Author Notes:
This will probably be my last chapter for the next two weeks. I am going away on vacation, so I will not have computer access. I apologize in advance!
Wow, grannyHPfan, that is quite a review, thank you. Mostly, I don't picture Lily as 'hating' James; she's just in denial, really. I love your image of her character, and I hope I portray her in a some what similar fashion.
Thank you hermy permy! I love getting reviews. ) hinthint to all the non-reviewees out there!
Not the most exciting chapter ever written, but I hope you all enjoy anyways! Now I must go do some laundry.
Prongs flicked his ears back and forth as he lay in the underbrush of the forest. Lily rushed passed him, not even noticing his presence. 'Human ears can't hear anything.' He mused to himself. 'But where is she going?' He wondered. She was running deeper into the forest. She might get lost, or worse, attacked. There was a reason why the forest was off-limits. Too many strange creatures dwelled in the darkness, lurking, waiting for anything to eat. Prongs would follow.
Lily parted a thorny bush with her hands, regretting it instantly. She winced but walked further. 'I could swear I thought this is where Potter would be.' She looked around the clearing, suddenly realizing where she was. Lily was shocked at her own rule-breaking. 'It's not worth it. If James wants to explore the forest at night…well, I'm not going to stop him. First werewolves, now this! Do the marauders even have brains?'
A large snap caught her attention. It was hard to see in the dark, despite her wand illuminating the clearing. It wasn't until she heard the growling that she started to get afraid. A large wolf type creature was standing before her; eyes as red as her hair, spewing foam from its yellow-fanged teeth. Lily started backing up, fear written across her face. 'Rabies? Whatever it is, I don't want it coming near me.' Running would do no good, she thought. It would provoke it into chasing her, attacking her. Standing still was not an option either. From instinct, Lily pointed her wand at the beast. This upset the creature, for it seemed to know what was to come. It rushed forward, faster then Lily could cast a spell. From reflex, she stumbled backwards. Claws outstretched, it pounced. Lily closed her eyes.
The sensation of pain did not reach her. A large deer had jumped in front, saving her life. The deer rammed his antlers into the face of the wolf. It howled in pain, and retaliated quickly. Claws swept across the stag's face, leaving a large gash under its eye. It reared in pain, kicking at the creature with his heavy hooves. It seemed to look at Lily, as if angry for having saved her. The red head didn't need anymore direction. She bolted in the direction she came.
Collapsing on the grass, just on the edge of the forest, Lily tried to catch her breath. 'Never again.' She would return to Gryffindor tower, not saying a word to anyone. Assuming of course, she could make it back without being caught.
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Lily woke up groggily. Her night time "adventure" had given her much to think about during the night, resulting in a lack of sleep. As she sat up, she noticed the two empty beds in her room. 'They must already be at breakfast.' She thought curiously.
Lily sat at her usual spot on the Gryffindor table, across from her sat Kat, and beside her was an empty seat. "Where's Melly?"
Kat shrugged, "She must have gone back to the room to get her stuff."
Lily nodded, "I must have missed her in the hallways."
Lily happily helped herself to a plate of warm waffles. She was a little later then usual, so almost everyone else was finishing up. Out of habit, she glanced down the table to the Marauders. All four of them were whispering quietly. Remus was back, though looking a little more pale then usual. And that's when Lily noticed it; a large cut just underneath James's eye. A sudden realization came to her. 'Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, Prongs…'
Lily stood up, forgetting her plate of breakfast. She stood behind James's chair, capturing the attention of all four teenage boys.
"To what do we owe the pleasure, oh-mighty Head Girl?" James grinned.
"Nice gash Prongs, how did you get it?" Lily smirked. "Oh, wait, let me guess!"
"Excuse me, Lily. I do believe those nicknames are for Marauder use only. Thank you." Sirius interrupted, sounding like a speaker at a department store.
Lily rolled her eyes in frustration. "I'm starting to understand something Potter. I don't understand, but I'm starting to fit the pieces together. At this rate, I won't have to go on a date with you."
"You won't have to, you'll want to." He winked suggestively.
Suddenly, Kat rushed over holding her just-delivered copy of the Daily Prophet. "Guys, look!" She pointed to a paragraph on the first page of the newspaper.
Death Eaters Strike in Muggle Neighbourhoods
At approximately 10:30 last night, a series of muggle developments,
with links to the wizarding world (ie. magical relatives) were
attacked and completely destroyed. It was first reported to the
muggle police (the muggles attempt at law enforcement),
who arrived on scene just as the ruthless slaughter was beginning.
However, these muggles were quickly disposed by the death eaters.
Many of the muggle witnesses who reported the events to the police,
claimed to see the dark mark floating high above the street before it
seemed (to the muggles) to explode. Almost everyone on the scene
was killed.The muggles were told it was a gas explosion. No official
comments have been made, but there are claims are that the Ministry
officials are working hard to capture th eculprits. However, similar to
most of the recent attacks, no traces were left behind, leaving an
empty trail.
For more details, turn to B4.
"No way…" Lily whispered, suddenly afraid for her own family.
The Marauders were unnaturally serious as they took turns reading the brief article. James was practically shaking with rage.
"Those bastards!"
All around the great hall, heads were shaking in despair as the news spread. It was one of the worst attacks in a while. 'Will it ever stop?' The thoughts seemed to float through everyone's heads. Although, to the Slytherins, they hoped it wouldn't. They cheered amongst each other as if it was the best party in the world. Everyone in the hall glared at the heads at the table, knowing there was little they could do.
Lily slumped down on a seat, next to James. "D-Do you think…Melly?" She asked Kat.
"We should find her."
James glanced at his friends, and then turned to the two girls. "I think I can help. Come with me back to Gryffindor tower, and I can help you find her."
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"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." He tapped the piece of parchment with his wand.
"That's your password?" Lily would have laughed, but under the current circumstances, she couldn't.
James grinned weakly as the school spread out before the girls. Their faces read pure amazement as they realized the complexity of the Marauder's map.
"You guys seriously made this?" Kat said, astonished. "It's amazing!"
"Yep, took five years to find every route and make this beauty." James grinned. "Look. Melody is in the owlery."
Kat stood up to leave, but Lily paused a moment. "Thanks." She whispered, smiling sincerely at the black-haired boy.
James sighed as he watched the two girls leave the common room. He stretched back on the couch staring at the map. He quickly noticed the figure labeled Dumbledore making his way to the great hall. Not wanting to miss an announcement, James rushed off.
James made it just in time, as the silver bearded headmaster made his way to the podium. He sat down beside Remus, and watched as the crowds hushed over, instantly giving Dumbledore the floor.
"It seems to me, that on a morning like today, class would just be unbearable. Therefore, I am canceling today. Take a day off, relax, and refresh your mind. Hang out with your friends, for they are your support in dark times like these." Dumbledore nodded his head solemnly, as though apologizing for the recent events. "Could I please have a discussion with the Head Students now?"
James looked around the great hall, as if expecting someone to stand up and walk over to the podium. Remus elbowed him sharply in the side, and jerked his head forward. 'Right. I'm the Head Boy…' People slowly made their way out of the great hall, most likely returning to their houses, or outside. The gloomy mood of the school was mocked by the beautiful sunny day.
"Er…Lily went to go cheer up Melody." James spoke as soon as he reached the old man.
He nodded, "I wanted to discuss with you…"
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James sat comfortably on the common room couch. His mind was going through the discussion he just had, slightly in shock. After Dumbledore had lead James to his office, he began a serious conversation.
"What I am about to tell you, Mr. Potter, is purely confidential. Tell no one. Not your friends, not your girlfriends, no one. I am offering you a membership to an exclusive club. You have every right to deny joining, but should you, I am permitted to clear your memory of our discussion. Is this okay with you?"
James stared at the Headmaster, unblinkingly, "Of course."
The old man nodded and began his spiel, "The Order of the Phoenix…"
James smiled happily, not fully aware of the dangers this Order presented to him. He was still gloating over the words Dumbledore spoke on the way to his office.
"Do you know why I made you Head Boy, James?"
"No, sir."
"Some faculty members had their doubts about you. Reckless, irresponsible; were just some of the words I heard."
James grimaced, "Understandable."
"But, you see, James…In a world currently driven by fear, I looked to the strongest students of your year. You are a natural-born leader James. People fall under your command willingly. You are brave and intelligent, and a loyal friend. Miss Evans fits those qualities as well, with an added bonus of keeping you under control." He winked, "Together, you two made the ideal candidates for the Head positions. I hope you do not take your duties lightly."
James hadn't really cared about being Head Boy, but after Dumbledore's speech, he had no doubt in his mind that he would put forth much more effort. Remus sat down beside him, passing a curious glance at James. Sirius bounded in a moment later, much more forward with his curiosity.
"So what did Dumbledore want to talk to you about?"
"Should anyone ask what we have been discussing, tell them that I merely wanted you to start planning out days for trips to Hogsmeade."
James repeated this story, but Remus questioned the reality of it, "You mean to say that after canceling classes because of death eater attacks, he asked to talk to you because he wants you to make trips to Hogsmeade? That doesn't make sense; wouldn't he want you to cancel the trips?"
James shrugged, but Sirius jumped in, "Hey! Make one on Valentines Day!"
"I believe it's on a Wednesday this year, Padfoot." Remus supplied. "Can't make a trip on that day."
"You mean you already checked! Haha, Moony, you sly dog; trying to get ahead of the game this year?" Sirius woofed, gaining a curious glance from a passing first year girl.
A light pink tinge crossed across Remus's face. Changing the subject, he turned to James. "You haven't posted the results of the quidditch tryouts yet."
James jumped to his feet. "You're absolutely right. Padfoot, we have a practice to arrange!"
"You mean I made the team?" Sirius barked, thrilled. "Alright!"
James bolted to his room to grab his the list of his teammates. Sirius followed excitedly, eager to see who else was on the team. Remus laughed, shaking his head.
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"Peter Pettigrew…" The voice snapped. "But he's friends with Potter!"
"Exactly!" Another one countered.
Peter shivered. 'How did I end up here?' In the middle of a dark room, the pudgy brown-haired boy sat on a stool wearing only his briefs. People were surrounding him, but he could not see them; only hear their voices as they spoke. He recognized the angry speaker. It was Severus Snape. Plenty of times, they had played pranks one the greasy haired Slytherin. 'Now I'm going to be working along side him.'
"Are you loyal to the Dark Lord?"
'Y-Yes!" Peter squeaked.
"You must prove it, then."
"P-Prove it?" Peter sat wide-eyed. "How?"
"Put your clothes on. There is work to be done." A husky woman's voice supplied. "It will be fun."
