put pressure on them this night. But being this happy now got them incredibly late.

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When they all walked out they were glad to have listened to Mary and taken their vests, a cold wind were blowing. Instead of seeing a crowd, they were now able to make a difference between the people that came for them. The first thing they saw was a bunch of young girls, three girls, maybe two years younger than them, shaking from cold (and maybe excitement but that didn't come to Beth head at this very moment)in the middle of the night. After all it was middle of September now it wasn't really the summer anymore, the night were slowly growing colder and the little dresses (or skirts with t-shirts) they were wearing weren't warm enough now... Remembering the reason why they were standing there instead of going back home to get some warmth Beth decided they had to be "rewarded".

She kept looking at the three of them in a corner of her eyes as she was signing autographs, hugging, taking pictures, shaking hands. As the band passed by thanking each and every person that crossed their way, they got nearer the car and nearer the three girls. When passing in front of them, Beth stopped grabbing one of them's arm and making a sign to the two others to follow. They all "jumped" in the car before anyone else follow. Once inside Beth gave her vest to the girl she grabbed first thinking this little one needed it more than her. Sirius immediately followed her lead giving his to the girl next to him and so did James with the third girl.

The first one was a fair skinned, long blond curly haired and blue eyed girl. She looked like a doll. Completely Sirius' type but well seems she was under Beth's protection for tonight. The second was brown straight but bobbed haired and pale green eyed, quietly pale skinned, she looked like the oldest of the three. The last one had a dark curly short hair definitely afro if she let it grow, and light brown eyes, her skin was dark showing nicely her familial mixed origins.

Before the situation got embarrassing, James started to speak.

"Well no need to introduce ourselves i guess, unless you all came here by curiosity. But i don't get why you have waited in the cold if that's the case... Anyway what are you names?"

"..."

"James, i think they are scared of you just stop talking. You should keep it for your Lily, if she saw that she would feel betrayed mate." Sirius falsely gave a disappointed look to James waiting for laughs that didn't come.

"Hum, sorry. We, hum, we haven't realized what's happening yet. And- and- and my name is Lindsay Jones." the blond girl said. "Here is Alexandra Mc Morgan." she pointed the girl next to Sirius. "And the last, Whitney Anderson." The girl next to James waved her right hand a bit before putting it back on her knees feeling stupid.

Sirius smiled at the tension in her voice. No matter Beth that was planning to protect her innocence from him tonight, he wouldn't give up an easy prey when he saw one.

"Nice to meet you sweeties. May i ask how old are you?"

This time it's Alexandra that spoke.

"Lindsay is 14, Whitney is 14 too and i'm 15. We know your band since the very beginning in fact, when you started to play in this little bar. We were there for holidays, and that's where we first fell for your music... It is so amazing we got to come tonight and now it is an honor to be here with you."

"The honor is ours but for that you should thank Beth, she is the one that decided to make you come with us without mentioning it to us beforehand." Beth smiled at the half-scold sentence she got from Remus

"Come on, they were nice enough to stay for us when they were so cold. It's just a reward for being loyal to us."

"By the way, are we just giving these nice girls a ride to their home or taking them with us to the staff dinner and party?" Sirius asked full of hopes.

"Now that we are at rewards, we shouldn't be stingy let's give them the full service..." James answered winking at Sirius.

Beth and Remus rolled their eyes, the three girls didn't dare to say any words unless they were asked to. Beth didn't miss Peter eyeing a lot Whitney, trying to get her attention. It seemed like Peter didn't want any love story tonight, but was decided to get any girl he could... Well, maybe the party would help him out because for now the girl was a lot more interested in the conversation she was having with James (or most likely the monologue he was having...) than whatever Peter was desperately trying to show her. For once Sirius was calm and silent, it was suspicious. She was glad they actually arrived at the club, of course it was because Sirius instantly got his usual flirting-self back. But also because she knew that along with the staff, Lily was waiting for them inside. She just hoped that her dear friend wouldn't mind them inviting some "crazy fans" as she was used to call them.

On the contrary of what everyone thought she didn't choose these three girls out of the blue, and not only for a reward. It was in hope to get Lily and James to figure out their feelings for each other. This little game between them had begun to annoy her, it had been nearly 5 years now he was flirting with Lily and she rejected him. But one day Beth found out Lily did that more by habit than by real disgust. It was like a mantra she kept repeating to herself: "i don't like Potter", "he is the king of stupidity", "i wouldn't even if he was the last man on earth". Most likely she was trying to convince herself... But if anything happened to him she would rush near, completely sick by worrying. If someone could be guilty of denial it was her, and James was at fault too. He kept flirting with other girls when fancying her. It was disturbing for someone whose lack of confidence in love was as strong as Lily's.

Despite all of it, here she was, waiting for all of them outside the club when they all told her to not bother and wait inside. James instantly got near her, leaving a disappointed Whitney to Peter. Lily frowned at the sight of the three girls but did not say a thing.

"Hello lovely Lily! Happy you are here tonight!"

James tried to pull her in a hug which she dodged, running to Beth. She pushed Lindsay aside without caring and hugged tightly her friend.

"So good to see you! Congratulations, i heard it was nearly full house tonight. It's good it ends with such good news. It a great sign for the next summer tour!"

"Admit you are just happy because we finally joining you in the high-school. By the way you didn't tell us, how is it different of middle-school? Are there many people we know?"

At Beth's questions Lily's smile dropped.

"We better enter, everyone isn't going to wait for us all the night, they are hungry. Be thankful i was here long before you, they had forgotten the point about 'having food' too on your reservation..."

Sirius looked at her as if she was the Messiah

"Oh Evans you just saved lives here. My stomach wouldn't have survived this."

"I knew that, you guys are pathetic with your stomach." She stopped a second on Remus seeing a little smirk on the corner of his mouth. "Don't give them that Remus... you are no better than them, you are going to jump on the meat right after you see it, by the way i would hurry if was you because the men of your staff seemed pretty interested in it.. I wouldn't bet on having much left. "

The Marauders exchanged a look before running in, Peter being the fastest to react to food was the first inside, followed closely by the guys. Once in they just pushed the staff which laughed at their behavior. That was at moment like this everyone could actually see they were still children. They were too busy filling up their plate to see a waiter coming with a few plates full of meat which he put on the table. That is only when they were done they put their head up to see a lot more meat and understood Lily, that was now crying from laugh, made a fool of them. The face they were making doubled her laugh. They never expected to be made fun of, especially not by HER. They gave her an impressed look, when they saw a frowning Beth giving her 10 dollars. They couldn't believe it, the girls had made bet on them. Not that it surprised them Beth would, but with THE Lily Evans. The world was definitely upside down tonight... They decided they wouldn't think too much about it tonight. Firstly because it was upsetting, and secondly because it wouldn't be charming of them to argue with their friends forgetting about the guests. The trio was standing behind Beth and Lily, in the background.

They had actually watched closely each and every part of the club, not wanting to forget anything of this special night. It was a big place, there were many rooms and floors, each had a thematic: "disco", "classical", "pop-music" etc... And now they were detailing this room. It was quiet big, the whole room was enlightened by red neon lights around the bar and little lights leaving many parts nearly in the dark, in the background was some underground indie music between rock and metal, there was a really long table in the middle of the room with every meal on it. Someone came frequently to restock it. But there wasn't any chair, only the stools around the bar. There was also all around the room dark sofas in a "U" with a table in the middle. Some people were eating on it, some others playing cards games. In the middle there was a dance floor. Behind it there was a staircase in wrought iron with another room hidden from sight. Definitely not some cheap club you could access as you wanted to. Plus they had heard the Lily girl say "reservation" or something... They just hoped having 3 persons more wouldn't cause any problem.

Sirius made a sign to them so they come closer, and gave them plates. Then he pointed the staircase, and headed up followed by the whole band, Lily, Michael and Mary. They understood the invitation and followed too. Up there was only one sofa but it was big, with a table too, taking nearly all the space. On the table there were cards too. Well maybe they would play some games after eating, and Beth knew what kind of games they would finish by playing, the night was going to be long. They all set in a calculated order that was meant to pass like not in purpose. With false politeness... From end right to end left in this very order: Michael, Mary, Peter, Whitney, Sirius, Lindsay, Lily, James, Elizabeth, Remus, Alexandra. Beth used the excuse of being too tired to deal with Sirius trying to get Lindsay and Lily was nice enough to accept it even with James around... Sometimes friendship was really a great tool to manipulate people. Not that she felt proud about it but she knew Lily would thank her one day.

"Why am i at the end again when i should be in the middle of all of you?" Michael asked a little disappointed.

"Oh please, it's a "U" sofa, even at the end you can see and talk to everyone. Plus that avoid us from being raped..." Sirius begun with James laugh as a background.

"I don't, it was just a kiss once and i was drunk you little arrogant! If i was in my right mind at this moment, and had recognized it was you i would certainly not have done it... But Mary is not the same," he turned his head to her "maybe you should back up actually."

This time it was Mary who laughed.

"Please we both know i'm not your type. Don't make me say more than i should and concentrate on your meal."

Seeing how obeying Michael suddenly got the three guests exchanged a questioning look, which didn't escape to Sirius sight.

"Aha! As you must already know girls, Michael here is our manager, he is pretty known for being an eccentric man. And Mary, who is our assistant, is an old friend of Michael and the only person that can put some sense in him."

The three nodded as one.

"Do you plan to each have an assistant one day? I mean if you become much more known than you are right now, maybe it will be needed... Mary may need some help..." Lindsay asked.

Seeing this as an opportunity Sirius answered before anyone else.

"Well, i would like someone as my personal assistant but it's illegal to make a minor work with our hours."

"What if we volunteer?" This time it was Whitney who asked.

Michael got the serious tone she used and gave her a serious answer knowing none of the band members would know this answer.

"I guess you can, but only on free days, never during school time. That shouldn't be a problem since they never play during school time and not even on week-ends during exams period. Now you need to get your parents' agreement and of course the member that you are going to assist must agree too."

"Well i will keep Mary, she is good and professional you guys share the girls." Beth said before anyone open his mouth.

It was serious. The girls couldn't believe it. The parents' agreement wouldn't be a problem since two of them were in an orphanage; the old Mrs. Cutter wouldn't mind them having fun if they asked nicely. And Alexandra's father was too busy to even care a bit, he would sign this agreement blinded. Now they were praying for the guys to agree...

"Then i'll take Lindsay, if you don't mind dear." Sirius didn't take too much time to think. This was the best choice and going in a way he liked.

"Of course, i'm honored." Lindsay's white skin blushed a bit.

"You shouldn't be..." Remus whispered in a sight more to himself than to her. "Alexandra, you seem calm enough to be my assistant. Do you mind if i call you Alex? It's shorter."

"Not at all, and thank you for agreeing." Alexandra simply said with her sweet voice.

"You make a nice pair both of you." Beth told before turning to her other cousin. "Peter you should pair with Whitney, she seems nice and fun. Beside she will help you out with your shyness."

He nodded suddenly embarrassed. Whitney gave him a warm smile.

"Then we're done! Everyone eat before it gets cold!" Mary exclaimed.

"WAIT- wait! Didn't you all forget someone?" they turned to James with a surprised face. "Yes, ME! You know your friend, your brother or the leader your band, as you wish. I don't have an assistant. We are 5 members for 4 assistants..."

"What are you talking about, you get Lily of course. Don't complain. Now let us eat." This time all the heads turned to Beth, and most specially Lily's. Well nearly all, James was lost in his own mind with a giant smile on his face.

"WHAT? The assistant of this-this vegetable? You dream!"

"Come on Lily, you are the smartest girl among us, we need someone to level up his brain. We can't keep him as a leader if he is that stupid. You are our only hope." Beth claimed dramatically.

Remus seeing through her smiled before giving Lily the same puppy eyes that Beth was having. Lily frowned, crossing arms. Less than 5 seconds later she rolled her eyes, giving up.

"Ok i get it. James i agree, but you have to look for another one because i don't plan to keep this up too long. Got it?"

"Yes, whatever you wish, you words are orders." This time the whole table burst out laughing.

This was definitely a good idea to invite them, she was sure of it. Well yes, this was until this very moment after the meal when Lindsay got a brilliant idea...

"Everyone, listen, what if we played 'Dare or truth'? You know the version you can't answer or do what you are asked, you empty your glass." She glanced at Michael, waiting for a silent permission.

"Don't give me that look, i'm not your parents. We are at a party, they should understand. If you get drunk it's not my business."

They were all genuinely happy about it. Except Remus and Beth who felt the atmosphere getting tense on their side. This game wasn't a good one for anyone who is a bad liar. And even more with a person like a liar detector in the room. Let's tell you his name, such a big liar that he can find out any lie: Sirius Black. When we talk about the dog...

"I begin! Beth dare or truth?"

She was cursed, that must have been it, it was too risky to say dare with Sirius as an opponent. She put a calm mask on her face, taking (more like crushing) Remus' hand under the table to keep her mask on. Mentally preparing her glass as she knew that she wouldn't answer.

"Go ahead, kill me: truth"

"Just as i expected. Soooo, after the concert Remus joined you in your dressing-room. What was it about?"

Sirius and his damn curiosity, she took her glass and drunk it all.

"Aw you are no fun! But i don't care you will get drunk before the end of the game. We still have 5 bottles of rum and 3 of whisky."

"You bet on it?" Remus saw that look in her eyes, it wasn't good to make bets about it but he knew he wouldn't get to stop her.

"Okay bets are on. If you are still sober when the whole bottles are empty (which means the end of the game) you answer to three questions i will ask you tomorrow and no lies, i will know."

"Got it, if YOU lose, you can't touch any girl for the next 3 weeks. Nor assistant." And here it was she accepted she couldn't back up, Remus wouldn't be able to help out from now.

"Okay. Let the game go on then..." Sirius said shaking her hand.

She would have to use trickery to not get drunk. She couldn't lose this time.

AHAH! I'm a sadist.

Well at least i surprised you a bit i guess. Letting you work on your imagination.

See you next chapter