Chapter Eleven – The Anniversary

Belle inhaled deeply and smelled the pumpkin pie on her plate. Instantly her mouth watered. The Great Hall was buzzing and students hastily rammed their deserts down their throats, anticipating the nights planned events.

James was drumming his fingers on the table in a constant rhythm, and had barely eaten a bite of his pie. His eyes were fixed on the top table, specifically on Professor Dumbledore and Miss Swan, who seemed in no rush to get started. "You're making me nervous," Lily complained, as James gave a great sigh of impatience.

"What is it you want to do, anyway?" Leah asked, through a mouthful of ice cream.

James stopped his beating fingers and said, "I want us all to go on that walk through the forest."

"Is that all? You've already been through it, setting the candles."

"I know, but I was thinking last night." He leaned forwards eagerly, "Its Halloween!"

Sirius raised his eyebrows in mock surprise, "You're kidding? Why didn't anybody tell me?"

"Shut it Padfoot. If it's Halloween, they won't expect us just to go on a walk, will they? That'd be boring. They'll have set things up to scare us, that's why the younger years can't go."

"Like what?" Peter asked, and his skin paled.

"They could have talked the Centaurs into doing something?" James suggested.

"I doubt it," said Lily, "Centaurs are proud creatures, not playthings."

"Well, maybe they've set something loose to hunt us!" James continued, losing none of his enthusiasm.

Belle had wandered over from the Ravenclaw table and froze at his words, "The Manticore was in the forbidden forest," she murmured.

Everyone turned to her, and James' face fell guiltily, Leah quickly added "It won't be that, not after what happened with you, don't worry, James is being stupid."

"I am," James agreed fervently.

"You don't have to come with us, it'll be boring anyway," Remus said. Belle looked at him and her face hardened.

"Let me know when you're going," she said, completely disregarding his comment, and walked back to her table. Remus sighed and pushed his spoon around his bowl dejectedly.

"I thought Ravenclaws were forgiving," James said.

"That's Hufflepuffs," Lily corrected and rested her hand on his.

"How long can she be mad at me? It was a mistake but I've said sorry," Remus sighed.

Leah tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and checked that Dumbledore hadn't stood yet. "She isn't mad at you though, that's the problem."

"Yes she is, don't you see the looks she gives me?"

"Remus, she's my sister so trust me, she is not angry at you. She's embarrassed, which is a lot worse." The besotted boy held his head in his hand as she spoke. "You know that we grew up in the middle of nowhere. We didn't go to school with the other kids, and didn't have any friends because people thought we were weird. Belle was always really nervous and quiet; I can't believe she made a move on you at all to be honest."

"Is this supposed to be helping?" Remus asked.

"No," Leah said, "I'm telling you so that you understand how she's feeling. You're the first boy she's ever been interested in and you reject her. She's humiliated, not angry." Leah glanced up at the top table, "Dumbledore's standing!"

Whilst everyone else's attention turned to the Headmaster, Remus could barely listen to him. Leah's words were painfully honest, and it made it all the worse. He pictured Belle's face when he had moved away from her at the ice cream parlour, and cringed. Why was he such a prat?

"Students and teachers, welcome to the 500th Halloween feast here at Hogwarts!" A round of applause followed. "I hope you are not too exhausted after the delicious meal, as the night has only just begun. I will turn you over to Miss Swan who will tell you all about it." He held a hand out and Miss Swan stood up graciously. Sirius strained to get a better view of her.

"Good evening, tonight there are four different activities planned and I hope you enjoy them." A girl in Hufflepuff squealed with excitement. "The first is Apple Bobbing at the lake, the aim of the game is to levitate an apple out of the water, the more Grindylows holding on the more points and the better prize! Next is the Haunted Hunt led by Professor Flitwick, to play you must team up and hunt for ghosts in Hogwarts, although there may be some surprises on the way." She smiled as chatter bubbled from students already choosing their teammates. "Third is Prize or Potion with Professor Slughorn. You will be blindfolded and walk through flying bottles of various potions. When you grab one, you must drink it and see if it is a good potion that could do anything from make you laugh or dance, or a bad one that has very different affects." Professor Slughorn beamed at a number of intelligent Ravenclaws. "Finally, and unfortunately this activity is only for years six or above, is the Forest Walk. A pathway has been created that travels into the depths of the Forbidden Forest, only enter if you're brave enough." She smiled playfully as Dumbledore stepped forwards once more.

"Doesn't that sound exciting? I won't hold you back any longer. Apple Bobbing is by the lake, and Prize and Potion begins in the dungeons shortly. If you are interested in the Haunted Hunt, wait here in your teams of two to five. Lastly, for the Forest Walk please head down to Hagrid's hut, where Miss Swan and Professor Sloane will be waiting." Dumbledore chuckled as students leaped to their feet eagerly.

"Forest?" James practically begged. They nodded and followed him towards the door.


As expected, a number of older pupils were waiting at the hut. Professor Sloane was talking quietly with Miss Swan, and even in the dark Leah could see his eyes sparkling. Clearly the teacher was as mesmerised by her as every other male in the school.

"Boo," a voice said and she turned to Harvey.

"I didn't think you'd come down," Leah said as Belle wandered over to them.

Harvey shrugged, "I was dragged down, besides it sounds like fun. Warren's here too." He nodded to their final sibling who was standing with Malfoy, Black and Avery.

"Gangs all here," Leah breathed as Miss Swan clapped her hands.

"Well then, I'm glad so many of you have turned up. Before I send you all off there are a few rules. First, stick in groups; I don't want anyone to be left alone in there. Second, no pranks on each other or you'll be sent out immediately."

Sloane looked at the Slytherins who were sniggering at one another.

"Thirdly, under no circumstances are you to leave the path set out for you. The Forest is still a very dangerous place, and I will not be happy if you get lost in those woods. Finally, on your walk there will be a few…surprises left for you. Nothing will hurt you, but if you do wish to leave send red sparks into the air and we will come and get you. Is everyone clear on that?" There was a general murmur of agreement, "Brilliant, off you go then." Miss Swan waved her wand and the entrance to the pathway lit up brightly. The candles cast shadows on the trees creating movement and shapes everywhere, a shiver ran down Leah's spine.

"Scared, Higgs?" Sirius teased with a cocky smile.

"Never," she replied breezily and was one of the first to stride confidently into the woods.

It was much darker than when the Marauders had set the candles up. After only a few steps, the stars were concealed by branches and leaves, and the darkness flickered around them. "Couldn't they have chosen brighter candles?" Belle asked and hugged her arms.

"Then it wouldn't be scary," James pointed out. His teeth were gleaming as he grinned. Lily edged closer to him and he wrapped a protective arm around her, suddenly his eagerness for going on the walk became clear.

A twig snapped in the deep and Peter cried out.

"Aw, is the rat afraid?" A voice laughed and Lucius sauntered past, followed closely by the other Slytherins.

"Get lost Malfoy," Sirius snapped and pushed Peter in front to keep him away from the boys.

The group had slowed and most of the other students had raced ahead of them. "Don't tell me you're scared of the dark?" Avery added.

A shadow twitched and a breeze rushed past their faces making Belle jump. "Hey Warren, why didn't you tell us your sisters were such cowards?"

Warren didn't say anything, and kept to the outline of the path. "Do you have nothing better to do than bother us? It's a bit sad actually," Leah said. Regulus smirked and strolled closer to her.

"A Higgs who's fiery, how very sexy," he drawled.

Sirius found his brothers voice particularly infuriating and pushed forwards, blocking the girls from the Slytherins. Regulus slowly moved his eyes away from Leah and squared up to him, smiling as always. "What you going to do little brother? It's kind of sweet, protecting your women."

"Shut your mouth," Sirius snapped.

"Or what?"

James released Lily and joined them. "That's enough you two, let's just carry on and leave each other alone."

A sound made everyone twist around. A group of well concealed pixies had flown out of a tree and flocked amongst them, yelping and batting them with their wings. The Slytherins made a run for it, smacking blue pixies as they went. Although they left within moments, it was too much for Peter who yelped and scurried away into the woods.

"Wormtail, don't!" Remus yelled but the boy was gone.

"Shit," Sirius groaned. Without discussing it, they ran after him into the forest, and the path was lost behind them. From the shadows, Warren watched their backs fade away. His friends hadn't even noticed he wasn't among them. After a brief pause, Warren stepped off the path and into the dark after the Marauders.


It was pitch black and they all had to draw their wands to light the way. Belle was quivering and Remus pulled his jacket off to hand it to her. Belle hesitated, "Please take it," said Remus. She nodded and slipped it on, feeling the warmth instantly.

"What is wrong with Peter?" Sirius grumbled, "As if it would be less scary in here?"

"He wasn't thinking, the pixies freaked him out," Lily replied.

Sirius shook his head but didn't say any more about it. They didn't dare call out in case any creatures found them, but Peter was nowhere in sight.

Remus hung back with Belle, and she didn't argue against it. "How are you?" He asked.

"Fantastic."

"Maybe we should alert Miss Swan."

"No, Peter will get into a lot of trouble, maybe even expelled. We'll try and find him first."

Remus nodded and checked that nobody was listening. His hand cupped her elbow and she slowed. "Can I talk to you about something?"

"Remus, please, this really isn't the best time."

"I won't apologise again," he said and she raised an eyebrow at him. "It isn't that I'm not sorry, but I'm not telling you anymore. You know how I feel, but I have something else to say." Belle nodded and bit her tongue to stop any interruptions escaping. "I like you. I did in Hogsmeade, but I freaked out because it isn't usually me who dates girls, that's James and Sirius' territory. I know it isn't an excuse, but I only moved away from you because I panicked. I was worried that I wouldn't be very good as a date, because I haven't done it before." Belle swallowed and a smile tugged at her lips. "I regretted it the moment it happened, and I hope one day you'll give me another chance."

"I can see something!" Leah hissed from in front.

Belle winced apologetically and Remus promised himself they would continue the conversation later, before speeding up to join their friends. It would have to wait.

A light glowed ahead. It was eerily clear in the dark and their eyes blurred when they looked directly at it. "What's that?" Lily whispered.

"No idea," James answered.

"Do we go and have a look?" Belle asked.

Sirius nodded, "If I was Peter and saw that, I'd head for it, at least he could see then."

A rustle sounded from behind them and Lily clutched James' hand until her knuckles turned white. "I think we'd all prefer a bit of light," said James as he encircled his free arm around the red head.

Together, they made their way over and tried not to trip on bulging roots or woodland animals that darted under their feet. It took several minutes until they could see what the glow was coming from, and even up close it was difficult to make out. In the centre of a small round clearing stood a stone pillar, cracked and only a metre off the ground. Its top had been broken but had a flat surface, on which sat a crystal that was radiating with light that seemed to flicker between colours. The gem was as large as a fist and more beautiful than anything any of them had ever seen.

"What is it?" Sirius asked, bending down closer to inspect it.

Remus rubbed his chin and frowned in the same way he did when studying for an important exam. "I don't know, it's unlike any gemstone I've ever read about."

"I don't see Peter anywhere," James added as he searched the clearing for signs of their friend, "we should probably keep looking."

"Is there any point?" Lily interjected, "It's late and he could be in trouble."

"He'll be in more trouble if Dumbledore finds out he ran off, and we followed him so that's our heads too," Sirius argued.

"What do you think Leah?" Lily turned to her, "Leah, what's the matter."

Leah was staring at the crystal intently, and didn't react to her name being called. Either side of her, Belle and Harvey were equally as transfixed on the sparkling object. The group exchanged curious glances and Lily edged forwards, "Are you three alright?" No answer came.

"Belle, is something wrong?" Remus repeated, and tried to step in between the Ravenclaw and the crystal. Belle's arm flew out and shoved him aside with more force than he'd expected.

"If this is a joke, it really isn't funny," James huffed but Lily waved her hand at him to be quiet as something moved in the dark. "Who's there?" James called, but nobody answered.

"We need to call for help," Lily breathed, "it's dangerous out here." She drew her wand and pointed it to the sky. Barely a handful of sparks soared from it before someone jumped from the trees and grabbed the crystal in both hands, breaking the Higgs from their trance.

"Warren, where the hell did you come from?" Sirius spat as Lily clutched her chest from shock. The Slytherin ignored him and gazed into the gem.

"Let it go," Leah said strongly.

"No," Warren replied, not moving his attention for a moment.

"Now," Harvey ordered and clenched his fists by his sides.

"What in Merlin's name is wrong with you lo-" Sirius was cut off by a great creature knocking him to the ground. The centaur reared on his hind legs and was quickly joined by another. They were both jet black, with square jaws and slanted eyes that were glowering at the students.

"What are you doing here?" One asked in a voice similar to a roar.

"We…We were just…" Lily mumbled but the centaurs reared again at her words.

"No excuses! There are no excuses for you being here." One growled and his fingers thumbed an arrow in his hand. He glanced over at the pillar and screeched as his eyes fell on Warren who was still clutching the crystal. "How dare you lay your hands on the Seal!"

"The what?" James asked but the centaurs were no longer listening. They bucked and readied their weapons as Warren snapped out of his daze and widened his eyes in horror. "Let it go!" Belle cried but Warren couldn't move as the arrows were pointed at him. Instinctively his siblings raced forwards to protect their brother, and simultaneously grasped the crystal to rip it from his fingers.

The moment all four touched the surface, the light exploded around them in blinding rays that repelled everyone in the clearing, including the centaurs. It danced across tree trunks, and rippled over the branches making the orange autumn leaves gleam. It lasted for mere seconds before it was sucked back into the crystal as if it had never been there.

Immediately, the Higgs dropped it and it panged back into place on the pillar. The Higgs were gasping for breath, and gawping at one another with flushed faces. The centaurs regained their composure and trembled with rage, "What have you done?" One asked in a gruff voice.

When none of them answered he smacked the ground with his hooves, "I said, what have you done?!" He roared and spit sprayed from between his bared teeth. Although the crystal looked exactly the same, the centaur was as appalled as if they'd smashed it.

"Nothing," Belle whispered. The centaur screamed and charged at the four with his bow in hand. The Higgs family backed away but knew there was no escape; it was too dark to run. Before it could touch them a barrier was thrown between the pupils and the creature, making it halt.

Sloane stepped forwards carefully, wand in hand. "Enough," he ordered and in the dim light his expression appeared ferocious.

"They touched the Seal," the centaur said and pointed a shaking hand at them. "You are a Professor, you know of our rules. They must pay for what they have done."

"They are children, and know nothing about the crystal or what it represents."

"It makes no difference!" The second centaur snapped.

The Marauders gathered with the Higgs behind Sloane's shield, and wondered if they would have to fight. "It makes all the difference," Sloane answered calmly. "The Seal is fine, and it is still yours even if they were foolish enough to touch it." Belle blushed with shame and looked at the ground.

The centaurs frowned at each other, considering what the man was saying. Sloane continued, "I will speak to Albus and I'm sure he will come to you immediately to sort the matter. You know he is respectful of you."

"We do," the centaur said and managed to retain most of his anger.

"Where can he find you?" Sloane asked.

The creatures sighed and glanced from the crystal to the witches and wizards. "There is no harm done, the Seal appears intact. There is no need for Albus to visit us." Sloane's shoulders dropped an inch in apparent relief as the centaur continued. "But, no child or man can ever come near the Seal again. We cannot risk it."

"Understood," Sloane said and bowed slightly, letting his shield fade. "I am deeply sorry."

The centaurs growled as the teacher ushered the group away into the woods, protecting the gem until they were out of sight completely.


It was a long walk back out of the forest, and Sloane refused to let them speak, even when they tried to tell him about Peter. The teacher only grunted and mumbled under his breath, clearly furious with them. Belle was certain that this meant expulsion. She didn't even understand what they had done wrong, apart from wandering into the forest alone. When she had seen the Seal she'd felt hypnotised by it. Never had she felt magic as powerful as what was spilling from the gem, it was as if every nerve in her was reaching for it. Then, when she touched it, the magic had consumed her until she couldn't remember who she was at all. Belle was no more; she was nothing but pure power. It had been both astounding and terrifying.

The castle light shone in the distance as the air became fresher in their lungs. Miss Swan stood on the grass, arms folded with a scowl seared on her face. Behind her, Peter poked his head out to watch as they were marched over.

"Wormtail, where the hell did you go?" Sirius hissed as the boy shrunk away from them.

"He came to me, which is what you all should have done, rather than running around the Forbidden Forest and putting your lives in danger." Miss Swan was a tall woman, but now she appeared more like a giant than a witch as she towered over them.

"We're sorry," Leah began but the woman held a long finger up in the air to silence her.

"Not now, not here." She turned to Sloane, "Did anything happen in there?"

"Nothing at all," he lied and the group exchanged confused frowns.

"Good, what should we do with them?"

"I'll take them to Albus, he'll know what to do. Don't worry, you go to bed, I can deal with this."

Miss Swan nodded reluctantly, before glowering a final time at the students. "If Albus has any sense, he'll snap your wands for disobeying us like this," before darting away across the lawn towards the castle.


They had all been in the Headmasters office before, but had never felt so afraid. As Sloane stood in the corner and spoke to Dumbledore the Marauders imagined what life would be like after they had been thrown out. It didn't paint a good picture for any of them.

Finally, the duo returned to stand behind Dumbledore's desk, sharing blank expressions.

"Professor we didn't-" Leah began.

"Miss Higgs, please allow me to speak." Leah shut her mouth and rocked her hands on her lap. Dumbledore cast his blue eyes over them individually and the corners of his lips turned down.

"Now, which of you would like to tell me how you found an object that has been hidden from the wizarding world by the centaurs for centuries?" The old wizard leaned against his chair. "How did you come across the Founder's Seal?"


A/N: I loved writing this chapter, and hope you enjoyed reading it! Comments would be greatly appreciated, as always! Thank you for reading.