Disclaimer: I don't own anything. These characters are property of Jo Rowling. Plxthx.


Chapter 7: Lies, Secrets and Theft

"You know, as soon as I get out of here, I'm buying a motorcycle. A bewitched motorcycle. I'm going to travel."

"I'm going to find the nearest pub and drink fire whiskey until the next full moon. Then, maybe, just maybe, I'll find something to do with my life…"

"I'm going to work at the Magical Reversal Department at the Ministry of Magic."

"I'm going to whisk my lovely lady off to somewhere exotic and then we will wed with our honeymoon in France!"

"I guess I'm going to France!" Lily said, obviously surprised by James' plans. She hadn't exactly thought that far. She hugged him tight. After that, they talked more, more in depth and detail. The train slowed its pace and then came to a complete stop. Everyone jumped off and greeted young Rubeus, as he was about to take the First Years across the lake. They boarded the horseless carriages and were off to Hogwarts. They entered the Great Hall and Remus went to his table, Sirius went to greet Tanya at the Hufflepuff table. Peter, James and Lily were seated at the end of the Gryffindor table, where the seventh years sat. The Sorting Hat sang it's annual song; Dumbledore reviewed the rules and with a few words ("Nitwit. Blubber. Oddment. Tweak."), the feast began. Lily and James sat proudly beside each other, with their "Head Boy" and "Head Girl" badges pinned to the collar of their robes.

Many people saw the ring on Lily's finger but she sadly used her excuse that it was a promise ring. They eyed it, girls green with envy, and then went back to feasting. That night, Lily and James were on duty in the dungeons. Severus surprisingly had detention, so they were supervising him.

Snape loathed this with the deepest passion because he had to witness his dearly beloved Juliet become intoxicated by James' verbal drugs. As Lily was gesturing to James, the sly Slytherin saw her flash her ring with a pink jewel in the middle.

"Lillian, where in fact did you get that lovely ring? It looks exactly like the one I lost just last year."

"Oh! What a coincidence! It's actually a promise ring from James!"

"Interesting…" he said, then lowered his head and continued scrubbing cauldrons.

The next morning, at breakfast, James, Lily and Severus were summoned to the Headmaster's office.

"Headmaster," everyone said.

"Good morning! Yes, indeed. Mr. Snape here has brought to my attention that one of his belongings has gone astray and for some reason, he has suspected Mr. Potter here, of theft. Now, we must deal with this situation in an appropriate manner, using only fact, not opinion, nor hatred. Now, Severus, please tell me exactly what happened."

"Well, you see, I put the ring in my trunk and I took it down to the Great Hall. I had forgotten my owl in the Owlery so I ran to retrieve her. When I had returned, I found James smirking at me. I thought nothing of it. When I arrived at home, I discovered that my belongings were misplaced and unfolded and also, the ring was missing. Then, at detention last night, I saw it on Miss Evan's finger and I asked where she got it. She told me she had received it from James."

"Alright, sounds truthful enough. Now, James, will you tell me your side of the story?"

"Well, in the Great Hall, the reason I was smirking at Severus was because he had a rip in his trousers. His clothes were misplaced because, in case he didn't remember, his trunk fell open as we were boarding the carriages. As for your ring," he said with as he heaved a sigh. "I am deeply sorry but the ring I gave to Lily is a five century Potter heirloom."

"Lies!" Severus cried. "I demand vertiserum!"

"I'm sorry, but vertiserum can only be used on the unexpected. You should know that, as Potions one of your many Outstanding O.W.L.s." Dumbledore said, calmly.

"Headmaster, with your permission, may I add a few pieces to this complicated puzzle?"

"Certainly, Lily!" Albus said with a jovial smile.

"Well, we have a dilemma of the missing rings here. I believe James's side of the story because, he is my…" Dare she say it? It racked her brain but she had to. It was the only way to help set things right. "Because, he is my fiancé," James gasped as he gave her a look of pure admiration. Severus looked devastated, but nothing compared to the headmaster's reaction. The old man was grinning from ear to ear and looked very proud. "I swear that this ring is purely property of the Potter family because on our way, here to Hogwarts, I was examining it and on the inside it says '1472 Sir William Potter and Miss Anna Potter' That clearly makes proof that James did not steal it." They were dismissed and as Lily stepped out of Dumbledore's office, his whispered in her ear, "Fifteen points to Gryffindor, for pure honesty." The rest of the day passed, quite uneventful. By lunch, the next day, word had spread about the secret engagement. Some people agreed and congratulated them, whole-heartedly, while others frowned upon it, believing them to be much to young to know anything about love or commitment. Lily and James both ignored those people and their shrewd comments and continued on with their lives, though finding it difficult to live through the whispers and disagreements of those who used to be their friends. As for the Marauder's, they were beginning to fall apart at the seams. Peter was never around, always studying or at the library, looking up who knows what. Sirius was often out with Tanya, not bothering to spend time with James, Remus or Peter. Remus seemed to be caught up in the studying too. He was always a student who excelled at everything, which meant a ton of studying for him. Even Lily and James's love began to turn to dust. James was getting frustrated with Lily's family problems. She cried whenever she was reminded that her family hated her. One night, she finally put an end to her misery. She wrote a letter to her mother and sister, announcing her engagement to the man that seemed forbidden to her for so long. She knew that James was upset and angered with her so as soon as she sent the letter, she set out to find him. Mysteriously, he had vanished. She peered out the common room to see a bright orange moon staring back at her. Then, she knew. The anger that had risen from James's disappearance had fleeted. Why? Because he was helping a friend in need, just the same as she would have done. Lily waited for him. He had to know. They could continue a normal relationship, just like everyone else. There she lay, staring into the fire, waiting for James. Then, somehow, she saw a flash of green light and she heard a shriek. It was coming from the fire. She had to make it stop. It was blinding her with pain. Her heart seemed to stop for a minute and she passed out.

As the sun began peeking out from behind the clouds, the three marauders came from their hiding places and skipped up to the common room before anyone knew they were gone. They found Lily, sleeping in the common room, slumped over in an armchair. She didn't look normal, gnarled and distorted. They left her, thinking she'd be all right but Sirius didn't feel right. As James went up to the dormitory, Sirius laid her on the couch, and then ran after James.

Peter had been sitting in the library almost twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. He was reading up on the history of Lord Voldemort. Then, he suddenly began to think, "Wow! This guy is really interesting! He had such a hard childhood and his rise to power was so sudden, yet so great. He's really just letting out anger." He, then, began to imagine if a war of greater terror were to break out, who would win? Which side would he be on? If he chose the Dark Lord's side, could he become close and possibly be his right hand man? All these questions lingered in his mind as he skimmed through "Evil Through The Ages." Remus, personally, had no time to worry about choosing sides, Peter or even Lord Voldemort. He was much to busy doing schoolwork and preparing for the upcoming N.E.W.T.s. His monthly transformations were becoming rougher too. He barely got any sleep when a full moon was approaching, tossing and turning in his sleep. This caused him to pick at his robes. They got so shabby and travel-worn, that Lily had to patch them up with fabrics from her "too small" clothes.

As for Sirius, he was living in the lap of luxury. He was going to be a best man, had a lovely girlfriend and he no longer belonged to his creepy family. His day was only going to get better. He sat in a study period with James, Lily and surprisingly, Peter when an owl dropped a letter on his head. Lily stifled a giggle as he opened it. His eyes began to glow like rooms filled with ocean light.

"What is it, mate?"

"My Uncle Alphard just died and I inherited his fortune!"

"Oh, your poor uncle…"Lily said, grimly.

"I barely knew the man! He came down for eggnog every Christmas and that's about it."

"How much is it? The fortune, I mean."

"300 galleons!"

"That's enough to buy three houses with staff and all!" Lily said, amazed. "I wish I had that much…"

"Lily, your fiancé is probably worth that much."

"Where can I sell him?" She said, joking.

"What was it your father used to say all the time, James? Something like, 'Everyone has a shard of light in their soul which creates a spark of divine.'"

"That was him alright…" James admired, thoughtfully. Sirius hugged everyone.

"I feel like a new man!"

For the rest of the day, Sirius bounced off the walls until supper. Professor Dumbledore stood so that all eyes were on him.

"Good evening, everyone! A beautiful night, indeed. We have one small but exciting announcement. Tanya Marchview has just left the school for a taste of new scenery and environment at the Beauxbatons School near France. We all must wish her the best of luck, as this wintry weather may be a little cold to travel in. May you make many new friends, have great experiences and enjoy life! To Tanya!" he said, holding up his goblet. Sirius's world was spinning. He didn't even realize what was happening right now. He didn't want to believe it. Then, with one large hammer blow, his heart was shattered into pieces, his spark of divine had burnt out. Then, he immediately stood up and ran. He didn't know where but someplace no one could find him.


Betsy: Thanks! I know. Snape. That slimy git.

AlisonMarianFan: Glad you like it. There you are my friend. A brand new chapter!

Love you all!

Annabelle Deveraux

P.S. I love comments! ;-)