Chapter 11-

Cygnus coughed loudly and gazed maniacally around him, "Where the bloody hell are we!?"

James searched around him too, and soon saw that they were in a very dark, very dirty tunnel. They must have fallen hard and fast, as they had landed several metres from the entrance to the tunnel, a small opening through which a pool of light shone. In the other direction, there was nothing but blackness.

"I have absolutely no bloody clue," said James, "Why'd you fall?"

"That tree is mental!" exclaimed Cygnus, "It tried to kill me!"

James would have protested had he not been able to hear the tree thrashing around above him, "I can hear that."

"Well, shall we go?" Cygnus asked, standing up his head nearly touched the roof of the tunnel. James could tell his head would touch it, and he would have to stoop.

"And face the wrath of Peakes?" James said, "I'll say for what seems the millionth time, No Chance!"

"So what," laughed Cygnus, "You're going to turn caveman and live in the tunnel?"

"NO!" said James, "I'm just saying, maybe we should explore?"

Cygnus seemed to consider the idea for a moment, before drawing his wand and saying confidently, "Lumos!" a bright white light shone from the tip of his wand, and James copied him.

The two boys with their two wand-lights set off down the tunnel in the direction of the darkness. James was stooped a little, as he was slightly taller than Cygnus was, which was increasingly annoying as the tunnel began to wind and rise- they appeared to be coming to some kind of end to it, but where that end led James had no great desire to find out.

"Look!" Cygnus pointed his wand light ahead of him, and James saw what he was pointing at, there was an extremely battered old door. James hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether or not he wanted to know what was behind the door.

Cygnus pushed past him, "Come on, Jamesie! Live a little!" he pushed open the door, which creaked loudly as it swung. Light flooded the tunnel from a broken window on the other side of what appeared to be a mangy old room. The two boy scrambled through it, all thoughts of detentions behind them, and found themselves in an extremely old creaking house.

"D'you reckon there's someone here?" James whispered, listening to the sounds of the old creaking house.

"Dunno," said Cygnus, "Wanna find out?"

James didn't particularly want to find out if there was an axe murderer living in this house, but for fear of being called a wuss he nodded in agreement. He was sure this would not end well for either of them. They continued deeper into the room, feeling as though they were being watched.

"I'm not sure about- AGH!" James screamed as something huge and orange jumped onto his back, he sighed, "Jesus Marmaduke, you scared me!"

The orange cat purred and hopped off James' shoulder, progressing to Cygnus, who growled loudly at it as though he were a dog, "Don't like cats." he said grumpily.

"Shall we go ba-" James never finished his sentence, as he saw the door to his right creak open a little. A tall witch with bushy brown hair appeared.

"AHH!" she screeched, and turned white as though she had seen a ghost.

"Professor Granger?" Cygnus asked, "Are you alright? You look as though you've seen a ghost!"

"Fine… I'm fine boys… thought I had for a moment…" she said, unruffling her robes, and straightening her hair, "I was looking for Marmaduke, that's all… I saw him heading down this way and- Wait! Shouldn't you be in lessons?"

"Well…" James said awkwardly, "It was flying lessons this morning, and Cygnus and I were having a little too much fun-"

"Let me guess," said Professor Granger kindly, "You decided to have a flying race, flew into the Whomping Willow and ended up down the tunnel. You then decided to explore and found yourselves here? Am I right?"

"Pretty much Professor," said Cygnus, "Although there was a moment when James considered making that tunnel his permanent residence!"

James scowled at him, "Are you not going to punish us Professor?"

"Of course not…" she said kindly, "It's a miracle you boys weren't hurt! How on earth did that happen?"

"James caught me," Cygnus said proudly, as James blushed profusely, "Did a proper dive and everything!"

"And this was your first time on a broomstick James?" she asked, he nodded at her awkwardly, "Merlin, you are so like your father," she sighed, "Look like him too, only you have your mothers eyes," she chuckled in spite of herself, "I mean… that's why I screamed, I thought… never mind! We should get you both back up to school!"

James and Cygnus exchanged glances, knowing that school meant detention for disobeying teacher's orders and being off the grounds. This was not an altogether appealing thought for either of them. If only Professor Granger could vouch for them, and say that she had given them permission to fly recklessly. James somehow doubted that she would do that. They were now at least halfway down the dark tunnel again, Marmaduke and Professor Granger at the head of the party, James and Cygnus bringing up the rear.

"You said the tree was called the Whomping Willow?" said Cygnus, "Is that the actual name for it, or what?"

"What? Oh yes… the tree is called the Whomping Willow, because, well, it Whomps you!" said Professor Granger, "Why do you ask?"

"No reason," said Cygnus, but he said it in a way that meant there was a serious reason behind it. James almost wished that Cygnus would leave them alone, so he could talk to his Professor about his parents, as it was clear that she had known them well. Maybe she could get him out of detention because of that… James doubted that would happen either.

When the party of four arrived at the exit to the tunnel, Marmaduke prodded a knot on the tree, and it instantly stopped moving, making it safe for them to exit. Professor Granger climbed out first, the two boys following, they were met by an angry screech.

"BLACK! POTTER! Get away from the Whomping Willow now!" their headmistress was standing not 10 feet away from them, "That is one sentence I wished I would never have to say again."

"Sorry Professor," said Professor Granger timidly, "I found the boys in the Shrieking Shack."

"And what were you doing in the Shrieking Shack, Miss. Granger?" said McGonagall angrily, as though the Professor was a naughty schoolgirl.

"Looking for my daughter's cat," replied Professor Granger, "The boys came in by accident, Cygnus had an accident with the tree."

"I know," said McGonagall sternly, "I saw it happen from my office window. I must say Potter performed an excellent manoeuvre in order to save his friend. But I must ask, why were you flying into the Willow anyway?"

"I can answer that!" a voice boomed from behind them, Peakes had arrived. The boys gulped, "They were supposed to be having a flying lesson at the time. Turned into a flying race into the most dangerous tree at school!"

"Hmm," McGonagall pursed her lips, "Perhaps I should invite the boys to my study for a moment. Granger, Peakes, follow after them please."

She marched off across the grounds, James, Cygnus, Peakes and Professor Granger behind her, all unsure of their fates. James thought he and Cygnus would probably be expelled after pulling a stunt like this. It was dangerous, stupid, and broke about 20 different school rules. Professor Granger seemed to notice his anxiety, as she sped up to talk to him.

"Don't worry James," she whispered, "She won't expel you. If I were her I'd give you at detention at most."

James smiled gratefully at her, but he was sure they were just empty words. It took far more time than he expected to get to the headmistress's office. James' feet seemed to drag along the ground and each step seemed to take hours. He knew this was it. He was going back to live with the dreadful Dursleys, after one short week as a wizard it would be taken away from him… maybe he could live with Professor Granger! Or one of his new family members. They probably wouldn't want a useless non-wizard boy living with them though…

They came to a stone gargoyle up one of the many flights of stairs in the Hogwarts castle. McGonagall said, "Tortoiseshell." and the gargoyle moved aside to reveal a revolving set of stairs. James stood on them, and they took them up the a wooden door. McGonagall opened it to reveal a circular room, filled with odd trinkets and covered in old portraits of men and women. They were moving and talking like the others in te castle.

"What have these two done?" said a particularly cruel looking portrait, the man was very pale, with a long nose and greasy black hair, "Not Potter and Black surely?"

"BLACK!?" exclaimed another portrait, "But there are no Blacks left!"

"Is that Harry Potter?" asked another.

"No, its his son, James," said another.

"I thought his father was James," said another. It was getting very boring.

"ENOUGH!" said McGonagall angrily, "These boys are here due to a violation of school laws during a flying lesson."

"Ha!" exclaimed the greasy haired man again, "Trust Potter to get in trouble over Quidditch!"

"Now now Severus," said a white-haired old wizard with a long wispy beard, "Let us not judge the poor child."

"Enough, please," said McGonagall sternly, and the portraits fell silent, "Boys, I have decided to give you each detention with Professor Granger. You will go to her office at eight o'clock on Saturday night. Do you understand?" the boys nodded gravely, thank god they weren't being expelled, "I have also decided to bend a rule in your favour," she continued, "Only twice in my life have I seen flying skills such as those performed, once by your father, James, and once, by your grandfather. I have decided to give you an opportunity to try out for your house Quidditch teams. This does not guarantee you a place." she added.

"Ha!" said Severus again, "I should like to see those boys get onto the Quidditch team. Horrible, squitty little things-"

"Yeah," said Cygnus angrily, "Well, I'd like to see you wash your hair Severus."

"Black!" said McGonagall angrily, "That is no way to talk to a former headmaster of Hogwarts!"

"Don't worry Professor," said Severus dryly, "The Black family have ways of punishing themselves."

"What is that supposed to-"

"Now now boys," said Professor Granger kindly, "You have lessons to attend!"

She chaperoned the boys fiercely from the office and back down the stone staircase, along the corridor, down one of the many moving staircases, and through several other corridors until they found themselves by the entrance to the Great Hall. They were standing just behind the war memorial.

"Do you know what this memorial is for boys?" Professor Granger asked kindly, they shook their heads, "There was a battle at Hogwarts, and many people died-"

"Who are the people on the memorial?" James blurted out, suddenly unable to control himself.

"James, trust you," she chuckled happily, "They are you father, and Lord Voldemort. It depicts the latter's defeat," she sighed, "and we thought that was the end… now boys, best be off to lunch. don't forget, tomorrow at 8 o'clock."

James smiled at her before joining Cygnus in running into the great hall for lunch. They were met by staring eyes and wide mouths, apparently nothing could stay secret for long at Hogwarts. They took their usual places at the Gryffindor table with Rose and Fred, who appeared to have forgiven them.

"Where have you been?" Rose hissed angrily, "You should hear the stories people are telling!"

"What are they?" asked James.

"That you flew into the Whomping Willow," said Rose angrily, "You didn't!?" she added, noticing their smug expressions.

"We did," said Cygnus, "Well, I did. James saved me, did a wicked dive."

"How were you not hurt!"

"Dunno," said James, "We saw your mum, Rose, she found Marmaduke."

"Oh thank goodness," sighed Rose, "But don't change the subject in future James, you're terrible at it. What happened?"

So James and Cygnus launched into an elaborate story of their adventure, which seemed to involve far more near-death experiences than in true life. The others laughed and looked shocked at appropriate times, and James gained the suspicion that more people were listening than he would have wanted.

"- and then, get this," Cygnus finished, "We were given a chance to try out for the house team!"

"No way!" exclaimed Fred.

"But that's so irresponsible of McGonagall," said Rose huffily, "Rewarding rule-breaking!"

"Oh lighten up Rose," said James, "We might get to play Quidditch!"

"I'm going to tell mum," said Cygnus, "Come to the owlery with me Jamesie?"

"Nah mate," said James, "Defence is next, don't want to be late."

*

James suddenly felt a sharp pain in the back of his head, and turned around to see Malfoy standing smugly behind him.

"So Potter, Black," he said snidely, "When are you going home from school?"

"At Christmas," replied Cygnus, "Why? Did you get expelled Malfoy? Wondering if you could share a compartment with us on the train home?"

"Well- I… I'd watch my back if I were you," stuttered Malfoy.

"Or you'll do what," said James arrogantly, "Stutter at us?"

"Shut up Potter," said Malfoy, and he stormed off to the back of the classroom to sit with his Slytherin cronies.

"I wish you wouldn't do that!" said Rose angrily.

"Do what?"

"Make enemies," said Rose, "For all you know Scorpius could be a perfectly nice person and-"

"A nice person?" Fred interjected, "Malfoy's parents are muggle-hating ex-Death Eaters!"

"What are Death Eaters," asked Cygnus, "I've heard of them only-"

"They were the supporters of Voldemort," whispered Rose, "People say You-Know-Who-"

"You mean Triste?" added James.

"-Yes her," Rose continued in a low whisper, "They say- Triste-," she shivered a little, "Was a Death Eater before she became, you know, truly evil."

"So what does this have to do with Malfoy?" asked James.

"Everything, mate," said Fred knowingly, and James needed no more questions answered. He continued to copy down about Disarming spells, and thought about what Malfoy could be. His parents were part of the reason why James' parents were dead. Malfoy's family had supported the woman who brought about their deaths- the woman who had tried to kill him. James' previously petty hatred of Scorpius Malfoy had suddenly become far less trivial.

The bell sounded for the end of the lesson, and the first years filed out slowly. They got Friday afternoons off after first lesson, so the four Gryffindor friends went back to the common room after defence. It was odd that they had become so friendly in such a short space of time. When they arrived at the common room, James and Cygnus were met by the beaming face of Teddy Lupin, turquoise hair and all.

"Good first week boys?"

"Yeah, good thanks," said James, "Teddy this is Cygnus Black."

"Yeah I know," said Teddy, "McGonagall pointed him out to me. I'm related to the Blacks myself, so if you're a full wizard you could a cousin. Shame really. Scorpius Malfoy is also my cousin."

"Poor you," said Cygnus, "He really is dreadful."

"Yes, isn't he," said Teddy distractedly, "Look boys, I'm the Quidditch captain for Gryffindor, McGonagall told me about you guys trying out. The try outs are next Thursday, I'll put a notice up over the weekend." he clapped James hard on the shoulder, "I'll catch up with you later mates."

He headed over to the other side of the common room where Victoire Weasley, another of James' cousins was sitting. She was Louis's sister, and had long blonde hair, apparently it was her mother's. Teddy had been looking at her fondly all week, and James suspected that there was something going on there.

"Come on Jamesie Wames," said Cygnus happily, "The world is our Oyster, what you wanna do?"

"Explore," replied James happily.

*

It was after supper when James and Cygnus finally managed to get free of everyone long enough to plan their exploration adventure. Rose went to bed early, and it was nearly midnight by the time Fred's steady snores echoed around the small dorm room. The boys pulled on their dressing gowns and slippers, as well as picking up their wands from their bedside tables, and tiptoed from the dorm room, not making a sound.

The common room was empty apart from Marmaduke the cat, was who sleeping by the fire. It was very dark, so the boys lit their wands and continued out of the portrait hole. The fat lady in the portrait was snoring loudly, and wasn't woken by the boys making her swing open. A silver ghost was gliding past them, her long her floating eerily behind her. The portrait hole closed slowly, taking much longer than the boys expected.

"Shall we go?" whispered Cygnus, and James nodded, setting off down the long marble stairs past snoozing portraits. They made their way along dark corridors, occasionally asking portraits for directions, and avoiding the ones who could have been Sir Cadogan.

Suddenly, James heard something- voices? Maybe the ghosts were talking to one another, but he thought he could also hear footsteps. He pulled Cygnus in the direction of te voices, and as he drew closer, he noticed a light brighter than could be produced by any ghost.

"What-?"

"Shhhh!" said James, hiding behind a suit of armour as peering round the corner to see to figures, definitely human figures, deep in what seemed to be angry conversation.

"-he had his own family!" said the first, slightly shorter figure. It was a woman's voice.

"I was fully aware of that fact, Miss. Granger, do not insult my authority as headmistress!" said the second, older one. McGonagall and Granger? Cygnus mouthed at him, and James nodded.

"I just think, Professor, you took your authority too far!" said Granger, "You're not Dumbledore!"

"I know that I am not Dumbledore, Miss. Granger," said McGonagall angrily, "However he agreed with my decision fully."

"He's a bloody portrait Minerva!" Professor Granger suddenly shrieked, "He may have been the most brilliant wizard of his day in his time, but he's dead! It was fine with Harry- well not fine, but the only option with Sirius being in prison- but he had no other options! You had options, Minerva! James had- no, has- an entire family who had thought him dead for ten years, how do you think we feel!"

"I was not aware that you, Miss. Granger, were part of James' family," said McGonagall.

"You know full well that I am," said Professor Granger, "And I'm going to write to Molly about this. And I swear to Merlin that she will do everything in her power to get him back from those people."

They heard footsteps walking angrily away from the scene. James peered out from behind the statue to see the angrily witch a few paces away from where he and Cygnus were standing.

"Hermione, wait!" called McGonagall, and Professor Granger stopped straight in front of the suit of armour behind which the boys were hiding. James took a deep breath, a held himself close to the wall so as not to be seen, not for fear of getting caught, but for fear of them finding out he had listened to their conversation- a conversation about him.

"I thought I had nothing more to say to you," said Professor Granger curtly.

"I wanted to explain why he had to go there," said McGonagall, she was barely three feet away from James and Cygnus, "Don't you remember why Harry had to live with the muggles? Because Lily died to save him-"

"But it was Ginny who died to save James, not his dead grandmother!" said Hermione indignantly, "Unless- oh Harry!" she sighed suddenly.

"You always were very bright, Miss Granger," said McGonagall, "I take it you have drawn the conclusion that it was his father, and not his mother who died so James could live?"

"So he had to live with the Dursleys, because of blood protection?" Professor Granger asked quietly, "But now he's older, can he- I mean, will you let him leave?"

"Perhaps," McGonagall said distantly, walking off in the other direction, "Goodnight, Hermione."

Hermione stood still for a moment, her eyes focussed on some distant point, before she too left the boy's sight.


what do ya think? good, bad? i'm starting to sort out the plot a little more so..... there might be a new chapter quite soon :D

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