Chapter Fourteen:
Third Year, Part Two
"James, let go of me!"
Harry was being dragged in a very undignified manner to the Gryffindor Common Room, with Sirius, Remus and Peter in tow.
"You're hurting me! Let me go!"
James' grip on his arm was very rough, but his brother didn't heed his pleas. They attracted glances from people in the hallway and the Common Room once they entered it. Harry half expected to be thrown into one of the chairs, and he was surprised when James took him up the dormitories. The fifth years' dormitory, to be exact. Despite the current situation, when they entered it Harry couldn't stop himself from looking around interestedly: he'd never been in the Marauders' dorm before.
James let go of him and his hand immediately flew to the place where James had gripped him so tight. His brother went to stand in front of him, his arms crossed. Harry saw the other three Marauders in leaning against their respective beds, unsure if they were allowed to be there or not, but James had eyes only for him.
"Let me get this straight," James said furiously, "I just saw you and Snivellus together in the library, like friends. I wasn't confunded, right?"
"No, you saw correctly," Harry said, barely moving his lips.
"Do you want to explain why you were there with him?"
"No, I don't see what business of yours it is."
James glared at him with such ferocity Harry had never seen directed at him before. "Why do you keep meeting Slytherins all over this castle! What were you doing with him!"
"We were just studying."
"You were studying." James said slowly. "Why the heck would you study with him, you're two years apart! If you needed help with your studies, why didn't you come to me?" Harry noted the slight hurt in James' voice as he said this.
"It's not… I don't need help, I'm doing fine with them… We, well, we're studying something else."
"You're studying something else." James repeated. "Like what? What would two total strangers, I should hope, who are complete opposites in everything plus two years apart have in common to study about? How the heck did you even meet him!"
"Well…" Harry hesitated. He didn't think James would take it well if he found out Harry knew Lily better than he should, too.
"Well?"
"Because of Lily," Harry blurted out, and as expected, James got a look of shock. "Lily and I talked once, and I came across them in the library one time, and she introduced us… Severus and I happened to have a shared interest, and we started studying it together."
"OK, hold on, backup here," James rubbed his temples, "First off, Lily meeting Snape is dangerous too, but she doesn't want to realize it, so you shouldn't take it as an example. Second of all, what is this 'shared interest'," He said with a bite to his tone, "of yours, and third of all, you call him Severus!"
Harry froze. If James thought Severus and Harry were on very good terms, which was true, but something James didn't need to know, it would increase his angry reaction ten-fold.
"I-It, I…" Harry stuttered.
"What is it that you're studying together?"
"Spells," Harry blurted out, for the second time this night, "Both of us are interested in how new spells are invented." Harry looked hesitantly at his brother, who seemed lost for words. It was one of those very rare times in life that James didn't know how to react.
"You're inventing new spells with him?"
"Yes." Harry said defiantly.
There was a moment of heavy silence, when - "Out of all the people in this entire castle, you had to pick my worst enemy! Snivellus is nothing but an evil, slimy, greasy, Dark Arts obsessed piece of crap who'd betray you the instant it is suggested to him!"
"You're just being prejudiced against him! You've labeled him ever since you met, you didn't even give him a chance!"
"He told you that, did he?" James gritted his teeth, "Wonder what else he's been saying about me? But I bet it never crossed your mind he could be turning you against me!"
"No, the only one doing that is you! When you act like this." He hurriedly added. James' eyes flashed with hurt and Harry felt guilty for saying it. He looked down, shame burning up in him. He didn't agree with James on some points, but his brother cared for and loved him; why did he have to go and say that?
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that." He took a breath, "It's driving me crazy how you try to decide who I speak to and not. You can't stop me from seeing friends, even if they are Slytherins." With that, he turned on his heel and fled the dorm. He didn't look back at any of the Marauders, not wanting to see their faces. He went into his own dorm and dove into bed, wishing this whole day had never happened.
XXXXXX
The next day Harry didn't leave his room. Noah asked him what had happened and Harry said he didn't want to talk about it. Later, Noah came back and said James had received a week's detention for hexing Severus, and damaging several library books in the process. Harry already knew what James had done of course; his brother has cursed Severus to fly backwards into the bookshelf, knocking him unconscious, and then dragged a protesting Harry away. The whole school now knew that James had hexed Severus and that Harry had been involved somehow, but thankfully no-one knew just how, which led to the rumors that Harry had stood up to his brother again about him jinxing Slytherins.
Harry was fine with it; the last thing he wanted on top of all this drama, was for the whole school to know he and Sev had been meeting secretly. He didn't want to imagine the torment the Slytherin would go through with his own House.
It was almost time for dinner when Harry first felt hungry. There would be a great feast downstairs and all the Christmas home-go'ers would return. Surely, they'd be informed of this steaming hot gossip within five minutes after being seated. Harry wasn't sure if he wanted to be present for it, but he couldn't ignore his food-deprived stomach forever could he?
Reluctantly he put on his robes (he'd been in pajamas all day), and went downstairs. He found Noah had already gone down to the feast, which left him quite alone on his journey to the Great Hall. Upon entering he saw that the people who had gone home were only just starting to trickle in, and he walked discreetly with a group of Gryffindors to their table so as to avoid being seen. His eye quickly fell on the Marauders, who looked subdued and James looked as though he was completely cut off from the world as he played with his food. Even when Lily passed in front of him, he didn't react.
Harry quickly took a spot next to Noah, who looked surprised, but didn't comment. A conversation picked up around Harry and he participated eagerly, acting as though he hadn't just spent the entire day sulking in his room. To his displeasure, however, his fears were realized. It didn't take long for the hairs on his neck to stand up as he felt several inquiring glances being thrown his way. He started to feel really uncomfortable being the subject of everyone's conversation, and Noah tried to cheer him up by giving an encouraging smile. Harry didn't dare look at the Marauders.
Harry quickly finished his dinner (Noah following his example), before heading back to the Common Room with his friend. Only a handful of people were already there, and even they were looking at Harry curiously. Avoiding eye-contact, Harry fled back up to his dorm.
"You know, you can't go on like this," Noah announced as he walked into the dorm. Harry didn't answer him and instead buried himself into one of the books he had been reading this afternoon.
"And you dare say that James is stubborn." Harry could feel Noah rolling his eyes. The other Gryffindor was trying to get a rise out of him, but Harry wouldn't give in.
"What are you going to do Harry? You'll avoid him until he grows out of this? Do you know how long that will take, if ever? Are you really going to ruin your sibling relationship over this stupid argument?"
Harry threw down his book. "This is not some silly argument! James doesn't have the right to treat Slytherins the way he does, you can't tell me you agree with it?"
"No, not really."
"What do you mean, not really?" Harry asked angrily.
"Look, this is not a matter of right or wrong, or black or white, Harry. You will never hear me say that all Slytherins are evil and future Death Eaters, that's just biased. But you can't claim that they're all innocent fluffy pigmy puffs either, which seems more like what you're doing. Some of them really are Dark and dangerous, and they're not afraid to show it."
"But that doesn't give James the right to act as he does."
"Jeez, you do remember what stubborn means, right? You sure you want to deny being it again?"
"I prefer the term headstrong," Harry smirked, remembering James, on the train ride to Hogwarts, claiming the difference between being stubborn and headstrong. Suddenly the smirk was wiped off his face and he looked down at his hands. James…
"I'll just pretend I didn't hear that. Look, Harry… Don't you remember how happy you were to be close to James? To have a brother? And then you got adopted and it became official. You don't really want to throw that all away, just because of this, do you?"
Harry kept looking down. No, he didn't, but what else could he do? He certainly couldn't go on and pretend everything was perfectly lovely when James was cursing people left and right…
"I just don't know how to handle him…" Harry trailed off.
"Neither do I, I won't even pretend like I do. But, don't you think, you will get what you want quicker if you two are on good terms, instead of bad ones?"
"Yes…"
"Well then you've got your solution." Noah said triumphantly.
"But what about the next time he hexes someone, I'll do the same and stand up to him."
Noah waved it off, "You'll cross that Quidditch Pitch once you reach it."
Harry sat down in silence.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Noah asked.
"Huh?"
"Go up to your idiot brother and make up! Or did you want to wait until they've invented self-answering exam quills?"
Harry laughed, "Fine, but if his head gets even more inflated, I'm blaming you…" Harry said, and Noah stuck out his tongue.
"Oh and Noah?" He asked when he reached the door, and turned around
"Yea?"
"Thanks," Harry said, grinning his million-galleon grin.
The next day was much more relaxed for Harry. The previous evening he had shyly shuffled into the Marauders' dorm and asked if he could talk to James. Considering there were four pairs of eyes boring into him, his anxiety hadn't been eased one bit. The pair had left the dorm, even the Common Room, and James had led him, surprisingly, towards one of the secret passages. It was the only place they could be sure they wouldn't be overheard. Harry had been surprised his brother had revealed one of his secrets to him when they were on such tense terms, but nevertheless had felt honored and elated. It had gotten even better, as the passage they went to was the one behind the mirror on the fourth floor, which had caved in before Harry had known of its existence, and therefore had never seen it intact.
Sirius had been right, back in his fifth year when his godfather had suggested using it for the D.A. because it was so spacey. James had conjured two crooked looking chairs, looking a bit sheepish.
"It always looks more impressive when Dumbledore does it. He conjures the best."
Harry could very well remember the comfy, colorful armchairs that Dumbledore always conjured. "And how would you know he does that?" Harry asked softly.
"Detention. Been up to his office more times than I can remember." He had said gruffly.
Though it had been awkward at first, the two brothers talked about where they disagreed. Harry had confessed he didn't want them to go on like this, with which James wholeheartedly agreed, but that he couldn't stand James' actions against the Slytherins either, with which James wholeheartedly disagreed.
On his part, James confessed only what Harry already knew: the Slytherins would turn their back on him someday, hurt him, and they were in league with Voldemort who would probably just love to torture him. It was dangerous, irresponsible, and James was only looking out for his well-being, and someday when Harry was old and wise like Dumbledore, he would finally understand that. And yes, those were his brother's words exactly.
In the end, they were able to make a small agreement. James wouldn't interfere in Harry's friendships or try to dictate who he could see, and Harry wouldn't interfere with how James treated Sytherins. Neither was satisfied with the agreement, because they couldn't stop the other doing what they thought was wrong. They could only continue doing what they themselves were doing in peace. Neither brother knew though, that the other secretly added 'too much' to their promise: James would dictate, too much, and Harry wouldn't interfere, too much.
Harry still got the curious, inquiring glances thrown his way, but as he and James were back to normal (at least, as normal as this could be called) he couldn't care less. He relayed a short account to Regulus, who had stormed up to him, well, as much as a respected Pureblood could storm, and demanded to know what had happened. He had been miffed to find that Severus and Harry had been working so well together, saying it had to be the eighth Magical Wonder in this world. Even afterwards, he sometimes threw Harry a shrewd glance, as if he had to rethink all his opinions of him.
His confrontation with Lily was interesting too, though her reaction was more predictable and less amusing than Reg's. She had been ready to give James and earful when she heard what he had done to Severus, and then she turned on an impressive furious façade as Harry told her what had happened between him and his brother. He even told her they had made up, and of their twisted agreement, which she answered with a doubting facial expression of 'you really think he'll stick to that?'. It hurt Harry slightly that she thought so lowly of James, though he was pleased she could understand his need to have a good relationship, or even one at all, with his brother.
The next time Harry spoke to Severus was tense, though interesting. The Slytherin had had to go into the hospital wing after James attacked him, but thankfully not for long. Severus seemed pleased when Harry told him of his fight with his brother, but the smile was wiped off his face when Harry told him they made up. Severus just couldn't understand why Harry would come to such a ridiculous agreement, and though Harry was inclined to agree with him, he still defended it. Harry pleaded to meet up again this week, and Severus raised one black eyebrow at him, before agreeing reluctantly. However, they decided it might be a better idea to avoid the library for a while, and they decided to meet in the clock tower. Though Sev tried to fight it, Harry could see he was happy they were still meeting up, even more so when Harry told him of the progress he'd made with his spell.
It took Harry two more weeks until he could perform Levicorpus completely, but when he did so he did a small victory dance and reveled in Severus' proud smile.
"I did it Sev! We actually did it!" Harry cried enthusiastically before launching himself at the Slytherin. They'd never had much physical contact and he could feel Sev's surprise, but it didn't stop him from hugging the older boy. Reluctantly Severus hugged him back, but when Harry broke apart he suddenly seemed reluctant to let go.
Harry was still grinning, and he couldn't stop doing so for the rest of the evening. It came as no surprise, therefore, that James approached him with a smile of his own.
"I told you your grin was contagious. You've got pretty much the whole Common Room into a good mood." James smile affectionately. Harry beamed at him.
"Thanks."
"So what's got your spirits so high?"
"Oh, we - I mean, err, I… Well, I invented a spell." Harry said, becoming wary. James suddenly wasn't smiling anymore, as he figured out exactly who Harry had spent his time with.
"Oh? What kind of spell?" The Marauder was obviously doing his best to keep his temper, and despite the still obvious hostility, Harry appreciated the gesture.
"A levitation spell, it's really cool. It hoists someone up into the air, upside down."
"Really? Care to try it on me?" The mischievous smile his brother was sporting to cover up his annoyance made Harry even more wary, but nevertheless he shrugged and led James upstairs. He didn't fancy the whole Common Room witnessing his own new spell.
"Hey Moony, mind if we join you?" James asked casually as they entered the fifth years' dorm.
"Not at all, Prongs. Oh, hi Harry." Remus gave them a weak smile as he lay on his bed. He looked pale and tired, and Harry guessed it would be full moon soon.
"Are you feeling OK Remus? You don't look too good."
"I'm fine Harry, just a bit ill I guess. Not too surprising, with this weather. What's brought you two up here?"
"You three, I take it you meant Moony?" Sirius butted in as he entered the dorm.
Remus groaned.
"Maybe I'll go back on my word, with you and Prongs in here, I doubt I'll get the rest I was aiming for when I retreated up here in the first place."
"I'm sorry Remus, we'll be gone in a second," Harry said apologetically, "James just wanted to see the spell I invented." The other two Marauders perked up at this.
"You succeeded with it? Congratulations Harry." Remus smiled warmly.
"The thing you and Snivellus were working on? We should see if it's legal first, I wouldn't put it past that greasy git to teach you something illegal to get you carted off to Azkaban just for being Prongs' brother." Sirius commented, crossing his arms and leaning against the bed post looking very handsome.
James frowned, as if he was seriously considering Sirius' wild claim, and Harry decided to take the control back in hands.
"So did you want to see it or not?"
"Yes. Try it on me."
Harry took a breath and pointed his wand at his brother. "Levicorpus!"
Immediately, as if some invisible hand gripped James by the ankle, he was pulled upside down into the air. He gave a small yelp of surprise and his hands went to his legs to keep his robes in place. Sirius burst out in laughter and Remus, though too weak for such an outgoing reaction, still laughed as well. Harry grinned, unused to seeing his brother not in control. After a second or two James started laughing along with them.
"Liberacorpus!" And James fell down onto the floor in a heap of robes and limbs, causing Sirius to give a familiar bark-like laugh as he wrapped his arms around his middle to keep himself steady.
"Oh you think that's funny, do you Padfoot? We'll see – Levicorpus!"
With a yelp of his own Sirius was hoisted into the air, and it was James' turn to laugh uncontrollably. Contrary to James, Sirius didn't make much of an effort to keep his robes from falling down, favoring to laugh at his predicament along with the rest of them. Embarrassed, Harry looked away. He didn't need to see his former godfather in his boxers, no matter how handsome Sirius might look without his robes. The Marauder took great pride in his appearance, as not only his hair, but also his tan and toned body were proof of. James seemed to agree with Harry's feelings, for he quickly let his friend down.
"Sometimes, Padfoot, I wonder about you." James said, shaking his head.
"Aww Prongsie, no need to feel all envious of all my dashing assets. I'm sure you'll acquire them as well… someday…" Sirius was answered with a pillow thrown into his face. "How rude of you! You could have wounded me with that!"
"Naturally." James said dryly.
Sirius huffed. "Yes, and then where would I be? My beautiful face being damaged by your fit of jealousy, can you imagine the horror?"
Harry snorted but quickly wiped the smile off his face when the two arguing Marauders turned to look at him. Sirius grinned evilly.
"You're not convinced of my gorgeousness yet, Har? I can think of other ways to convince you, I assure you I've gotten no complaints so far from all the lovely ladies…"
Harry blushed at what Sirius was implying and looked away. James immediately stepped in with a loud 'OI' and a scolding that under no circumstances was he going to let Sirius use his little brother for his twisted fantasies, and along with other things his brother said Harry was sure he was still blushing.
"Could you two maybe move this elsewhere? Preferably the other side of the castle, so I can get some rest?" Remus said half weak and half annoyed as James ranted on to a Sirius who was obviously not listening anymore.
"Sorry Moony," The two of them chorused, truly looking guilty.
"I'm going as well. Goodnight Remus, I hope you feel better tomorrow." He smiled at the werewolf, who smiled back, and he bade James and Sirius goodnight as well. Exhausted, but still immensely pleased with himself, Harry drifted off to sleep.
XXXXXX
His euphoria at finally managing the spell didn't die down for the rest of the week. Suddenly feeling invincible, he put a 110% into Quidditch practice (Andy was exceptionally over the moon at his performance) and resolved to study the art of spells even further. Regulus, of course, couldn't fail to notice something was up and Harry happily told him the whole story in a dark corner while the rest of the student body was off for dinner.
"You must be the youngest person ever to have invented a spell!" Regulus said, looking impressed.
"Oh, I'm not sure about that," Harry said, feeling pleased but also slightly embarrassed, "I bet you could do it too, you've got the sort of talent for it."
"Maybe someday, but right now it's not what I'm busy with. Besides, I don't see myself working with Snape."
"Why not? He's a Slytherin as well," Harry frowned.
"Yea, but he's always disliked me anyway because I'm Sirius' brother, and the people he hangs out with aren't exactly my type either."
"You mean Mulciber and their gang?"
"Yes. That group has been hanging out together more often lately."
"Mm," Harry hummed, biting his lip.
"Actually, I've also been wanting to talk with you about this."
"About what?"
Regulus dragged a hand through his neatly groomed hair, and Harry was amused that the gesture reminded him of James.
"I never thought I'd agree with Potter, but are you sure it's safe to be meeting with Snape so often? Him being an aspiring Death Eater and all?"
"I appreciate your concern, Reg, I do," Harry smiled, "But it's not needed. Sev and I barely talk about the war. We discuss other stuff. He's never told me something which makes me believe he wants to join Voldemort. Besides, he and Lily are still friends as well, if he really wants to become a Death Eater, he wouldn't want to be seen with her either, would he?"
"I don't think it's that simple Harry."
"Reg, I've already been through this with James. I trust my gut enough to tell me when it gets dangerous, all you have to do is trust me.
"Regulus shook his head, "You know I trust you. But honestly, sometimes, you're just like Dumbledore. I heard he's all about trusting people and giving them endless chances. Just be careful, alright?"
"I will. I promise."
"Good. Then we can go to the Great Hall and have our supper?"
Harry happily agreed, before remembering the bookbag that still hung over his shoulder. He told Regulus to go on ahead of him while he ran back to the dormitory to drop off his books. He was in a hurry to get back to the Great Hall as it was well into dinner time, and therefore didn't pay enough attention and he bumped into another student.
"Watch where you're going, Mudblood!" The tall dark-haired boy said. He turned around, glaring, though he faltered when he saw it was Harry who had bumped into him.
"Why, Potter, what a surprise," smirking darkly, Rabastan Lestrange took a step forward.
"Sorry for bumping into you, then. Now if you'll excuse me, I was on my way to the Great Hall," Harry said neutrally, trying to get around the Slytherin. Lestrange blocked him.
"Funny, isn't it, how you can encounter one another several times a month and then not for a number of weeks?"
Harry didn't answer. Lestrange was one of the few Slytherins whom he had mistrusted on sight. The man just gave off a scheming, arrogant and evil vibe. He did his best to look bored as Lestrange's eyes seemed to sparkle in triumph.
"I noticed you weren't at Slughorn's last supper. I assure you the view wasn't half as pleasing as before."
What? On the outside Harry did his best to maintain his bored and confident posture, but on the inside his thoughts were racing.
"Come on Potter, we both know you're not a mute."
Lestrange took a threatening step forward and Harry took a big one back, noticing as he did so, he was very close to the wall. This didn't ease his feeling of foreboding either. The Slytherin only seemed more amused by Harry's predicament.
"There's something about you, Harry. Something that just draws people to you. Everyone's noticed it. I can't blame your idiot brother for wanting to protect you."
"I can protect myself just fine," Harry stated, pleased that he had done so without a quiver to his voice.
"Well, then," Lestrange said. He moved quickly, closing the distance between them and taking a fistful of Harry's robes, pushing him into the wall. Lestrange was blocking him, there was no way to get out. Harry was even further unnerved when Lestrange looked down from his eyes to his lips.
"Why don't we put that statement to the test?"
Lestrange was distracted by wanting to kiss him, and before he took any further action Harry used his distraction to his advantage – he bucked his knee and hit Lestrange right in the stomach, causing the Slytherin to cry out in surprise and bend over. Harry whipped out his wand and used the Full Body Bind curse on him.
Harry stood over Lestrange, wand in his hand, still unnerved by what had transpired. Had Lestrange honestly just tried to kiss him? What the heck? He'd never liked this particular Slytherin, but he'd expected a Crucio before this! Had Lestrange been planning to do this? Had Harry caught his interest before, and he was only now taking action? But Lestrange was a seventh year, and Harry only a third year! Eww…
He looked around to see the corridor was still deserted; probably most people were still at dinner. He straightened his robes and decided to head down too, all the while wondering if this would mean he'd have to seriously watch his back now.
XXXXXX
The match against Huffelpuff approached, and so Harry's schedule was put on a tight spot once more. Andy increased the amount of practices and often caught up with Harry during the day to tell him a quick pointer or so (something that was increasingly annoying him, as if he didn't know them all already!) and made them train more intensely as well. This resulted in Severus sniggering unashamedly during their meeting, when Harry was practically unable to move due to muscle aches. He winced when he sat down, could barely reach for his book, and he could only get up from his chair by turning to the left, pushing himself upwards from the table, and carefully putting weight on his legs.
The match against Huffelpuff took longer than last year, when Harry had caught the Snitch in a matter of minutes. They had a new Seeker and Harry took his time figuring out the girl's strengths and weaknesses. However, in the end he still caught the Snitch and Gryffindor won by 230-100 points. Gryffindor was now second in the running for the Cup, Slytherin being first because of their excellent match against Ravenclaw. The whole team was immensely motivated to beat Ravenclaw, because of course they couldn't let Slytherin win.
One afternoon, when Harry was coming down from the Owlery after sending Charlus and Dorea a lengthy letter, he was greeted by a furious looking Severus. The Slytherin looked very ruffled. He opened his mouth to ask Sev what was wrong, but the Slytherin beat him to it.
"You just had to tell him didn't you! You couldn't keep your trap shut, thought he'd adore you even more if you told him! You're no better than your arrogant brother, Potter!" Severus spat. Harry just stared wide-eyed; what was he talking about? Tell who what? And why did Severus call him Potter?
"Sev-"
"Leave my brother alone, Snivellus." James came up from behind them, pointing his wand at Severus.
"It's not his fault you're a greasy slimeball who's inadequate at everything." Behind James, Sirius and Peter followed, looking just like they did in Snape's memory of their post Defense OWL actions. Sirius had his wand in his hand, though pointed at the floor, looking carelessly handsome and ravishing, ready for action. Peter shuffled towards them, eager, his watery eyes darting from James to Severus. Remus was nowhere to be seen.
"But you will not blame it on Harry. It was mighty lenient of me to even let you near him, but if you're just going to insult him, I'll make sure that never happens again."
"I know it's hard to keep your nose out of other people's business, Potter, but it might be good to try so. Especially when you've no idea what they're talking about." Severus sneered, and Harry looked at him disapprovingly for talking to his brother this way.
"I know everything I need to know, Snivellus!"
"Expelliarmus!" Sirius said, but Severus quickly blocked it with a protego. James shot a non-verbal curse at Severus which the Slytherin also blocked, but when Sirius shot another hex Severus wasn't fast enough. He began dancing comically, and the Marauders laughed, before James cried, "Levicorpus!"
Harry gasped as he realized what Severus had been so angry about, what he said Harry had told James… How could he have been so stupid! He had known James would use it on Sev; he'd seen so in the Pensieve! And now James knew the jinx, the jinx he and Sev had created, and was using it on one of its creators…
"James, stop!" Harry yelled. James and Sirius were still laughing in a way that clearly showed they were enjoying Severus' humiliation, but James managed to take a breath and pretended to wipe away tears he had gotten from laughing.
"As you wish, Har." With a flick of his wand Severus was lowered, though he landed on the ground in a jumble of robes and limbs. Harry went to help up his friend, but, insulted and frustrated, Severus batted away his hand and glared at him. A flash of hurt shot across Harry's face, and he knew Severus saw it too because for a moment he looked regretful.
"Now scarper off, Snivellus, before I change my mind and hex you again. I could do with another laugh." James said coldly as he watched their exchange. He clearly didn't appreciate the way Severus was treating him and Harry knew this would only serve as another argument to why Harry shouldn't meet the Slytherin anymore. Severus glared at them all one last time, before turning on his heel and wandering off quickly.
James looked at Harry and Harry looked back. They were back where they started.
After a couple pleading reviews I read today, I just had to finish this and get it out to you!
I think I should do a cliffy more often, last chapter got 62 reviews! That's got to be the most for one chapter yet! You guys are awesome :D.
As for why Peter was 'triumphant' at the end of last chapter. Peter isn't very fond of Harry, because James, Sirius and Remus get along with him so well. As we saw in earlier scenes, when Harry is around, Peter tends to be less included, causing Peter to view Harry as someone who is stealing his position within the Marauders. Anything that could discredit Harry is James' eyes makes Peter happy.
And yes there is little Voldemort action right now, but trust me the things that happen now have a lot of influence on what happens later on, which DOES have a lot to do with Voldemort! Besides, during the Marauders' Hogwarts years the war is only just starting to brew, (at least how I picture it) so it's not as serious yet as in Harry's sixth or seventh year in Canon. However, it is also an author's wish to satisfy their readers, so I will try to add something to do Voldemort/Death Eaters!
And YES, James WILL mature into the wonderful guy we all picture him to be when he sacrifices himself for his wife and child!
Don't forget to make this author's day and REVIEWWW!
See ya
HarryPotterBlack7