The First Time – 4

Swift sniffed the ground intently, how had they let this happen?

"Got a sent!" she galloped over to Padfoot as he took off into the woods.

None of them were sure how it had happened, one minute Moony was there and the next he was gone.

It was the full moon, and the Marauders were divided. Moony was god-knows where, Prongs off searching for him with Worms, and she was stuck with Padfoot, thankful that the mutt had at the least picked up a sent.

A thousand situations ran through her mind, a thousand horrors. What if he'd attacked someone? What if they became a werewolf? What if they died?

Her eyes widened in fear and she ran past Padfoot, hoping to catch a glimpse of the wolf before it was too late.

They found him on the outskirts of the forest, stalking quietly through the underbrush. Swift panicked as she saw a small girl walking not five feet from him, a grey bear in her arms.

"Get the girl!" She commanded Padfoot as she ran headlong into the wolf, forcing him back.

Padfoot didn't like the command, didn't like leaving Swift to deal with a werewolf alone, but the small girl was more important now.

He snatched her teddy and ran a bit off, bowing and wagging his tail.

Come and get it…

"Hey!" The girl giggled before chasing after him and he led her further into the town. "Come back Snuffles, that's my teddy!"

The wolf snarled as she pushed him back, his claws coming out and grabbing onto her shoulders. She whinnied, running on for a few more meters before falling to the ground in pain.

They were far enough in that the girl was no longer in danger, but that wasn't what the wolf was thinking.

White hot anger, she could see it in his eyes as he looked at her. That flaming orange that alerted her to the danger she was in. The wolf charged, and she only just avoided it, dodging to the side and running further in,

Moony followed.

Her shoulders stung, and she was afraid. Afraid that Remus would hurt her, afraid that she would hurt him.

She tripped, falling to the ground hard, the wolf gaining ground. Prongs came out of nowhere, teeth exposed he shoved the wolf to the side.

Swift stood shakily, taking a stand beside her brother who now had a gash across his haunch, but the wolf was still out for blood.

"Stand down!" Prongs commanded, his voice hard as stone, "Stand down now!"

The wolf howled, teeth bared, he lunged…

Swift ducked the attack. She felt Moony's claws skim her back and she kicked out, there was a thunk.

"Is he hurt?" Swift asked changing back into a human immediately and falling to the ground, bloody hell…

"Just knocked out," Prongs answered, a hand placed on his bleeding thigh, "What a night."

"You're telling me," Swift grimaced.

Padfoot rushed in then, turning human immediately, "What happened? Where is Worms?"

"Long story, he's here," Prongs said taking Wormtail off his head and placing him on the ground.

"Will he wake up?" Peter jittered once he was human again.

"Not for a while," James said, his face twisted in pain, "Swift hit him pretty hard." He turned to his sister, "How are you?"

"Not great," he felt fear fill his gut at her pale face.

"Did he bite you?" James asked terrified.

"No, just his claws," Emma winced, "Hurts like the dickens though."

"Hell," Sirius muttered looking at her back, "He got you good, and right up the shoulders…"

"We have to move," James said from where he still sat on the ground, "We need to get inside and get our cuts cleaned up."

Sirius frowned, his head spinning from James to Emma to Remus, "Me and Worms will grab Moony, you two get up to the dormitory."

"You sure you can handle him Pads?" James asked.

"Positive, will you two be able to get up to the tower alright?"

"We'll manage," Emma said and James nodded in agreement.

"Very well, I'll see you in a few then," Sirius said levitating Remus and waiting for the others to follow him.

"This is stupid," Emma said when James failed to stand, "Hesphia!" she commanded, from where she was still seated on the ground.

James groaned as his leg healed, "Ow," he stated standing.

"It's not the best, but it will hold until we reach the dormitory," Emma said grimacing as she stood.

"Can you use the charm?" Sirius asked James.

"I suck at charms mate, especially that one. Only Swift and Moons have pulled it off, you know that."

Sirius frowned, watching Emma wince as her shredded shirt back rubbed her cut skin.

"Swift, I'm really sorry if this kills you," Sirius said grabbing his wand and standing behind Emma.

"What?" Emma asked spinning around.

"I'm going to attempt the spell."

"No thank you, I like living."

Sirius growled, and spun her around. Before she could protest James had taken her upper arms, a guilty grin on his face.

"If I turn purple or something Black I'll kill you!" she screeched.

"Noted," Sirius muttered. He took a moment to compose himself, praying that this would work, half terrified he would hurt her, "Hesphia!" he commanded.

He watched in awe as her skin knit together, with a wide grin he did the spell again, healing the cuts along her shoulders.

When he was finished Emma took a moment to inspect herself before sniffing, "I suppose I owe you one?"

"How about you say I was right?" Padfoot asked, a wicked grin on his face, "Go on Swift, say it."

Swift huffed, "Very well Padfoot, you were right."

"Was that so hard?" Padfoot chuckled as she muttered something under her breath. "Well, see you two in a few then, must be off, dangerous werewolf and all," he smirked before leaving, Wormtail in tow.

Prongs and Swift exchanged a look before beginning to walk back to the tower, thankful that they ran into no one.

The next morning came far too soon, as all after-moon mornings did.

"I hate you," Prongs muttered, his bloodshot eyes fixed on his eggs.

"I hate you too," Padfoot stated groggily.

"I hate you more," Swift said turning to Prongs, "For booking us all in for quidditch practice."

Padfoot groaned, falling face-first onto the table, "Hell bloody bugger," he muttered.

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Prongs sighed.

They were joined then by Joyce, Rob and Whitney.

"Are you feeling okay?" Rob asked Emma quietly pushing her hair from her face, "You look like you've been up all night."

"Marauder stuff," Swift murmured leaning against him so that he became her makeshift pillow.

"You should sleep tonight, skip practise," Rob murmured, using his free arm to get himself some breakfast.

"No, team's too important," Swift sighed, sitting straight and glaring as Night Hawk landed in front of her yet again, "You don't even have mail today, bugger off bird," she said making shooing motions with her hands.

Night ruffled his feathers in annoyance, still waiting. Archimedes landed then, pushing the larger black owl out of his way. Archimedes hooted lowly before sticking out his leg.

"Thanks Arch," Swift murmured taking the letter, she shot Night a glare.

They watched mesmerised as Archimedes seemed to study her, his eyes narrowing.

"Arch?" Swift asked shocked, what was up with her bird?

The barn owl turned from her, flapping his wings at Night Hawk and chasing him from the great hall.

Swift smirked at everyone's dumbstruck expression, "He's a smart owl," she said proudly.

"He's a bloody idiot, Night is twice the size of him," Padfoot argued shaking his head.

Swift glared.

"Where is Remus?" Rob asked then, noting as the Marauders exchanged looks.

"He's not feeling well," Sirius said at last, "Our adventures took a lot out of him."

Rob's eyes rose, he noticed the guilty look on his girlfriend's face. Had she done something to Remus?

"Not important right now," he watched James wave it away, "Pomfrey said he would be good as new in no time."

"He's in the Hospital Wing?" Rob asked dumbfounded.

He watched Sirius and Emma glare at James, "He hit his head last night," Emma said then, swishing her hash browns around on her plate.

"Ran into a tree," Sirius added, glaring at Emma's guilty expression, "It wasn't your fault…" he whispered looking at her.

She stood abruptly, glaring at Sirius before leaving.

"Someone's touchy this morning," Joyce said looking shocked, "Emma almost never throws a fit."

"She blames herself," James sighed, "It wasn't her fault, even Remus agrees."

"What happened?" Rob asked, wondering what could have possibly made Remus hitting his head her fault.

"He… snuck up on her. She thought he was an animal and she kicked him… Remus stumbled into a tree and hit his head," James explained, leaving out the bit where Remus was a werewolf bent on killing Swift only the night before. "He's got a concussion, and she feels awful."

"Where were you that she was that jumpy?" Rob asked, "Wait, were you in the forest?"

He watched as James and Sirius exchanged a look. Beside them Peter was jittery, "We were where we were," Sirius answered at last, "Excuse me, I need to go and talk some sense into her."

"I'll go," Rob offered standing, "Perhaps an outside opinion-"

"Sorry Rob," Sirius said looking stern, "but this isn't something you would understand, it's Marauder business."

Rob blinked in shock as Sirius left the table, his food only half finished. "Excuse me," he said leaving and following the Marauder.

"Bets Worms?" James asked.

"Ten sickles says Pads murders him," Wormtail answered still eating.

"Very well," Prongs nodded, "I bet that he tortures him and then murders him."

"Deal," Wormtail nodded, "I hope Pads is in a good mood."

"Oh?" Prongs cocked an eyebrow.

"I don't want to lose," Wormtail explained.

"Swift!" Padfoot sped up as he caught site of red hair swirling around a corner. He sighed, speeding into a run. She might be a wandless, but he was a guy, and he was faster… on the ground anyways.

He caught hold of her arm and spun her around, "It wasn't your fault," he said, "You could have died if you hadn't-"

Rob paused on the other side of the wall, listening.

"I could have killed him!" Swift screeched.

"But you didn't! You didn't lose control, and you barely hit him compared to what you could have-"

Rob listened as they spoke. He knew it was wrong, but they sounded so secretive. Nothing was said that an outsider could piece together, they almost spoke in riddles.

Swift gave a mirthless laugh, "Yes, compared to the damage I could have done," she cut him off.

Padfoot sighed and pulled her into a hug, "Moons is fine Swift."

"What if we lose him again?" She sniffed into his shoulder.

"We won't."

"You can't know that."

Padfoot sighed, "We all learned a lesson last night," he said wiping her tears, "Now go outside and calm your bloody boyfriend down."

Rob blinked, they'd known he was there?

"You knew?" Swift asked astonished.

Padfoot sighed, "I can read your face well enough by now, besides, compared to some of our stalkers he's rather loud."

Rob paused as he heard his girlfriend chuckle, "Only because he isn't sneaking around," he smiled as she chastised Sirius, "Come in Rob."

Rob entered the room guiltily, "Sorry, I just didn't want to interrupt… but I wanted to make sure you were okay, and well…"

"It's fine," Swift smiled at him and gave him a hug.

"I'll just be off then," Sirius said with a smirk, "Find a damsel in distress that will pay me," he paused, "Speaking of payment-"

Swift sighed and reached into her pocket, "Two sickles, are you bloody well happy now?"

Padfoot grinned, "I love it when I'm right," he said before leaving.

"Should I ask?" Rob questioned.

Swift chuckled and pulled him closer, "A bet we had last year, he won, the idiot."

"I see," Rob nodded, "Well, much as I love standing here with you we should get going, class will start soon."

Swift pulled away and they left; never to mention her knocking Remus out again.

She looked out the window in Pooglian's classroom sometime later in irritation. It was raining. Perfect, just what I wanted to practise quidditch in, she thought in annoyance.

She sighed before turning back to the front. Lily and Severus were deep in conversation, obviously something was up.

She sat back in her chair and watched as Lily hissed something at Sev, ah, now she knew what they were arguing over.

Lily disapproved of Sev's friends, not that Swift could blame her, they were all evil gits. Severus disagreed though, said their pranks were all in good fun. She frowned, remembering that Regulus had been seen in their group lately… perhaps she should find the little squirt and have a chat with him.

Reg really was too cute, in a little brother sort of way, they all considered him extended family, related to them through Padfoot. But lately Reg had been looking more and more worn, maybe if she spoke to him… she jumped, startled from her thoughts as Wormtail nudged her. He gave her a look that clearly said, "Where were you?"

"Sorry," she muttered, placing her quill back on the parchment and beginning to take notes again.

Moony was in the hospital wing, thanks to her kicking him in the head the previous night. Pomfrey had already forbid him from practising quidditch until at least Wednesday.

She sighed, this class seemed a lot less interesting without her best friend present. It was fairly obvious that Remus and her were best friends, same as Sirius and James. Peter was never left out though, they did everything as a group, they never split off into pair or anything.

She followed the others when class ended, preparing for a long arse day.

Prongs frowned as they entered the quidditch pitch, bloody rain! He thought, that's all they needed, having been up for over 30 hours, rain.

There was no choice though. Gryffindor had won the cup three years in a row, and he wasn't going to be the captain that ended the trend. He half wished Janice was here, she would have known what to do.

Elaine was a good flyer, truly skilled, but she lacked some of the techniques that an older player would know. He guessed Janice had gone through the same thing when she had taken him on the team. He paused, how had she dealt with three second years?

When everyone was assembled he gave them the signal to hit the sky. Swift played Keeper in Moony's stead; and he had to say she was bloody awful at it. How was it that the girl could catch the snitch and miss the quaffle?

Elaine seemed to improve as the night went on. He and Frank gave her as much advice as they could, and her constant scoring certainly improved her confidence.

"Well I know why James didn't make you keeper," Frank commented with a playful smile as they entered the change rooms completely soaked, "Did you block one?"

He chuckled as Swift through her wet towel at him, getting him right in the face.

"Alright children settle down," Padfoot said coming in and handing Swift a dry towel so that she could continue drying her hair, "Don't want Swift to have a tantrum – trust me," he chuckled at her glare.

"Mutt," she snapped at him.

"Horse," he retorted.

"Okay, the dog comment I get," Elaine began confused, "But horse?"

"Long story," Prongs sighed, "Let us simply say, that Swift has a horse fetish."

"Yeah, and Padfoot has dog breath," Swift muttered.

"I beg your pardon?" Padfoot asked shocked and stopping in his hair drying, "Prongs, rein your horse in."

"Put the dog on a leash you mean?" Swift quipped.

"Give her a sugar cube."

"And him a dog bone."

"Blinders!"

"Muzzle!"

"Alright!" Prongs hit them both in the back of the head, "Enough kiddies."

"He'd make a nice wall ornament," Prongs turned to see Swift trying to cover her giggled by shoving her fist in her mouth.

"Beg your pardon Pads?" he asked the half soaked mutt cheerily.

"I said you'd make a nice wall ornament, you know, hang your antlers over a mantel and-"

He was cut off by Prongs who sighed and said, "Swift, get him a nice chew toy for Christmas."

"Will do pack leader!" he chuckled as she saluted him.

"I don't get it!" Elaine fumed, "What's up with the animal names?"

"Comes from when we were in first year. We were hell bent on becoming Animagi, course we never managed it," Swift shrugged, "Named each other after the animal the book said we would turn into."

"Oh… cool." Elaine grinned, "What would I be?"

"A mouse," the Marauders laughed as they answered in unison, Elaine simply groaned.

"Knew you would say that."

"But how is it that you'd be a horse?" Rob asked squinting at his girlfriend, "I mean shouldn't you possess qualities or traits associated with your animal?"

"I do," Swift answered, trying not to sound offended.

"I don't see it," Rob frowned, "You'd be more of a… swan."

"A swan?" Swift asked dumbstruck.

"Sure, swans are beautiful, elegant, enchanting," Swift blushed as he listed traits off on his fingers.

"Yeah but Swift is a horse," Padfoot argued, "Wild, untameable, free, independent, majestic," he snorted, "Swan indeed."

"Swans can be free," Rob argued.

"Yeah, but they aren't completely untameable," Padfoot argued.

"Well I find Prongs' name odd," Elaine said cutting the boys' argument off, Emma looked rather terrified.

"For a stag," Prongs explained.

"So those characteristics are?" Elaine pressed as she followed Emma behind a wall to change.

"Proud, elegant, noble," Swift was quick to keep the new conversation going.

"Yeah, and I'm a dog, loyal, protective, cuddly, loveable," Padfoot began.

"Annoying," Swift smirked.

"Egotistical," Prongs said in agreement.

"Hard headed," Swift continued.

"Yeah, you're really one to talk. Sometimes I'm amazed you're not a mule," Padfoot shot at Swift.

"Is this because I wouldn't let you copy my DADA?"

"Possible."

Swift snorted, "Okay Pads," she said making her way from the change room and back into the main area, Elaine trailing her.

"So are we going to pick up Moons now?" Prongs asked.

"Yeah," Swift nodded.

"What's Moony for?" Frank asked.

"He's a…" Padfoot paused looking for an appropriate animal.

"Owl," Swift answered quickly, "We named him Moony because he's nocturnal."

"Yeah I can see that," Rob nodded, "Wisdom right?"

Swift nodded in relief, "Exactly."

"And Wormtail?" Elaine asked.

"A… what was Worms?" Prongs asked Padfoot, Moony couldn't be the only name they paused at…

"Rat," Pads answered easily.

"Right," Prongs nodded.

"That was some quick thinking," Padfoot congratulated Swift as they left the rest of the team for the hospital wing.

"Thanks, wouldn't have worked without Prongs though, good acting," she congratulated her brother.

"All in a day's work," Prongs muttered as they entered the wing, "Yo Moons, if anyone asks you turn into an owl and your name is because you're nocturnal."

"Do I want to know?" Moony asked hopping off the bed.

"No," the three said in unison before chuckling.

"Very well," Moony sighed, "Let's hear it."

They explained the conversation in the change room on their way to the tower.

"That was extremely irresponsible," Remus chastised them, "You need to learn to watch your tongue."

"No one will work it out Moons," Sirius blew it off, beside him Emma looked guilty.

"That's what you thought last time you acted without thinking," Remus shot at him. Sirius ducked his head, the reminder of the Whomping Willow incident fresh in his mind.

"'m sorry," he murmured.

"Quite alright, just please exercise caution in future, I-" Remus and Emma stopped walking abruptly.

"Did you hear that?" Emma asked Sirius and James.

"What?" Sirius asked just before an ear-splitting scream reached them.

They exchanged a look of terror before taking off for the sound. They tore through the halls, racing at breakneck speeds as the yell rang out again.

Suddenly they saw a light at the end of the corridor, "Filthy Mudblood," a voice sneered, a wand raised, "Cruisi-"

"Protem!" Emma screamed raising her wand.

The shield covered the figure on the ground, but the spell never reached the target anyways. Sirius and James hadn't stopped running, instead flinging themselves at the two attackers.

"Mary," Remus kneeled before the girl on the floor, her lip swollen and nasty gashes covering her, "Can you hear me?"

"Yeah, I'b okay Rebus," Mary said, her lip impeding her speech.

"Jonix!" Remus turned wide eyed as he heard the leg-breaking hex. He watched Emma raise Protem, as the spell re-bounded from James and hit the original caster instead.

"Corpus Collosum!" Sirius bellowed, turning the other attacker into a warped parade balloon.

"Well well, if it isn't Mulciber and Avery," Emma stated coldly watching them.

"Filthy Mudblood," Avery spat at her, clutching his leg in pain. Without warning Sirius' fist collided with his skull.

"Take it back," Sirius snarled.

"Calm yourself," James ordered his best mate, "Let's get them to Dumbledore, I'm sure he can best settle this."

"Agreed," Swift nodded, "Until then, Stupefy!"

"Not Bumblebore!" Mary squealed, "They saib ib I tolb they'b do it again!"

"Mary, Dumbledore can set this straight," Remus said soothingly.

"Nob!" Mary shook her head.

Remus sighed, "Well first things first, Episky!"

Mary felt her lip as it shrank, "Thanks."

"It was his pleasure," Emma said running her wand along Mary's forehead and attempting to heal the gash, "What?" she murmured when there was no change.

"Are you in control?" Sirius asked her, remembering the last time her magic had failed.

"As well as can be expected," Emma murmured, "Hesphia has never failed."

"It won't work on dark magic," Remus countered.

Emma's eyes widened in shock, "That crusi thing you mean?"

"No," Sirius shook his head, "That's an unforgivable, this is something else."

"Well whatever it is she's still bleeding," Remus thundered, "Pomfrey now."

"You take her to Pomfrey, we'll get Avery and Mulciber," James said, "Can you handle her?"

"Fine, see you soon," Remus said hoisting Macdonald into his arms and taking off.

"I'll have to thank Snivelly for that hex," Sirius said kicking Mulciber, "Never would have thought of it otherwise."

"Snivelly doesn't need to know," James stated levitating a swollen Avery, "Let's go."

Emma knocked on the headmaster's door a short while later, "Come in," she entered as his voice permeated the door.

"Ah! Emma, I had begun to think you hadn't received my letter, we need to-" He stopped mid-sentence as James and Sirius entered, "What has happened?"

"Sir," Sirius began, "They attacked Mary Macdonald, we got there just in time, Mulciber was going to use Crusio on her."

Dumbledore's face darkened, "Enervate," he whispered over the two boys. When their eyes opened he commanded, "Explain."

They spent a good three hours in his office, Mary, Remus, Slughorn and McGonagall joining them.

"Three months suspension," Dumbledore said at last, "The duration of which shall be spent in school. However you are to attend class and then spend your time, including meals, in a room I will assign you. The portrait shall inform me if you are late or leave, and if you do you will face expulsion. Have I made myself clear?"

"Mr Potter, Mr Black, Mr Lupin, Miss Dill, Miss Macdonald, you are excused, and 200 points to Gryffindor for your admirable bravery," Dumbledore watched them leave before going into further detail about the boys' punishments.

Swift and Mary entered the girl's dormitory only to be assaulted by worried questions. It took only moments for Mary to break into tears, recounting the entire thing. Swift slipped away though, she hadn't slept the night before, and she wasn't planning on getting up anytime soon.

When she woke up the next morning it was to find Lily sitting beside her.

"What time is it?"

"Two in the afternoon, I was beginning to think you had slipped into a coma," Lily smirked as Emma rolled over with a groan, "Dumbledore excused us all from class, and Mary went home for the rest of the week to be with her family."

"I'm sure that will make her feel better," Swift grumbled into her pillow.

Lily nodded, "Rob says hi, he sent a letter by owl since he can't come up the staircase, it said he thinks you're brave."

"You read it?"

"I am your best friend," Swift grunted at her reply, "It wasn't addressed, I didn't realize it was yours at first."

"Understood," Swift reached out and grabbed the letter Lily held out for her,

Dear Emma,

I hope that you are okay, I heard about what happened last night with Mary Macdonald. I can't believe those boys, they really have issues. There is no excuse for their behaviour and I can't believe Dumbledore didn't expel them.

That was really brave of you, going to help her, but you should exercise more caution, what if there had been more of them? They could have hurt you! Next time get a teacher, I don't want you getting hurt.

Sorry I can't send this in person, staircase won't let me up.

Get some rest,

Rob.

"He worries too much," Swift murmured putting the letter on her nightstand.

"Well he doesn't realize you're a wandless," Lily reasoned, "Are you going to sleep some more?"

"Yes, would you mind getting me up for dinner? I have quiditch tonight."

"Alright, if you need me I'm going to go to the common room, the rest of the girls are there."

"And the Marauders?"

"Still sleeping, same as you."

"Figured, thanks Lil."

"No problem, sweet dreams."

Dumbledore frowned as he stared out the window. The Gryffindor team was practicing.

They were amazing flyers, all of them, but one stood out from the rest, weaving and dodging, a stream of fiery hair trailing behind them, behind her.

He had known that when he let her into the school there would be complications. That things would run amuck, he had only hoped that Emma would be willing to fix the problem. He had never considered that it would be he that had a problem putting the solution into action.

She was so happy. He could almost see the smile on her face. She had wonderful friends, good grades, and a promising spot on the quidditch team, so what was the problem?

Her boyfriend.

Dumbledore's frown deepened the more he thought about the predicament. He had been teaching her control for three and a half years now, he'd taught her situations to avoid. Emotions, a wandless' greatest danger, to feel. How could he strip such a happiness from her? She was more then a student, he was loath to admit, her courage had carved her a special knish in his heart. He could say the same for any of the Marauders, how was it that the most mischievous students had won him over? He shook his head. It hardly mattered, they had.

Dumbledore watched them fly a bit longer, sorrow his only feature. There was no way to keep her happy and protect the rest, he knew, but that didn't keep him from wishing.

It was possibly the first time he had ever regretted letting Emma enter Hogwarts, because if she hadn't entered Hogwarts, then he wouldn't have to break her heart.

"Emma can I speak to you for a moment?" Emma looked up from breakfast the next morning to see Lily.

"Yeah," she said standing and giving Rob a kiss on the cheek (the Marauders made gagging faces), "What's up?" she asked when they were half way down a hall.

"We need to talk to Sev about his friends," Lily said.

Swift nodded in agreement, "When?"

"Tonight," Lily responded, looking around secretively as people started to fill the corridor on their way to class, "Will you meet us by the lake after practise?"

"Yes," Swift nodded, "But I'm not sure it will help Lil."

"How can it not?" Lily shook her head, "Sev isn't evil, not like them."

"No, but…" Swift struggled for words.

"It'll be fine," Lily was convinced, "I'll see you then."

Swift followed her with a sigh, thankful for once that she had History of Magic, at least she would be able to think.

"You wanted to meet?" Lily jumped as Sev stepped out of the shadows.

"You do that almost better then Emma," she said walking towards him.

"Slytherin," he smirked, "What is wrong?"

"We need to talk about some things Sev," Lily said beginning to walk, "Emma agrees."

"Of course she does," Severus sighed, "What is the matter? We haven't spoken in ages."

"I'm sorry Sev, but I've been busy. Things have been hectic. What with Alice, Emma and Joyce dating, Marlene stalking Black and Mary…" she shook her head, "It's been intense."

"But we haven't spoken in ages, I thought we were supposed to be friends, best friends?"

"We are Sev, but I don't like some of the people you're hanging around with!" Lily said throwing caution to the wind, "I'm sorry, but I detest Avery and Mulciber! Mulciber! What do you see in him, Sev? He's creepy!" Especially the way he looks at me, Lily added in her head, "D'you know what he tried to do to Mary Macdonald the other day?"

She leaned up against a pillar, waiting for him to speak, "That was nothing," she felt her eyes widen as he spoke, "It was a laugh that's all-"

"It was dark magic!" Lily spat, "And if you think that's funny-"

"What about the stuff Potter and his mates get up to?" Severus demanded, and Lily was surprised to see the colour rise in his cheeks.

"What has Potter got to do with anything?"

"They sneak out at night, what do they do? And they pull all kinds of pranks-"

"Why are you so obsessed with them? Why do you care what they're doing at night?" Lily sighed.

"I'm just trying to show you they're not as wonderful as everyone seems to think they are," Severus said sincerely and Lily felt herself blush as his gaze bore into her.

"They don't use dark magic though," Lily said forcing her voice to be cold. She had to get back to business.

"I won't let you-"

"Let me? Let me?" Lily glared at him, no one owned her.

"I didn't mean – I just don't want to see you made a fool of – he fancies you, James Potter fancies you! And he's not… Everyone thinks… Big Quidditch hero…" Severus muttered bitterly.

"I know James Potter is an arrogant toe rag," Lily spat, her eyebrows raised, "I don't need you to tell me that. But Avery and Mulciber's idea of humour is evil. Evil Sev. I don't understand how you can be friends with them."

Severus' head shot up and he followed her with a new spring in his step, "So you don't like Potter?" he had feared that she was avoiding him, that she had been coerced by Potter.

"No, I mean did you see that troop of singing armour?" she shook her head, "But I am serious Sev, Avery and Mulciber-"

"You don't approve," Severus couldn't help but grin, Lily wasn't pleased.

"I don't."

"You just don't know them the way I do," Severus said, trying to sooth her.

Lily opened her mouth to argue but was interrupted, "I know what it's like to be on the wrong end of their wand," Swift stated, jogging their way, "Shoddy spell work at best."

"See?" Severus grinned, "No worries-"

"I said their spell work was shoddy," Swift stated gripping his forearm as he turned away, "but their Dark Magic is well developed. They were going to use a spell last night, one I haven't heard of, Cruisio."

She watched his face twist, "They wouldn't be so stupid."

"So stupid, not so evil?" Lily interrupted him, "You would believe it of them if not for the consequences wouldn't you?"

"I-" Severus began but Lily cut him off,

"Grow up Severus," she stated walking off in a huff.

"Lily!" Severus called after her, his face falling when she didn't turn around.

"I know you like her Severus," Severus snapped to attention, almost having forgotten about Emma.

"Beg pardon?" he sneered.

"Perhaps I should say Love instead?" she smirked at his narrowed eyes, "She'll forgive you for that slip, you know she will. But consider, that could have been her last night-"

"They would never-"

"You instructed them never to touch her didn't you?" Swift asked disgusted.

"They wouldn't anyways; she's a good person-"

"A mudblood," Swift spat the word, "And they would attack her without a second thought, you know it."

"Excuse me wandless, but I have a friend to watch over," Severus sneered walking away from her.

"You can't keep an eye on her forever Sev, what will you do if they go after her?" Swift shouted after him. Severus only sped up in response.

It was true, Severus had loved Lily since he was nine, when he had first seen her at the park. He considered Emma a friend, and she could look after herself on the walk to Gryffindor tower, but what if Emma was right? If they tried to hurt Lily? He sped up just thinking about it, they would never touch her.

Halloween approached quickly, and before they knew it the halls were filled with jack-o-lanterns, bats and spider's webs.

"Prank," Padfoot demanded sitting across from Swift and Rob in the common room.

"Now?" Swift asked snapping her book shut.

Padfoot nodded. Rob grinned, "Go on," he said.

Swift's eyes narrowed as she followed Padfoot up to the dormitory, "You cross with me?" he asked her.

"No," she said, her voice drawn, "Not you."

Padfoot felt a grin creep across his face as she said it, "Your boyfriend."

"He just…" she paused, "I feel like… almost like he expects me to ask him if I can do things."

"That's called a relationship," Moony said from where he was sitting beside the Map, "Why do you think Prongs ditched Joyce?"

"Don't remind me, she wouldn't stop crying," Swift muttered sitting.

"Really?" Prongs looked guilty.

"Everyone saw it coming but her, don't feel guilty," she said patting her brother's shoulder.

"So you going to ditch him?" Pads asked.

"No, he's really sweet, I really like him," she shrugged, "I just wish I had a bit more freedom."

"That's why she's a horse and not a swan," Padfoot whispered to Worms.

"You still on about that?" Swift chuckled shaking her head, "Boys," she muttered, "So any ideas?"

Dumbledore sat down to at the Halloween Feast hungry. He had had to skip lunch in order to converse with the Minister for Magic about Voldemort.

He waited in annoyance for the food to appear, what was taking so long? He looked up to find a pretty silver script on the wall,

The Food Is Getting Cold People, Get Eating!

Dumbledore looked down to the platters on the high table in confusion, they were still empty. With a frown he reached forward and prodded the air above a platter with his fork.

It stuck.

"Ah!" he chuckled in amusement, "I believe that the food is invisible," he told the hall at large, "Dig in!"

People laughed as they began serving themselves, enjoying the element of surprise.

The Marauders exchanged looks as they ate, their smirks evident.

They were making their way back to the common room when Rob ran up to them, "Hey Em, can I talk to you for a second?" Swift nodded in confusion before following him.

Padfoot smiled as they left. He hated the idiot for dating her, but she deserved to be happy, no matter what. He frowned, speaking of happy, it was about time for him to get rid of Carp… she wasn't as much fun anymore…

"What's up?" Swift asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Of sorts," Rob shuffled and Swift quirked a brow.

"Shoot," she said.

"You know I respect your freedom right?" he asked her suddenly. Swift frowned, huh, "I mean, I love your independence. The whole, I'm me so buzz off attitude."

"Are you feeling okay?" She asked him walking closer.

Rob grinned, "If you'll forgive me?"

Swift snorted, "I have no idea what you did, but sure."

Rob leaned in closer then, so that Swift was almost cross-eyed looking at him.

They had kissed before, but this was something else. Before she could think through the action she was gripping him in a vice, her hands roaming through his hair and up his back. She could feel him doing the same.

She felt a hum go up through her then, as the kiss intensified, before she could call it back a spark lighted from her finger tips.

"Ow!" Rob snapped back from her and rubbed his head. Swift stood shocked, had she just… "Must have been static," Rob murmured, "Did you feel it."

She felt like the walls were closing in on her, like they were spinning.

"Emma?" Rob asked concerned.

"I have to go see Dumbledore," Swift snapped back together and ran down the passage without looking back.

It wasn't possible, it wasn't true. She ran through a door pretending to be a solid wall and up a flight of stairs. How had she lost control? She hadn't even been angry, she had been… well very happy.

She came to a running stop beside the gargoyle, "Peppermint imps," she wheezed.

"Password changed," it informed her.

"This is an emergency, please! Come on, what's your name?"

"Gregory," the gargoyle shifted uneasily.

"Okay Gregory well I have a very big problem and I need to see the Headmaster NOW!" Every torch in the corridor went out as she shouted.

"Okay," the gargoyle moved immediately.

She burst into the office without even knocking, her body shaking; "Explain!" she demanded the startled headmaster.

"Emma I don't-"

"Explain why I shocked him!" she screamed as the room began shaking.

She had no idea how he eventually calmed her down, maybe he'd enchanted her, she didn't care. All she knew was that she was now sitting in front of the headmaster, a cup of tea in her hands.

"It's not only anger and sadness that you need to worry about," Dumbledore explained sadly, "All emotions will cause you to have a response. Happiness, love," he paused, "I am so sorry."

"So then I won't… I can't-"

"No," Dumbledore confirmed her worst fear, "Wandless don't get married or have children. They don't fall in love. When they go against that… No one has ever been with a wandless and lived."

She watched her tears fall into her untouched cup of tea, "I understand, I'll fix it."

"I am so sorry-"

"Don't be sir," Emma cut him off standing, "It was the first time I hurt an innocent, and it will be the last."

Dumbledore watched her leave, wishing he could have given her a different answer.

Rob looked up as Emma entered the common room, "Are you okay?" he asked terrified as she entered, "What happened-"

"It's over Rob," Rob stood shocked as she spoke, her face as cold as stone. There wasn't a single emotion, "I'm sorry, please believe me when I say that it wasn't you, but me," she took a step away from him, "I'll see you around."

He watched as she left dumbfounded, wondering how she could be serious.

Swift cried herself to sleep that night. Wishing that it wasn't true. She dreamed of the life she would never have, a husband and four happy children surrounding her.

Dumbledore explained.

Avery and Mulciber are not sent home for their suspension because Dumbledore realizes that their parents would be proud of them. Therefore it would not be a punishment. They are suspended because Dumbledore is a forgiving man and believes in second chances. I would have expelled them, Dumbledore's far more forgiving then me. They are separated from the other students so that they can not cause more harm, if they break the curfews Dumbledore has set they will be expelled.

Robert Bell writes in Monotype Corsiva

Hard to believe that was only the end of October, oi. Apologies, I just realized I have been spelling Quidditch and Mary Macdonald wrong the whole story – my bad.

Disclaimer!

There is a piece in here from the 7th Harry Potter Book, pages 540-541, when Lily and Sev are talking about Avery and Mulciber. I am not J.k. Rowling, I did not write that bit of material.