Whoa, that was a hard start. Meanwhile, I translate just by a feeling, not really by my knowledge... I'm really sorry for that. Have fun anyway ^^ There are only 25 Chapters left though.
Chapter 50 – trust
As Sirius and James rushed into the hospital wing with her friend, Pomfrey was already standing by to take care of her even though she was about to prepare everything for Remus' transformation. At least, the medicine on the table was indicating that.
"She has a fever," Sirius explained while laying her down onto a bed.
"Fever?" Pomfrey asked worriedly, but twitched back deeply concerned as she touched her forehead.
"Dear Merlin! She's burning up!"
"Madame Pomfrey? What's wrong with her?"
"Not now, Mr. Black. You and Mr. Potter should leave the hospital wing, now! I'll take care of Miss White."
"But -"
"No, Mr. Black! You will leave immediately!"
Chuntering, they left the room but remained outside the door as the nurse shut it close. James placed his hand on his friend's shoulder, pressing it encouraging.
"It's going to be okay. Who knows, maybe she only got a fever."
"Or Snape's curse has done worse!"
'Or Melissa did it,' James thought, but kept it to himself.
"If that was the case, Pomfrey would have already find out and she wouldn't have had released Anna that easily."
"You think... you think someone poison her?"
"Come on, Pad! Don't be stupid!"
That wasn't anything James wanted to hear and there was still something inside him that forced down the voice telling him that his ex-girlfriend had tried again to kill one of his best friends.
"Pomfrey will help her. So far, she managed to patch up anyone. Let's go back to the commons and wait there for more."
"James."
"Lilli?!" he asked surprised as she joined them. "McGonagall has sent me. She wants us to meet her in her office before rounds. Something important."
"Rounds, damn!"
It was just now that he remembered there was no one to replace him on the rounds. Until now, Anna had always done that, but she wasn't in any condition to do that tonight.
"Padfoot, you have to keep Moony company with only Wormtail for a while. I'll catch up as soon as possible. In the forbidden forest at the huge oak tree?"
"James, I can do the rounds alone," Lilli suggested, but he only shook his head.
"Nah, too dangerous. Especially the Slytherin dungeon. We will do the rounds together and then I'll catch up to them."
"Suit yourself, mate," Sirius said, before turning around to walk back to the commons as they went to Mcgonagall.
They had just disappeared behind a corner when Sirius spotted another student on the corridor who was approaching him and who he wanted to beat down hard. Severus Snape. The Slytherin kept on giving him an arrogant glance until they met in the middle of floor.
"Well, Black. On your own, tonight? Or did White already meet her maker?"
And in the split of a second, Sirius had thrown Snape with his fists at his collar onto the wall.
"You obnoxious git! What did you do to her?! If it's your fault that she's in the hospital wing, I'll beat the crap out of you!"
"Are you going to do or just keep on talking? McGonagall thinks I'm innocent. Kingcade took all the blame, so I can sample the pleasure of this night."
"Then, let me give you pleasure, you stupid-"
"Fighting on the corridor is not allowed!"
Jone Zanders, a prefect from Ravenclaw shouted, causing Sirius to stop, even though he had already clenched his fist at Snape. He knew that she had been also pointing her wand at him to be prepared to prevent him from beating the classmate if he tried to against her order, but his fist was still clenched tight against the Slytherin student. Sirius trembled, his fist trembled, because he wanted to hurt this thing in front of him so badly for what he did, what he had said about the girl, Sirius was in love with. Snape wasn't a human for him anymore, he was a monster without any feelings.
"Sirius, please," Zanders pleaded firmly.
He growled angrily and let go of his enemy, who gave a filthy laugh as he wiped away the dirt from his cloak to show what he thought of the Marauder. Sirius wanted to leave to do something more important like keeping his friend company in his transformation but stopped as he spotted Flitwick and Ick taking Remus outside towards the Whomping Willow. Even though both guys had only met for a few seconds, it was enough for Sirius to throw soundlessly the words I'll catch up to you at him and Remus nodded understandingly before disappearing behind the corner.
"I can smell a secret," Snape hissed back at Sirius, who didn't look around to him, yet. "I know it, Black. You and your filthy friends are hiding something. Something, that could get you all expelled and I will find out what it is to put you all back into that deep, hideous hole you belong."
"Really?" Sirius asked calmly, even though he was anything but calm. He glanced at Jone Zanders, who was still standing near them on the floor to make sure that they aren't going to break into a fight. She was a good prefect because Sirius knew that if she had left, he would have smashed Snape as hard as it was possible... probably even killed him. It was what he wished for him... death. He hated him and had always hated him because of all the things he did and had done. He hated Snape since the first second they set eyes on each other and they had been nemesis since that day, wishing each other the worse of all. The longer he stared at him, the more he wished for this monster to die, to suffer. Sirius caught sight of the full moon, who was about to show his hole glory. Then, Remus would transform into a werewolf. A werewolf... That was painful to be attacked by an werewolf, to be hunt down and bite by a werewolf... But Snape would have deserved it.
He was the only one, Sirius would wish the worse for. The Slytherin had tried to harm his best friend or even kill him. He hurt Anna. Because of this git, she was laying in the hospital wing with a fever or maybe even worse. He deserved it... Sirius' hatred at Snape grew harder and everything else became just meaningless. His anger, his fury covered his rationality and what's left was the demand to harm him as cruel as he could. He turned to Snape and signalised outside the window down to the Whomping Willow.
"You want to know? If you have the guts, then go, Snievellus. Go down to the Whomping Willow, to the huge oak tree at the edge of the forbidden forest. There, you get your stupid secret. Or are you a coward? Obviously, you look like one. The biggest fraidy-cat of all. Just talking big, I see, you're good in doing that. Don't have any guts at all! If you have, you would go down to find out a stupid little secret. Disgusting spawn of dirt!"
With those despising words, he bumped him harsh on the shoulder and walked away. He didn't care if Snape would dare to come or not. Deep inside, he wished for him to come and to suffer. He mourned the fact that the Slytherin would be a too great chicken to really appear there.
"How's Anna?" Lilli asked worriedly, as she went through the Slytherin dungeon with James at her side. He only shrugged.
"Dunno. She had a high fever when we left. Even though I'm concerned, I don't think it's serious. Pomfrey is there and Dumbledore would never let anything happen to his great-granddaughter. If it's serious, he would admit her to St. Mungo's."
"Mhm... you're right. I don't know... it's just strange to see Sirius and Anna together like that... you know... like together together."
"Tell me about it," he laughed. "I know both since forever and most the time they were on each other's throat. But I have to admit, there is no better one for Sirius. At least, Anna isn't one of those giggling bimbos, whose smartest sentence is: Look, my gum looks like Dumbledore's beard."
Lilli chuckled amusedly.
"Sounds like a Slytherin girl. So, you rather wanted Anna for him?"
"Anna is one of my best friends. I know how she is."
"And how is she?"
"Good?"
"Good?"
"Good."
"And... how am I?"
"You?"
"Yes?"
She had put on such a gorgeous smile, James thought he would go mad if he didn't immediately pull her into his arms to press his lips on hers and kiss her passionately, but instead he suppressed his desire and kept this picture in his mind.
"I'm sorry," she whispered awkwardly, stroking her hair behind the ear. "You just broke up with her and... I shouldn't do that. I mean... flirting with you."
"No... you shouldn't..."
"Yeah, right..."
Was this really possible? Could it be that destiny gave him a second chance for love? He had been imagining several times how it would be if they started dating despite everything that had happened between them. No matter how much he always longed for her, he never thought this day would really come... until now.
"I should do it," he suddenly said and Lilli glared at him in surprise. Heat shot up her body, her heart was pounding hard and her knees felt at a single blow wobbly... This was what she wanted all along, the whole time, but didn't think it would ever come... at least not at this very moment.
He had changed. His whole appearance had changed.
When he was still with Melissa, he had always looked gloomy and exhausted, as if life was not jovial for him, causing him to put on a mask to hide his real me.
Now, there was a different James Potter standing there. He looked happier, clear of weight, guilt and responsibility. His hazelnut brown eyes were now sparkling with confidence and strength. He had became stronger.
He wanted to kiss her so badly, desperately feeling her at last, enjoying her closeness, but he couldn't... not yet. There was a growl outside, pulling him back into reality.
"Remus."
"What?" she asked baffled.
"Moony... I... I shouldn't leave him alone with only Padfoot and Wormtail. Who knows how he's going to be tonight."
"Um... yeah, right..."
And again it didn't happen. So many times, she had given him hints, encouraged him to ask her out but for the thousands time... he withdrew... it was just frustrating. But she accepted it... again.
"Um..."
"Yes?" He asked at once to skip the awkward moment as fast as possible.
"How is he then?"
"How?"
"Well... if he's a.. werewolf, I mean..."
"Oh... well. He's... snappish?" James laughed and she joined in. Maybe a little bit bitter, because it went the same way like it always had with them but she tried her best to hide her frustration. It wouldn't have been fair of him otherwise. He just broke up with his girlfriend, who had left Hogwarts for good only a moment ago, one of his best friend was laying in the hospital wing and another was about to transform into a werewolf that night. Did she really thought this would be a great moment to get together?
They continue their walk to end the rounds.
"I suppose, Anna already told you how we're keeping Moony company with his transformation?"
"Yeah, she did. I have to admit that was very daring of you guys. I mean... anything could have gone wrong. Animagi... McGonagall had told us about the danger what could go wrong, but you guys... How did you manage that?"
"Lils, Padfoot and I aren't dumb even if it sometimes look like that."
"I have never said that!" She defended herself without hesitating, but James suddenly started laughing, seeing how embarrassed this comment of him effected her.
"I was kidding, Lilli. I know what you meant. Padfoot and I really needed a lot of time to make it happen. Something I'm going to tell you once we have more time. That's not tonight, unfortunately."
"Right, they're waiting for you."
"Yeah, they are."
And yet, he couldn't tear himself away from her. The feeling to keep on looking in her eyes had become strong enough to tie him up at that very place. He never noticed how gorgeous she really was. Now, he was fortune enough to spend a lot of time with her, knowing her now made him admit to himself that he was even more into her than in the past.
Lilli Evans was just the most beautiful girl he had ever known. He couldn't stop himself from stepping closer to her, placing his hand behind her neck and slowly, but decisively pulling her closer. It felt like his breath had become heavier and like their hearts was pounding loud enough for the whole school to be audible. He couldn't wait any longer... He wanted to wait, finding a better moment for them instead of this craziness, but his desire for her was too deep. Her scent was gentle and it felt warm. Lilli closed her eyes to let it finally happen and then -
"Snape!"
"What?" She threw out irritated, but winced as he pulled out his wand and ran down the floor. The moment she looked out the window she caught what had caused his panic. Snape was approaching the forbidden forest, where Sirius, Remus and Peter were right now. Remus had already transformed into a werewolf and would attack the Slytherin at sight.
Lilli didn't hesitate to chase after him, approaching the forbidden forest as well. A second time, the growl ran through the area, but that awful sound didn't prevent her from continuing. The only thought, that crossed her mind, was James and that he might get hurt.
James watched Snape getting closer to the forest and taking out his wand to cast a curse into the depth of the darkness to protect himself. He knew that his friends weren't far away from this spot and he didn't know what was worse. The thought, Snape could hurt them out of blind fear or that Remus could assault the Slytherin, since he wasn't able to think straight once he transformed and would probably kill the human.
"Snape!" James yelled from afar, but the the boy didn't listen. His face was full of arrogance and triumph, eager to find out the secret that was close by.
"SNAPE!" he shouted again, finally reaching his aim. The Slytherin student turned around in surprise. Obviously, he hadn't expected James to catch up that fast, but the moment couldn't have been worse, because the werewolf just jumped out behind the shrubs and towards both humans.
"Stupefy!" James managed to say clearly, hitting the animal, who crashed down on the ground, unfortunately right next to Snape. It didn't take long for the creature to get back onto its feet, ready to strike again. The Marauder hurried to tear Snape away, who had been rooted to the ground ever since he saw the attacker. But the werewolf was already on his jump, clenching his claws into James' flesh, ripping a deep wound along his hip. Lilli cried out in shock as she spotted the blood, pointing her wand at the creature as well to put another curse on him.
"Dormir!"
The ray missed its target, because the animal jumped away faster. It had spurted behind the shrubs to prepare its next attack.
"James!" Lilli called anxiously, running to his side to kneel down to him and Snape, trying to heal his wound as they were brutally pushed away by the Slytherin.
"What are you up to, Potter?!"
"What I am up to? I'm about to save your pathetic oily skin!" James barked angrily. His wound had touched with mud from the ground and was now starting to burn.
"You? Saving me? You rather trying to stop me from finding out your secret! I'm not afraid of a werewolf! You can tell Black that! So, Lupin is a werewolf!"
Lilli had looked anxiously at James, who didn't grimace to give any hints. Snape knew it?
"All the evidence are clear now. Lupin was missing every month and always on full-moon. He being a werwolf is indeed a great secret you all will get expelled from Hogwarts for and I will tell Dumbledore this personally!"
"Dumbledore knows it, Snape!"
But before James could explain further, the creature appeared again, taking its aim again on Snape.
Lilli and James were pushed aside once more. Lilli had more trouble to get back to her feet but James managed to put a curse on his friend to get him down from his victim. Snape's cheek was now scratched and he tried desperately to run away. The creature chased after him, trying to attack another time. It pushed him to the ground and Snape cried out in fear. Again, it was James, who shot a curse on the werewolf to pull them apart, placing himself between the creature and its victim.
"Lilli, take Snape and run back to the castle!"
"But, you-"
"Do it!"
She finally nodded, pulled Snape up to his feet and dragged him away from the forest, but glared back several times to make sure James was okay. He was still fighting with his wand against the animal and Lilli prayed that he's going to remain safe.
"What an idiot!" Snape hissed, wiping away the blood from his cheek. "Messing with a werewolf. But that's fine with me. One fool less."
Lilli only shook her head in disbelief at his words, clenching her fist instead of punching him in his stupid face.
"Snape! You're such a twerp! James is doing that for you! He has saved your life and you would let him die down there? I can't believe that! You know what? For all these years, he was right. You are an ass!"
With those words, she pushed her way past him to get to Dumbledore's office for help.
In the meantime, James had transformed into a stag to calm down his friend, but the effort was futile. If anything, the werewolf was now even attacking him regardless of the consequences. The animal ran against the stag, throwing him hard against a tree. The creature took position to get to its prey as James transformed back, gasping in pain. He took his wand to point it against his friend. It was the only way to handle this situation.
"Stupefy!"
The werewolf was thrown back, touching down the ground not far away from him but jumped back onto its feet.
"Moony, come on..." he panted exhaustedly. "Calm down, mate. What's wrong with you tonight?"
His strength were about to leave him. He had been fighting too long and nothing had worked even a little bit. His wound was burning with pain and felt like it wanted to drive him unconscious. The werewolf prepared to jump at him and it was the last thing James managed to see... No, not that. The last thing he saw before his eyes closed was a white ray... and Dumbledore.
Birds were tweeting, a strange scent of medicine was in the air, something squashy was laying on his body. It felt far more comfortable than the hard, dirty ground of the forest, more like a nice bed under and a soft blanket on him. The moment James opened his eyes, he spotted two blurry persons not far away from his side. It sounded like Dumbledore (Nobody else had such a long beard) and Madame Pomfrey (Nobody else could scold like that about carelessness).
"It could have been worse, Albus! If you had not turn up in time, the boy could have been dead now!"
"I don't think so, Poppy."
"You witnessed his wounds. If he would have been a muggle and not a wizard, this injuries would have killed him."
"But fortunately, he is a wizard."
"By the way, I discovered something abnormal within Mr. Lupin's state."
"Abnormal?"
"It seems like he was put under a curse, Albus. One of the dark Arts, causing him to become more aggressive and irate after the transformation. This might be the reason, why he made it out of the Shrieking Shack. He wouldn't have get out of the place if he hadn't developed this strength. What I don't know is, who knew that Mr. Lupin is a werewolf and knew enough about dark Arts to use such a curse and for what reason?"
"Indeed, this is concerning."
James pulled out his hand to reach for something sparkling which he guessed must have been his glasses and with them his view became more clear. To his right, he saw Dumbledore and Pomfrey as expected. To his left were Remus, who was resting from last night. Even though he was still sleeping, his friend didn't look well. His body was bruised and there were several wounds on his skin, looking as if he had bite himself. It must had been an awful night for him. A curtain was hiding another patient and James was almost sure that Anna was laying behind. Hoping that she was well again and about to wake up, he turned back to the right to -
"Ahhhh!"
"Uaaaaah!"
"Huhhhhhhhhhh!"
"Professor Dumbledore!" he yelled shocked.
"James?" the director said, his voice still even and calm.
"Potter, what's with this riot?" the nurse shouted resentfully.
"Sorry, Madame Pomfrey. Professor?"
"Yes, James?"
"Could you please attract attention to yourself, next time you sneak on me? I almost died!"
"Of course, James. Next time, I will make sure to stamp down to you."
"Thank you."
"You are welcome," the headmaster said with a smirk. A knock on the door interrupted their talk with Sirius sticking his head into the room.
"Mr. Black," Dumbledore said completely unsurprised, but smiling meaningfully at his Head Boy.
"Please, enter. I guess, Mr. Potter has been waiting for you all along. Or maybe you wanted to visit Miss White? I suppose her fever has decreased."
"Err – Yeah, thanks, Professor."
"You are welcome, Mr. Black," he said with an impishly smile as he walked to the door. "Well, who said the young ones are impolite? Before I leave – James, tonight, you did something very brave. "
Shyly, James scratched his head.
"Despite the fact that you and Mr. Snape..."
He paused obviously in search for a accurate word and continued after finding one. "Not the best friends, you saved his life even though risking your own one. A very nice gesture one could not expect of everyone. You should be proud of yourself, James."
"... Thanks, Professor."
"Well then." And with a trace of a smile, the old wizard left the room. Pomfrey had already gone into another room, apparently to prepare more medicine for her patients while Sirius sat down next to James' bed, looking guilty.
"Prongs..."
"Padfoot? You okay? The wounds in your face are hardly visible. You did a good job in hiding them."
"Yeah, still those on the rest of my body though," he said with a slight grin, causing James to join with a smirk. That was not his intention, because he still had something to confess. It was difficult for him with even Anna and Remus close to them.
"Prongs... I need to confess something to you."
"Confess? What?"
"Snape."
"Yes?"
"He knew you and Moony would turn up in the forest at the oak tree..."
"He knew? Why?"
"... Because I told him to go there. I never thought he would really go! I was just so furious and he... I lured him there and provoked him..."
"Wait, Padfoot. It's your fault, Snape and I got beat up last night?"
Silence was easier than saying yes, so he kept silent.
"Sirius, do you understand what you did?" James hushed as calm as he could, trying to show his friend how severe this situation was, but also didn't tip off anyone else there. He couldn't understand how his best friend was able to put an innocent one into such danger and even using one of his best friend as a tool!
"If Snape got killed, what do you think Moony would've done, knowing that he has killed him? You know perfectly well that he didn't have any control over himself once he transformed and you are even risking him killing someone in this state? And out of all Snape?"
"I know."
"Really? Now, you know? And what was with last night? Merlin, Sirius, do you even know what you've done? Snape knows now that Remus is a werewolf and what do you think is Moony going to say, if he wakes up?"
"I KNOW!" Sirius said firmly, angrily tussling his hair. "Prongs, I was mad, okay? I flipped out last night. I was worried because of Anna and Snape even rubbed it in my face and I... Merlin, I was an ass, okay?!"
There was a pause with both guys remaining silent at each other. Of course, Sirius knew he messed up and James knew that there was no use to pick on him even more. So, he placed his hands on his friend's shoulder to pet him encouraging.
"Come on, Pad. You know you are like a brother to me."
"Yeah," he murmured guiltily.
"I would trust you with my life and I would vouch for you any time. Unfortunately, if you continue doing those gormless things, someone is going to have my head someday."
"I know, Prongs."
Sirius had always known what his friend would do for him which was the very reason why he felt so sorry. James was for him like a little brother he always looked out for and cared about. Last night, he put his life in danger with his own hands and did the worse possible in a friendship like theirs. He betrayed another close friend only to get his own satisfaction.
Remus squinted as he slowly regained conscious. Every bone in his body hurt like hell which meant that last night must have been very hard. On the other side, he never felt so exhausted and powerless after a full-moon night like today.
"Hey, Moony," James greeted as he noticed his friend was waking up. He needed some time to straighten himself.
"Morning... Padfoot, Prongs. Prongs? Why are you here? Did something -?"
He stopped, seeing all the wounds on James body.
"Prongs! Did I do that to you? I -"
"Relax, Moony," he put it off. "It's not your fault."
"So, it was me? Merlin, Prongs. I'm so sorry -"
"I said, it's not your fault! Come on, mate."
"Um?" Sirius said confused.
"I have heard Dumbledore and Pomfrey talking. She said, Moony was put under a curse, which caused him to become more aggressive after his transformation."
"A curse?"
"Yeah, but they don't know who put it on you. In fact, it has to be a person with enough knowledge about werewolves and there aren't a lot in this school. The only one I knew, knowing enough from the dark Arts and knows that Moony is a werewolf... well, I don't think is capable of doing that."
"Prongs!" Sirius said warningly, shacking his head in disbelieve.
"If you hint at Anna, then -"
"I don't believe that myself, Padfoot. I don't think she would do that and for what reason?"
Sirius sighed, turning to Remus with a guilty expression on his face.
"Moony? It's the best if you hear that from me... Last night, a lot went wrong."
"A lot went wrong? What?" his friend asked uncertainly. James and Sirius changed a doubting glance, before telling him everything that happened. Remus Lupin was not the aggressive type, who let loose on anybody and it was the same now. He remained calm. He didn't yell or blame anybody nor did he give any comment. Every now and then he gave away a Mhm or I see. But his behaviour to avoid their eyes told them enough. He did that to prevent himself from freaking out and from saying something, he might could regret someday. A moment later, Diana arrived at the hospital wing to visit him, so the boys left them alone. Maybe, their friend just needed some time to come to terms with what he just had heard.
Around noon, Sirius returned to the hospital wing to check on Anna, but she still hasn't woken up yet. Madame Pomfrey was just examining her as he entered the room, stepping to his best friend at the wall.
"That is really odd," the nurse said thoughtfully.
"What's odd?" James asked, knowing that this was the best moment for good information, since Pomfrey was buried deep in her thoughts. In this state, she often let out things she normally would only tell Dumbledore in private.
"Odd... Miss White is still sleeping. She seems to be very exhausted, since... such a condition is only appearing after one has used an abnormal strong curse or charm, taking more strength then one inherited. Very odd... I will give her another power potion."
And even though Remus had not said a word, James and Sirius knew exactly what was now obvious to them. Everything was pointing to that... to Anna.
"It was not her," Sirius said firmly, after Pomfrey had left. He walked to her behind the curtains, watching her peaceful sleep with a slight smile. She was like an angel, immersed in her beautiful dreams, innocent and adorable. Indeed, there are times she tried to appear dark and cold, trying to come across as evil and inscrutable, but she was just none of that. She was the girl he was in love with... and he was trusting. He would never dare her to do something cruel like that... Never... She had no reasons to do that anyway. Sirius placed his hand gently on hers, but there was no reaction from her side at all. And yet... he would never believe that she did anything wrong. Something must have happened... anyone else must have had his hands in this. It just can not be true... not now, they just got back together.
Diana was sitting on the meadow, staring into space as if she was lost deep in her thoughts and didn't take notice of anyone or anything else.
"Hi, Diana," Lilli greeted, sitting down next to her friend. "Diana?"
Nothing. She kept on staring into space.
"Diana?" the Head Girl tried again, this time, nudging her slightly on the shoulder. Suddenly, her friend winked, staring at her irritated.
"What?"
"What's the matter with you? You are weird."
"Um... well..."
"Well? Diana, are you okay? Did something happen?"
"No... nothing... really... I'm okay," the girl answered, trying to smile casually. Her odd smile was enough to tell that she was not okay at all, but Lilli didn't want to press anything out and decided to leave her be for now. Somehow, she was sure that her friend would come if it become worse whatever it was. "How is Anna?"
"Not sure... I think, she hasn't woken up yet. I wanted to check on her later."
"Um, I'll go with you. I guess Remus is still there as well."
"Then, let's go."
Lilli pulled her friend up and walked with her to the hospital wing. Even though her friend has always been more the quiet type, that day was even worse.
"Diana, are you sure everything is okay? I'm worrying about you."
"Don't worry, Lilli. I'm really okay."
And she still didn't believe her friend. The girls were about to enter the hospital wing as the door was opened and Sirius stepped out to them.
"Hey," she greeted the Marauder, noticing that he looked as aggrieved as Diana did. For a second, she asked herself if someone had died and if she was the only one completely oblivious to that happening. They all looked as they were just coming back from a funeral. "Something wrong?"
"Anna is still sleeping," he said concerned. "Pomfrey doesn't know why. She said, if she didn't wake up tomorrow, they will have a Healer of St. Mungo's examining her. It's not like she was poisoned or so... more like extremely exhausted."
"Exhausted?"
"Err, yeah. It's no use. We have to wait."
Waiting... In fact, patience wasn't one of her strength and she only did this if she was force to, but Lilli nodded understandingly, walking back to the common room with him and Diana.
"How are James and Remus?"
"Going to be released tomorrow. Pomfrey wanted to keep both one more night."
"They are going to be okay..." Are they really? Why were three of her friends laying in the hospital wing? And why were two of her friends strangely silent like this? Why does she had to think about those question which are going to bother her again through the whole night?
Deep in the night, almost every student were deeply sleeping, but there were still some noise on the corridor. Madame Pomfrey was sleeping deep like every one else and didn't hear someone entering the hospital wing with a vial filled with a poisonous green liquid in the hand. The person walked closely past Remus and James, pointing its wand at the curtain of the third bed.
"Silencio," the voice whispered, walking behind the curtain to Anna, who was still deeply sleeping and didn't take any notice of what's going around. The person opened the vial, pulled gently her jaw down and poured it in her mouth. After the vial was empty, the person put it back into the pocket, wiping the liquid away, that had dropped onto her cheek. Diana Ayenterro was staring down at the witch and then turned her glance towards both guys, looking rather sad and anxious.
"I'm so sorry... I didn't have another choice," she whispered depressed, taking away the silencio-charm before leaving the room.
Anna grumbled gently as she slowly noticed the sun shining down on her skin, carefully opening her eyes. Her whole body felt heavy as something hard was constantly pushing it down. Every movement, with her hands or her legs, required a lot of strength and was difficult for her to perform. She rolled a little bit to the side, finally opening her eyes, looking at probably the last person she had expected on a chair next to her bed.
"Ayenterro?" she asked confused. Diana smiled awkwardly but nodded shyly.
"Good morning, Anna. It's good that you finally woke up."
"Yeah?" She asked, still very tired but pushed herself up anyway, asking herself why out of all Ayenterro was the one sitting at her bedside. The fact was, that she hadn't anything to do with this classmate at all. "How long did I sleep?"
She winced, putting her hand onto her forehead as she suddenly felt an awful headache. She closed her eyes and tried to squint the ache away.
"3 days."
"3 days?!" Her eyes ripped widely open in shock. "Wait a minute... then the game is tomorrow!"
"Err, yes. The Quidditch game against Slytherin is tomorrow. But, don't worry. James has already chosen a replacement for you."
"Replacement?" she asked surprised, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. At least, the headache seemed to be shocked away from this.
"Well... He thought you would... sleep maybe longer..." The Rawenclaw tried to explain shyly.
"Really? Did he? What a smart-arse... Ayenterro? Don't take this the wrong way but... Why for Merlin's sake are you here?"
"Um... Remus asked me to look after you, so you won't be alone. Sirius and James were scared the Slytherins might do something."
The door was opened and several guys were approaching them. She heard male voices but their sound wasn't clear all the time, getting muffled every now and then a lot like her vision became blurry.
"Hey!"
Sirius sat down joyfully at her bed, pulling her firmly in his arms. Anna knew this hug, this presence... She knew this could only be Sirius, even though his voice was still muffled.
"An?" James asked worriedly, also sitting down at her bed. "An, you okay?"
His voice became clearer and even the blurry vision in front of her eyes were slowly getting his contours back.
"What? Yes... of course. I'm great."
"Okay..." he said still concerned, since she didn't look like that at all, but he also didn't want to upset her by telling his doubts.
"So, you took a replacement for me?!" she asked slightly annoyed and James twitched surprisedly back. Was she really mad at him for being cautious? And did she really confront him with this matter now after just waking up?
"Yes?!"
"Why!"
"Why?!" James asked disbelievingly. "An, you have been asleep for 3 days! We were worrying sick about you and I didn't expect you to suddenly wake up and insist on playing Quidditch!"
"Well... I am awake!"
"Come on! You can't play in this shape!"
"Oh, really?!"
"Yes!" Sirius agreed firmly with his best friend, probably saving him by that from Anna giving him a grilling. Usually, the girl got what she wanted and belaboured until she got it, but Sirius was probably the only one, who managed to retain her since they both were even in stubbornness.
"You can't play in this shape. The game is tomorrow and you have just woken up, still looking exhausted and ill though... even very beautiful and gorgeous of course!"
"Hmpf," she muffled, giving him a poisonous look while the Marauder continued to grin broadly. "Almost didn't make the cut, darling."
"Great!"
He pulled her closer and put a kiss onto her forehead.
"It's really better if you sit out this one," James said anew, because judging her glare, she was still mad at him. "You slept for three days even though you should have woke up within a half day. We don't want you to drop off your broom in the middle of the game."
"If I swear by Dumbledore's beard that I won't fall off my broom?! I can put a sticking jinx at my ass?"
"No!"
"Worth a try."
"You are going to rest to gain back your strength, understood?!"
"Yes, Captain..."
"Thanks," he said pleased.
"Who's the loser?" Anna continued snappy.
"Loser?"
"You are replacing me with."
"Margarita Strawberry."
Anna snorted without any intention as James told her the name.
"Hey, who's up to laugh again?!" Remus cheered, entering the room along with Lilli and Peter at his side, joining the boys at her bedside as well.
"Morning, Remus." They hugged each other friendly.
"Morning, Lils," Anna continued to laugh, winking at the friend, since the Head Girl remained a little too far away at Diana's side. In fact, Lilli didn't know if she had the right to hug her, cause she had followed Kingcade upstairs even though Anna asked her not to. But her wink was actually telling more than thousand words. It was still a very amicable gesture.
"What's so funny?" Remus asked curious.
"James took Strawberry Margarita as a chaser into the team."
"There is a Strawberry Margarita in Hogwarts?" Lilli asked surprised, looking insecurely at her friends.
"She's the daughter of Breyn, the owner of the Catrys. You know, the bar for wizard and witches in London. And he is married to Banana Daiquiri."
Lilli raised her eyebrow suspiciously and wasn't sure if they made fun of her or were really serious. But then... what they said about Brain, Breyn and Barain had been true, too.
"Captain, I hope you know what you're doing with Straw in the team. You know -"
"Well, I couldn't find anyone else at this short notice, who dared to get into a fight with Slytherin. Everyone has watched the last game of them against Rawenclaw. Finding a Gryffindor, who are dum – err – I mean... brave enough to jump in wasn't easy at all."
"But Straw? James, I tried to play with her Baseball several years ago. She never hit the ball, but the beater as soon as the ball was thrown at her."
"Well... it's going to be okay. You don't worry about her."
"I'm worrying about you and my team mates."
"Besides, she's a chaser and not a beater, so she doesn't have a club to throw away."
"Good luck with that," Anna commented indifferently, even though she threw him one of her well-known You-won't-listen, you'll-have-to-learn-the-hard-way-looks.
"So, An, how are you anyway?" Remus asked gently, nudging her friendly on the arm. She knew he only wanted to divert her from that matter, but she let him and nodded.
"Still tired... but... It's going to be okay. What happened with me?"
James gave Sirius a swift look, but the Marauder shook slightly his head, showing that he was against telling her their suspicion. He still believed and trusted her and the last thing they needed was anything that could split them apart again.
And so the day passed by and the next day arrived with the Quidditch game: Gryffindor vs. Slytherin. The audience cheered loudly at the stands, the teachers gave applause to both teams, who were walking onto the Quidditch field. Madame Hooch was ready to start the game, as both teams lined up.
For Anna, this game felt completely strange, observing her team from the stands even though it was a decisive one. There was no way they were allowed to lose this match against Slytherin. And despite Lilli, Alice, Remus and Peter tried to calm her down, she was anything but calm. Being a nervous wrack would still be an understatement.
"Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen!" Cat Jordan cheered tempestuously in her own crazy and nuts way. "I'm BACK! Seems like Nolave Ever aren't going to laugh EVER. Just kidding, Professor!" she added with a side glance at McGonagall as the teacher had already opened her mouth for a reproach.
"Anyway, he has a cold. Good for us, if you ask me, since I was about to fall into a coma in his last game as a commentator. Back to the game, guys! Today: we have Gryffindor versus Slytherin! This is an encounter, we all have been longing for from the very beginning of this year.
More than ever, since the dispute between our Gryffindor Beater Sirius Black and the Slytherin Captain Cord Malfoy had reached its climax in the last summer holidays. This is a game between you two guys with the trophy being our much-loved Anna White! Unfortunately, she can't play in the game. You wanna know the reason? As of late, she's back together with our school hunk Sirius Black and their newly aroused love took her just too much strength! With one kiss Sirius robbed her so many energy, that she had to stay in the hospital wing for 3 whole days!"
Anna narrowed disbelievingly her eyes, throwing Cat Jordan a poisonous glare. The classmate winked meaningfully back, grinning broadly and putting her thumb up. The witch couldn't help but shacking her head in horror before desperately hiding her face behind her hands. After that comment, there was no way she couldn't feel more awkward. That was just embarrassing!
"That's what I got from being friends with Jordan," she said appalled. "Dumbledore! What did I do to deserve that?!" The witch asked more herself than anyone else. What she didn't notice was the looks Sirius and Malfoy changed on the Quidditch field and it didn't need any expert to tell what that had meant.
"How about a bet, Black?" Malfoy spat, glaring insidiously at his opponent. His filthy smirk was enough for Sirius to get angry. "If I win, Anna White is mine and only mine."
"Have your head stuck up in your ass? Anna White is my girlfriend and only my!"
"It's just a little bet, if you think so much," he gave a contemptuously snort, "of your skills, you have nothing to lose, haven't you? Or are you afraid of me?"
"Padfoot, don't!" James tried to restrain him, but it was already too late. There was a sparkle in his best friends eyes, which was nearly crying to accept this challenge.
"Done!"
"Great," Malfoy said satisfied and almost turned away as Sirius stopped him.
"And if I win, you'll leave her alone for good plus I get to kick your stupid ass!"
The Slytherin seemed to be very sure of himself, because he agreed to the bet without hesitating even a second. Madame Hooch blew her whistle and the game started with all 14 players rising into the air.
"That's insane," James told him up in the air, shaking his head in shock.
"Malfoy isn't going to play fair, Padfoot and you agreed to break up with Anna if he wins!"
"I won't let him win, Prongs. I rather kick him from his broom black and blue!"
"How are the chances for them to win?" Lilli asked intrigued.
"That's going to be a very hard game!" Jordan yelled into the microphone like Lilli had asked this question her instead of her friends. "Gryffindor is playing without their best chaser Anna White, Captain and Seeker James Potter is still oily from his last encounter with Slytherin bootlicker Snape and the Slytherin team is in absolutely top shape! Conclusion? There is no chance for Gryffindor to win this match, unless Merlin is throwing us a miracle. And the game has started!"
"And I'm dead or what?" Sirius grumbled moodily. The quaffle was thrown into the game with Vanessa Mountgomery of Gryffindor getting her hands on it first instead of Malfoy.
"And Mountgomery is on it!" Jordan yelled jovially. Like lightning, she is flying past dopey and goofy! Excuse me, Professor! Of course, I meant Goyle and Crabbe! She's almost at the rings but there is a bludger, beat by Goyle – Ah! Black managed to fend it off... Right at the Slytherin Captain. Ding Dong! That's round one!"
McGongall raised her eyebrow for the first time, staring at Jordan reproachfully. Since this was nothing compared to her usually comments of past games, the teacher abstain from telling her off.
"Malfoy didn't have any trouble to avoid the bludger. Crabbe is taking over, beating it at the Gryffindor beater McQueen, who avoid the bludger... like an idiot. If his ass wasn't put on his broom with a sticking jinx, he would kiss the meadow now, my dear classmates!"
McGonagall grumbled again.
"The match goes on! The bludger is coming back, taking its aim on Mountgomery, but she throws the quaffle first! No! Slytherin's keeper got it! Damn it!"
The Slytherin stands were cheering loud for their keeper but the other stands were sighing.
"Moving on: The quaffle is in the hands of Gryffindor. This time Pinkworth got it, rushing towards the goals. A great pass to Mountgomery, but wait! Crabbe hit the bludger and she lost the quaffle! Malfoy got it and is rushing back! He can't shoot from this distance. Walters would hold it no matter what but what's that?! A bludger hit by Black but Malfoy manage to avoid again very nice! He's almost in front of the rings, if he shoots now it might works. AND HE SHOOOOOOOTS! AND STRIKES! CRAP! 10 to 0 for the thugs of Slytherin!"
The match went on but regrettably, Gryffindor had a streak of bad luck. The Slytherins were too skilled to gave the quaffle away or maybe they were too harsh for Gryffindor to even get a chance to steal the ball. Strawberry was exactly as clumsy as Anna had warned James, passing the quaffle not less than 10 times to the opposing players instead of her own team mates.
James clapped his hands in his face in desperation, because Sirius kept on angrily hitting the bludger at Malfoy instead of looking at the other chasers, who were constantly scoring for Slytherin. After only 30 minutes, the score was 100 to 10 for Slytherin. The 10 points were scored by Mountgomery out of luck as Strawberry accidentally fell of her broom almost at Finn, who was about to beat a bludger on the Gryffindor chaser, but quit his heels as fast as possible to save himself. The snitch hadn't shown himself at all so far.