Back again, then

Back again, then. Here's Part 4 (finally). Thanks for all the reviews. James gets an interesting Christmas present…

The Quidditch season was approaching. The first match of the season, Gryffindor versus Slytherin, was to take place on the second weekend of November. James was looking forward to the match, as were Peter and Sirius, as they were all passionate about Quidditch.

On the Tuesday afternoon before the match, the Gryffindors had a Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson. They were learning about how to treat werewolf bites.

'Can anybody tell me which plant is used to obtain a cure for werewolf bites?' barked Professor Thornheart. Remus and Sirius raised their hands.

'Black?'

'Is it the – er, Werewolf plant?' said Sirius, causing the whole class to snort with laughter.

'Five points from Gryffindor, Black,' said Thornheart, in a long-suffering voice. 'Lupin?'

'The Wolfsbane Aconite,' said Remus firmly. 'The sap is used to make a antidote, which stops the victim becoming a werewolf.' He said this with such conviction that the whole class stared. Even Thornheart looked startled.

'Correct Lupin, five points to Gryffindor. Yes, the sap of the plant makes an antidote known as the Aconite vaccine, which is very powerful, and protects the victim, though it can only be injected within an hour of being bitten.' The lesson continued, and Thornheart made them copy down ways to treat bites. About halfway through the lesson, however, there was a knock on the door.

'Come in,' said Thornheart. It was Jackson.

'Frederic, I have a problem.' Thornheart motioned to him, and they both went outside the classroom. James approached the door; he wanted to know what they were talking about. However, by the time he was by the door, they had almost finished their conversation. He only caught the last few words.

'The Blue Unicorn, that's the answer,' he heard Jackson whisper, before saying a hurried goodbye and walking off. James turned, trying to get back to his seat before Thornheart came back into the room.

'Potter! Why were you out of your seat?'

'I was, er, borrowing Peter's quill, mine's broken,' he said, whilst secretly snapping the nib of his quill under his desk. 'See?' he said, showing it to Thornheart.

'Potter, if you're going to lie, at least make a decent attempt at it,' he said, sighing. 'Five points from Gryffindor, and borrow Black's quill.'

'Almost,' whispered Sirius, laughing.

On Saturday morning, James, Peter and Sirius made their way down to the Quidditch pitch, with Lily and Katie - they were now best friends. Remus was ill, and had to stay in the Hospital Wing. The top House Quidditch team for years had been the Ravenclaw team; they had a superb seeker, a sixth year called Jake Smith. The five friends managed to find themselves some seats, and sat chatting unconcernedly whilst the stadium filled up around them. The stadium itself was a vast place. Hundreds of seats were raised high above the ground, so that spectators could see exactly what was going on, and at either end of the pitch, three golden poles, fifty feet high, with hoops on the end. Whilst the stadium was filling up, Sirius and James were teaching Lily the rules of the game.

'See those hoops?' said Sirius sincerely. 'Yeah, what they've gotta do is grab the opposition players, and throw them through the hoops.' Lily looked horrified, and Sirius burst out laughing. He stopped when Katie hit him.

'What are they really for?' she asked James pleadingly.

'The Chasers have to get the Quaffle through them, to score points. The Keeper tries to stop them. The Quaffle's kinda like a red, er, football, is it?'

'Yeah,' said Lily, laughing.

'Anyway, the Bludgers, the small black balls, try and knock people off ('That's terrible'). The Beaters have to defend their teammates and tried and knock of their opponents. That's why they have a small bat, to hit the Bludgers. And the Seeker tries to catch the Snitch, a tiny, very fast golden ball with wings. If they do, the game ends, and they win their team and extra hundred and fifty points. Understand?'

'Sort of … I'll probably pick it up.'

'Here they come,' said Sirius excitedly. Down on the ground, fourteen players - seven in scarlet robes, and seven in green, had just come onto the pitch, accompanied by Madam Hooch, who would be refereeing. After the two captains had shaken hands (rather unwillingly, in James opinion), all fifteen people mounted their brooms, and after a short blow of the whistle, they were off.

'The Quaffle taken by Thorpe, of Slytherin – nice pass to Wilson. Wilson takes it, heading toward the Gryffindor goalposts, but no, he's stopped by a Bludger.' David Woods, a Ravenclaw fourth-year, was providing the commentary for the match.

'Carter, now, for Gryffindor, takes the Quaffle, dodges a Bludger, sent at her by the Slytherin Beater, Roberts. Carter still has it - approaching the Slytherin goalposts, Keeper Lacey dives, and Carter squares it – GRYFFINDOR SCORE! A lovely move, finished by Chaser Ben Coates.' The game continued, and after half an hour, the score was sixty-all.

'Coates in possession now, plays it to Vaughn – no, dispossessed by Chaser Wilson. Plays it to Bennett, heading towards the goals – Brown dives – misses – Slytherin score – damn.' James laughed – nobody liked Slytherin - except the Slytherins themselves. At that moment, however, both Seekers suddenly put on a huge spurt of speed – they had seen the Snitch!

'And the two Seekers neck and neck now – they're closing in on the Snitch – surely the game's nearly over – yes, yes, and – oh –' Woods' voice was immediately drowned out by Professor McGonagall's; He had sworn loudly, because the Slytherin Seeker, O'Brien, had got the Snitch – Slytherin had won. Sirius proceeded to recite many foul obscenities (far too strong for your delicate ears), and Peter and Lily looked very downcast. James could see Lestrange, Avery and Snape celebrating. It was a sickening and almost unreal sight, seeing Snape smile. Snape caught his eye, and pointed at him, laughing. James gave him a sarcastic smile and wave, before leaving the pitch with Sirius and the others. Sirius, Peter and James decided to go and see Remus in the Hospital Wing; Lily and Katie went back to the common room.

When they arrived, Madam Pomfrey, the matron, told them they could see him for ten minutes. He did look very pale.

'How are you, Remus?' asked James soothingly.

'Well, my head hurts, I've got a temperature, my legs are aching and I haven't slept for three days. You?'

'Can't complain,' said James, shrugging.

'We brought you all your homework!' said Peter, then seeing Remus' horrified look, laughed, and said 'Only joking, but we did bring you food.'

'The house-elves are very generous, especially in emergency cases,' said Sirius, grinning.

After five minutes, Madam Pomfrey bustled over and told them to leave. They made their way back up to the Gryffindor common room – via the kitchens. They were strangely always hungry when walking to the common room. On entering, they found the girls immersed in a highly exciting game of Exploding Snap. Peter said he was feeling tired, and went upstairs for a nap, whilst James and Sirius asked the girls if they could join in.

'I'm not sure,' said Lily slowly. 'What do you think, Kate?'

'I don't really know. Sarah?'

'Good question. Heather?'

'I don't have a clue. Michelle?'

'No idea. Lily?'

'I'm not sure. What do you think, Kate?'

'Very funny,' said Sirius sarcastically. 'Just tell us, can we play?'

'Well,' said Lily, 'I should check with Kate.'

'No. With Sarah.' All five of them burst out laughing.

'Forget it James, let's just go upstairs,' said Sirius, looking at the girls as though they were all insane.

'Fair enough; we could do some more research.'

Ever since Jackson had mentioned the Blue Unicorn in their Transfiguration lesson, the four boys had been trying to find out what its relevance was. It seemed to be extremely rare, or possibly a codename, because they didn't find it mentioned in any books on unicorns. They had looked in The A-Z of Unicorns and Of Unicorns and Men, and many more besides, but they couldn't find anything about it anywhere. James felt that if they could discover what the Blue Unicorn was, they could find out what Thornheart was up to; he still hadn't forgotten the coffin in Thornheart's office. After a few hours of searching feverishly through what felt to James like half the library, Remus came and joined his three friends. He still looked slightly pale, but he seemed a lot more cheerful than he had earlier on.

'Afternoon,' he said, on entering. 'No luck, eh? You know who we should ask?'

'Who?' said James curiously.

'Hagrid. He seems to know a bit about magical creatures – he could tell us something.'

'Yes,' said Sirius slowly, 'but what if Thornheart finds out that we know?'

'Hagrid wouldn't tell him – would he?'

'Wouldn't bet against it,' said Peter. 'He trusts the staff.'

'Probably ain't worth the risk, Remus.'

'Fair enough.'

The four of them decided to simply continue searching through books, in the hope of coming across the Blue Unicorn, but it seemingly didn't exist. Sirius had voiced the opinion that it could be extinct, but James squashed this theory by pointing out that in that event, Thornheart would not be able to use it.

Meanwhile, whilst this search was in progress, Christmas was coming. At the end of November, Ravenclaw flattened Hufflepuff in their Quidditch match, despite dreadful conditions, which meant they were leading the House Championship. James, Remus and Lily had all opted to remain at Hogwarts over the Christmas holidays; James' parents were visiting distant relatives. Sirius, Peter, and all the other first year Gryffindors, however, were going home for the holidays. James was slightly disappointed that Sirius and Peter were going, but he still had Remus for company - that was good enough.

The holidays began a week and a half before Christmas. James and Remus now had the dormitory to themselves, and the common room was almost empty. They spent the days leading up to Christmas either in the common room or out in the grounds, challenging people to snowball fights – the snow had been falling non-stop since the start of the holidays. They were also very impressed with themselves when they managed to find two secret passages within the school; they were getting to know it well now – Hogwarts was not an easy place to find your way around. They were still looking for any mention of the Blue Unicorn here and there, but weren't so bothered about it at the moment. They spent quite a bit of time with Lily, as her friends had all gone home, but hadn't yet told her about the unicorn.

Professors McGonagall and Flitwick, meanwhile, had been busy decorating the castle. It looked fantastic. McGonagall had transfigured a number of non-drip snowmen around the school, which sang Christmas carols every time somebody approached. Flitwick, meanwhile, had charmed the corridors, so that they glowed with a mysterious light.

The Great Hall, meanwhile, looked even more spectacular. Inside it there stood ten huge Christmas trees, decorated with glittering pixies and fairies, tiny icicles and candles. Some also had a live owl perched at the top. These pixies had also taken residence around the ceiling of the Hall, just below the enchanted ceiling, and they lit it with a dazzling blue light. Professor Dumbledore had also cunningly put enchanted mistletoe under many of the doorframes, so James and Remus took cautions not to walk through doors if there was a Slytherin girl approaching. This mistletoe was enchanted, as it would glow brightly if two people walked underneath it. Lily had already walked through a door at the same time as Snape, so she too was watching her step. James had almost choked laughing when he had witnessed Professor McGonagall and Professor Thornheart walk through a door together, and seen their embarrassed faces, as they had continued in opposite directions.

Christmas Eve found James, Lily and Remus in the common room playing Exploding Snap and toasting crumpets they had 'borrowed' from the kitchens. It was, however, getting increasingly risky, going to the kitchens all the time. James and Sirius had already received a detention each from Thornheart when he had caught them on their way back from there. Pupils were strictly not allowed to go into the kitchens – for one thing, students were not supposed to know its whereabouts, but James and Sirius, always willing to break the rules, still ventured there on a regular basis. James was brooding over this when the pack of cards in front of him suddenly exploded, singing his eyebrows.

'Tut tut, James,' said Lily, laughing. 'That's what you get for not paying attention.'

'Very funny,' said James acidly.

'Brrr, I'm cold. Remus, can I snuggle up to you?'

'Certainly,' said Remus, grinning.

'Aww, you make a cute couple,' said James, laughing.

'What? Didn't I tell you that Lily and I were madly in love?' said Remus, sounding shocked.'

'We're a modern day Romeo and Juliet,' said Lily sleepily.

'You've just got to hope that Sirius doesn't hear about this,' James continued, still laughing.

'Ah, that philistine can not stand in the way of our love, James,' said Remus, in the same tone of sincerity.

'Yes, well, you stay here, I need to get something,' James said, at the same time wondering where his camera was. He raced up to his dorm, found the camera amongst his robes, and crept silently back down the stairs to the common room. He stopped when he reached Remus and Lily, and had to fight back his laughter. They had, apparently, both fallen asleep whilst he had been upstairs, and Lily was now lying across Remus, her head on his lap. He was absent-mindedly stroking her hair, and was leaning his head on the back of the chair. Trying carefully not to wake them up, James got into a good position, positioned his camera, and took a photo of them. Remus stirred.

'Eh? Wassat?' he said. James burst out laughing. Remus noticed the camera.

'You didn't,' he said.

'Oh yes I did,' said James. 'I can't wait to show this to the others.'

'What's going on?' said Lily sleepily; she had just woken up.

'Our dear friend James has been having fun with his camera,' said Remus.

'You didn't,' said Lily.

'Wanna bet?' said James, still laughing. 'Snape will be heartbroken when he sees this.'

'Ah, me and Remus do not mind people finding out about our undying love,' she said, still sounding half-asleep.

'Oh. Never mind then. Don't you want to go up to your beds? It's only … two hours until Christmas,' he said, checking his watch.

'Fine,' said Lily, finally getting off Remus. I'll see you in the morning. Oh, James, by the way -'

'What?'

'Can I see that photo when it's developed?'

'Anything for a lady.' Lily grinned, bade them goodnight, and began walking over to her dorm.

'Hey, Lily,' said James, suddenly thinking of something. She turned. 'How d'you fancy sleeping in our dorm tonight? You can have Sirius' bed.' Lily grimaced. 'You wouldn't want to be on your own at Christmas, and you can be near Remus.' Lily threw a pillow at him, but agreed that she would come to their dorm – she didn't want to be alone.

'As long as I'm not in Sirius' bed,' she warned them.

'We'll arrange something.'

Half an hour later, the three of them were all up in the boys' dorm. Lily had opted to sleep in Peter's bed – she said it smelled much nicer than Sirius'. They were all happily anticipating the next day. James had made Lily promise not to get into Remus' bad. They both looked very disappointed. By eleven, all three were fast asleep.

James woke quite late on Christmas morning. He noticed a small pile of presents at his, Remus' and Peter's beds, though the ones at Peter's bed were evidently for Lily. Too impatient to wait for the others to wake up, he grabbed two pillows and aimed them both perfectly at his friends.

'Quick, wake up, there's a fire!' he said urgently. That did the trick. Within a few seconds both Remus and Lily were wide-awake.

'Where?' said Remus worriedly.

'There's a fire in my heart,' James sang, 'waiting to open these presents.' Lily laughed loudly, and Remus looked at him as though worried about his sanity.

'Fair enough,' said Remus worriedly, and the three of them began opening their presents. James had lots of sweets – Chocolate Frogs from Peter, Every-Flavour Beans from Sirius – his favourites – and some of Droobles Best Blowing Gum from Remus. Remus was pleased with his present from James – a book entitled Hogwarts: A History. Remus loved reading, and was fascinated by this book. James had got Lily a book called Entering the Wizarding World, and she had got him The Quidditch Teams of Europe, which he was very happy about. He now only had two presents left. The first was a large box of fudge from his aunt and uncle, and their greetings. James picked up the final present. It was very light. He opened it, and gasped loudly.

'What?' said Lily and Remus together.

'I don't believe it,' he said hoarsely. 'I just don't believe it.'

'What is it?' said Remus curiously

'It's my dad's Invisibility Cloak!'

'Your dad's Invisibility what?' said Lily, sounding confused.

'Invisibility Cloak,' James corrected her. 'Hey, there's a note –'

Dear James (it said), Merry Christmas! Here is your Christmas present; it is time it was passed on to you. This cloak is very valuable; it once belonged to my grandfather. Take good care of it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Your mother sends her love. Have a great Christmas.

Dad.

'Look, you two,' James said excitedly. 'Look what it does.' He threw the Cloak over himself, and he immediately disappeared. He was delighted with the looks of envy and surprise on Lily and Remus' faces.

'Where are you?' said Lily uncertainly.

'Just behind you,' said James, laughing. 'This Cloak is fantastic! Remus, d'you want a go?'

'Yes. Yes I do.' James lifted the Cloak slightly, allowing Remus to get under it as well. As soon as he was under, James dropped it again, and both of them disappeared from sight.

'This is weird,' said Lily fervently. 'I don't have a clue where you are. You should look into the mirror.' They did so, and James thought it was a very strange sensation, standing in front of a mirror and not being able to see his reflection.

'Hey, Lily, come under here,' said James, lifting the Cloak slightly again. The Cloak was very large, so that three of them could easily fit under it.

'I can't wait to show this to Sirius and Peter,' said James.

'We could have some fun with this, you know,' said Remus. 'Just think, we can go absolutely anywhere without being seen.' His eyes were shining, and James could see that he was highly excited. And, as James thought about it, he saw that Remus was absolutely right - this Cloak had limitless possibilities.

'Speaking of fun,' he said, ' I think we could have some fun showing this to Peter and Sirius –' Remus and Lily grinned widely.

'I expect we'll think of something,' said Remus, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Still discussing all of the places that they could go to unnoticed around the Castle, the three of them made their way down to the Great Hall for Christmas dinner. The Christmas dinner was fantastic. James, Remus and Lily sat on their own at the Gryffindor table, eating, talking and pulling wizard crackers. James enjoyed watching Lily start as she pulled a cracker with him – she had always used muggle crackers.

After dinner, the three of them returned to the common room, fetched the Cloak, and had a fantastic time out in the grounds throwing snowballs at people from underneath it. They returned some time later, and went up to the common room, still discussing the brilliance of the Invisibility Cloak.

They decided to turn in early, for it had been quite a busy day for them. It had been the best Christmas day James had ever had. In bed, he and Remus laughed at the prospect of showing Sirius the Cloak – Sirius would probably hyperventilate – he loved breaking rules, and the Cloak was the ideal way to do so. They also laughed at the possibilities of what this Cloak could allow them to do to Snape. Before long, however, they stopped talking, and both fell back into a deep sleep.

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