Chapter 25: Voldemort strikes again
"Like one, on a lonesome road who,
Doth walk in fear and dread,
And, having once turned round, walks on,
And turns no more his head;
Because he knows a frightful fiend
Doth close behind him tread."*
James:
The day Lily rejoined the living was the last day of the holidays. The rest of
the tower arrived that evening and we no longer could get good armchairs. I was
unhappy, but when Sirius suggested a prank on Snape to welcome him back, I
regained my normal bouncy manner that matched Sirius's.
"So, Sirius," said Remus. "What do you propose we do?"
"Well," said Sirius with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I read…"
"When did you pick up a book?" I asked in amusement. Sirius pretended
not to hear me.
"As I was saying," he continued. "I read this book that has an index of
pranks. I gave one to each of you with high hopes. Did anyone read the prank on
page twenty?"
"I did," said Peter meekly. "It's a good one, worth about a weeks detention
though."
"My dear Peter," said Sirius. "That's the whole point. To get as many
detentions as possible. Don't you remember me saying that just yesterday?"
"No," said Peter.
"He was in the Hospital Wing, remember?" asked Remus. "He had that
float with Lacompte and he accidentally levitated her?"
"Oh, that's right," said Sirius with a grin. "And he dropped her on himself."
"That's the one," I said. Peter blushed. "So explain to us this great prank."
"Well, there's this charm that will probably never be taught at Hogwarts,"
said Sirius. "The charm has whatever you're thinking plastered on your forehead.
Say I was thinking I was hungry…"
"Which he probably is," injected Remus.
"I am, as a matter of fact. Anywho, the thought, 'I am hungry' would scroll
across my forehead, until my thought changed."
"So," I asked. "What's the incantation?"
"Thinquis inquit tetius," said Sirius.
"I don't know," said Remus. "Maybe we should try it out to see if it works
first. What's the counter curse?"
"Thinquis quietus tetius," replied Sirius. "Who did you have in mind?"
"Oi," said Remus, with a grin. "Petunia, come here." Sirius and I grinned,
too. I knew it was cruel, but she was leaving in the morning and we'd never see
her again anyway.
"What do you freaks want?" she asked, not looking up from her book.
"We just wanted to say good bye," I said. "We're never going to see you
again, and we just wanted to be polite. We promise we won't curse you." Sirius
stifled a laugh, and Remus nudged him in the ribs trying to keep a straight face
and Peter glared at the both of them. They turned and smiled innocently. Petunia
looked suspiciously at Remus and Sirius and walked slowly over.
"Yes?" she asked. I noticed she was wearing a large amount of makeup
and it looked hideous on her.
"Thinquis inquit tetius," I said, with sincerity.
"What does that mean?" she asked while the thoughts, 'Hey, he's pretty
cute' scrolled across her forehead. I gagged inwardly.
"It means good bye in our wizard language," replied Sirius. "You can also
say, 'Thinquis quietus tetius.' That's the more formal way of saying good bye."
"Whatever," said Petunia. She stalked off, looking over her shoulder
uneasily. We just smiled and waved.
"Poor Jimmy," said Sirius.
"Yeah," said Remus. "Meanwhile, Peter here is a fabulous actor. The only
one who could keep a straight face. You do the talking when we get our
detentions. But that's awful, having your friend's older sister fancy him." Sirius
and Remus looked at each other and pointed their fingers in their mouths,
gagging themselves. I wholeheartedly agreed. I shuddered just thinking of it.
"Well," I said. "Look on the bright side. At least we know it works."
* * * * *
Classes started the next day, but Sirius, Remus, Peter and I hardly cared.
At breakfast, we could hardly contain ourselves earning strange looks from Lily
and Cat.
"What are you four up to?" asked Cat, grinning.
"Nothing," said Peter earnestly. Sirius, Remus and I nodded in agreement.
"Liars," said Lily. She was starting to get back to normal, though still
shaken up. She had woken early this morning to see her sister off. "And another
thing, you four wouldn't know why she bade me good bye with the thoughts
charm would you?" She looked up sharply and glared at us.
"Well, actually," said Sirius. "No. We haven't the faintest idea. Look guys,
Snape just came in." Snape had just entered the Great Hall and was coming this
way.
"So," he sneered. "Mudblood. You survived. You must have imagined my
sorrow when I heard you were alive…"
"Thinquis inquit tetius," whispered Sirius.
"I was disappointed," he continued while the thoughts, 'Did I put on clean
underwear this morning?' scrolled across his forehead.
"I would have hardly thought you cared," said Lily, reading his forehead.
He took it as him saying that he was disappointed.
"Of course I would. It would mean that I wouldn't have to look at your ugly
Mudblood face," he sneered while thoughts of, 'It really isn't though' scrolled
across his forehead. (A/N: from now on, I'm just going to put his thoughts in
parentheses, okay? ?)
"That's not what you think," laughed Cat.
"Yes it is," said Snape (How does she know?). "Don't presume to tell me
what I think."
"Oh, she'd never do that unless you told her yourself," assured Lily (She's
got such nice eyes).
"But mind you," I said. "You did." (I'd like to stare into those eyes
sometime.)
"Excuse me Potter," asked Snape. "Who asked you?" (Big Potter, always
thinks he's better than everyone else.)
"Do not," I said. (Good God, they can read minds. Oh no, Lily knows,
damn Mudblood, but such a pretty one, too.) Snape stalked off.
"By the way," shouted Lily, so he, and the rest of the hall, could hear. "Not
a chance you will ever stare into these eyes. Ever." Snape turned a brilliant
shade of magenta (Great, now the whole hall knows). "What did Petunia think?"
"What makes you think we tried it out on her?" asked Remus "We aren't
cruel."
"She thought James was cute," snorted Sirius. I glared at him. "Well she
did."
"Did she now?" asked Lily in amusement. "Thanks for the ammo guys.
Who did it?"
"I did," I said, blushing.
"Thank you very much James," said Lily. "Oh, by the way," she pulled out
her wand and pointed it at me, "Don't ever torment my sister again. For God's
sake James. Our parents just died, cut her some slack. She was in a strange
environment, with strange people who cursed her and violated her privacy. I
would have thought that you, James, of all people would know better. If it were
Sirius, fine, it's his nature. Remus, I would have been too surprised to say
anything. Peter, I would give him a pat on the back for his courage. You? Your
just some stuck up, arrogant idiot who thinks he owns the world. Snape is right
about you." Lily took off, tears in her eyes. Cat glared at me and took off after
her. Sirius, Remus and Peter were quiet. I sat there stunned.
"What's up her butt?" I asked.
"Come off it James," said Remus. "Don't you remember what happened
when your parents died? You were snappish for a few weeks, your very
unemotional and you didn't see your parents get killed."
"I did too," I said.
"That's different. She is emotional, and was there when her parents were
killed and she comes from a Muggle family. She probably thinks she's the reason
they were killed. You can't expect her to only be depressed for a week. Madame
Pomfrey forced her out of bed, she locked her out of the Hospital Wing."
"How do you know?" I asked, feeling uneasy.
"Full moon, remember?" he asked. "I'm not trying to make you feel bad,
but that's the way it is."
"I think old Remus is right, Jimmy," said Sirius. "I would go apologize now
before she gets too mad."
"Alright," I said. I'm going, I'm going." I stood up, and went to look for Lily. I
found her sitting in the empty Transfiguration classroom, crying on Cat's
shoulder. She spotted me and motioned me to come over. I looked uneasily at
her. "Not now," I mouthed. "I'll come back later."
"Lily," said Cat. "You'd better clean yourself up. The other first years will
be here soon. Oh, hey James. You should hear some of the names Lily has been
calling you. Never knew she had it in her. I'll leave you two alone now. Lily,
remember that he's bigger than you, and he knows more magic." Cat left, softly
closing the door behind her.
"Lily…" I began.
"James, can it," said Lily. "I know you came here to apologize. Apology
accepted." I heard a noise outside.
"What was that?"
"I'm guessing Peter, Sirius and Remus just arrived," said Lily, a smile
starting to form. "What do you say to a little performance?"
"Okay, you start," I said. "I'll follow your lead."
"James, how could you think I'd forgive you for something like that?" Lily
shrieked. "She's my sister!" (A/N: Jenny, they aren't really fighting, they're just
acting to fool Peter, Sirius, Cat and Remus.)
"Well, you know Lily," shouted James back. "You always choose the
wrong friends! Remember Saria?"
"Well excuse me," screamed Lily. "At least I wasn't drooling over her!"
"Don't play the male card with me!" shouted James. "You girls, always
going on and on about how men are chauvinist pigs! Have you ever stopped to
think that that's a prejudice?"
"If I can't play the male card, you can't play the weak female card!" hissed
Lily. "I'm not weak, I can kick your butt any day!"
"I'd like to see you try, shrimp!" laughed James.
"Alright, you asked for it," said Lily. "Hit your self and say, 'ow!'" I hit myself
on the arm.
"Ow! Why you little, I'll get you for that. You'll rue the day you messed with
James Potter!" I shouted. The door burst open and Cat, Sirius, Remus and Peter
were all standing there. Sirius and Cat rushed forward to detain Lily and Remus
and Peter rushed to do the same to me. I winked at Lily, and we started
struggling against their grip.
"Let me go!" shouted Lily. "Or I'll tell." Cat let go at once. Now only Sirius
was holding her one arm. She hit him on the arm that was holding her and he
dropped his hands at once. I stepped on Peter's toe and pushed Remus away.
Lily and I ran at each other and hugged each other. Sirius, Cat Peter and Remus
looked puzzled.
"What is going on?" asked Cat. "You two were fighting like vultures."
"No," said Lily. "We were mock fighting. We knew you guys were out
there."
"Yeah," I said. "It was Lily's idea." We took our seats and waited for
Transfiguration to start. McGonagall walked in and was surprised to see the five
of us sitting in our seats, talking.
"What on earth are you all doing here?" she asked.
"Waiting for you," said Sirius, smiling 'innocently'. "Is that a crime?"
"Knowing your sordid reputation, Mr. Black," said McGonagall. "Yes." The
bell rang and class started. "Today we will be learning…" BANG!
"What the hell…" said Sirius. "I mean, heck," he added with a look at
Professor McGonagall. McGonagall, however, took no notice. Professor
Dumbledore's voice came on, magically magnified.
"Students, please return to your dormitories immediately, the Heads of
your houses will inform you. All staff is to report to the staff room." I looked out
the window. It looked like there had been a small explosion in Hogsmeade.
"Get back to your dorms," barked Professor McGonagall. "I'll be there in a
few minutes." I trooped up to the tower, when I saw Malfoy passing. He pointed
his wand at me, and muttered something. Suddenly, I felt light, and I didn't have
a care in the world.
"Follow me," said a voice in my head.
Why would you go with him? Said a voice in the back of my head. Then
another voice said, who cares? Go with him. (A/N: this is a bit confusing. James'
thoughts are in italic and Malfoy's controlling him is the quotations. The two italics
are kind of his devil and angel. The angel is always what he should do, the devil
is the stupid things to do. JAMES IS NOT SKITZO!!)
"James, where are you going? McGonagall told us to go back to the
tower," said Sirius.
"Say you have to go to the bathroom," said the voice.
"I have to go to the bathroom," I said. But you don't have to go, said the
angel. Don't you want to see the fun? Asked the devil. The devil won.
"You can go in the dorm," said Lily. "Something happened in Hogsmeade.
Did you see the smoke?"
"Say no," said the anonymous voice.
"No," I said.
"James, come on, we have to go," said Peter. "It's dangerous."
"Say no it isn't. I'll be fine, I'm only going to the bathroom," said the
anonymous voice again. But it could be, don't go James. You'll get hurt, said the
angel. Who would dare to hurt you? Asked the devil.
"No it isn't," I said. "I'll be fine. I'm only going to the bathroom." I veered off
into the bathroom. I saw Malfoy waiting for me.
"Hello, Potter," he sneered. "Today is your death day." He raised his
wand. "Stupify!" All I saw was black.
* * * * *
When I came to, there was a dull pain in my head. I looked around and
saw, though my eyes were fuzzy, that all the tables were overturned and there
was broken glass and fires everywhere. I tried to stand up, but I was bound to the
chair. My senses started to come back: I felt a wet blob of cloth in my mouth, the
ropes cutting into my skin, and the dull pain in my head had escalated to a
throbbing sharp pain. I tried to scream, for the pain was great, but it came out
strangled and it only made me gag. I blinked a few times, and the world came
into better focus. I heard footsteps. The door swung open so hard, it fell off its
hinges. There stood the cloaked figure of Voldemort. He came over and took the
wad of cloth out of my mouth.
"Well, well, well, Mr. Potter," he said in an icy voice. "It's nice to finally
meet you. I've already met your parents. A sweet couple, too bad I had to kill
them." I said nothing. He laughed a high, cold laugh. "Well, aren't we the little
rebel. I bet you stayed in bed for weeks, crying over my parents."
"That's where you're wrong," I said. "I spent a day. One day, just one. See,
what you didn't know when you killed them, was that they treated me horribly.
They had practically disowned me for my ability."
"And what would that be, Mr. Potter?" asked Voldemort.
"You already know," I said. "Malfoy told you."
"Clever boy," said Voldemort. "I will make a deal with you. Your services
for your life."
"No," I said. "Not after what you've put me and my friends through."
"Ah," said Voldemort. "A true Gryffindor. Though I thought loyalty was for
Hufflepuff."
"Better Hufflepuff than Slytherin." I snapped.
"No need to get snippy with me, Potter," said Voldemort softly. "I'm only
trying to help you. You could be very powerful, you know."
"I can be powerful without using Dark magic. Dark magic is for cowards
who want an easy way out," I spat. "Like you."
"Oh do shut up," said Voldemort. "You don't know what you're talking
about. Crucio." A pain that I had never experienced hit me. I tried desperately not
to scream. I let out a strangled cry.
"Actually, Tom, I think he's quite right," said a voice filled with malice. I
looked up to see Professor Dumbledore. The kindness and sparkle that was
usually there had vanished. If one were to see him now for the first time, they
would perceive him as cruel and hateful. "Are you alright, James?"
"Fine," I lied. I ached, I was tired, cold and hungry. Voldemort was
standing in front of me and I thought it might not be wise to let him know that his
torture was working. Dumbledore gave him a small smile and a wink.
"So, Albus," said Voldemort. "Come to save your student?"
"As a matter of fact, Tom," said Dumbledore. "Yes."
"Who is this Tom you speak of?" asked Voldemort. "I know no Tom, my
name is Lord Voldemort."
"Your name," said Dumbledore. "Is Tom Marvolo Riddle. You are a half-
blood. Your father was ashamed of your mother and left her. You grew up in an
orphanage, a Muggle orphanage."
"I am Lord Voldemort," said Voldemort.
"Rearrange the letters," said Dumbledore. "It's an anagram of Tom
Marvolo Riddle. You always were bright."
"Imperio!" shouted Voldemort. An odd look flickered over the Professor's
face for a minute, then it returned to normal.
"That doesn't work on me, Tom. You know that," said Dumbledore. "Now,
about taking James out of the school," he cleared his throat. "I wouldn't have
ever dared to do such a thing, not with myself as Headmaster. Expelliarmus!"
Nothing happened.
"Albus," said Voldemort. "Don't insult me. You know better than that. That
doesn't work on me. I'm too strong for that. Might I suggest something a little
stronger? Crucio!" The spell hit Dumbledore, rebounded and hit the wall, creating
a small hole.
"Nice try, Tom," said Dumbledore. "Let me see, ah yes. I have just the
thing." Dumbledore pulled a box out of his cloak. "James, I would close your
eyes," he added. I screwed my eyes tightly shut. I heard a scream. "You can
open your eyes now James." I opened my eyes. Voldemort lay spread eagle on
the floor, his wand rolling across the floor. Dumbledore walked over and picked it
up, then gave Voldemort a kick. He was out cold.
"What did you do?" I asked. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
"It's called Catch Dust. It will knock any human being out for twenty four
hours," explained Dumbledore, while untying me. I stood up, quavered and fell
backwards. "I must say, Miss Evans has been quite worried about you. Everyone
has, well, maybe not the Slytherins," his eyes twinkled again. "Do you know who
in the school got you here?" I racked my brain. I knew I did know, but I couldn't
remember.
"No, sir. I can't remember," I said. "Sorry."
"Do you think you can walk to the carriage?" asked Dumbledore.
"Probably," I said. "Could you give me a hand? And I seem to have lost
my wand…" Dumbledore produced one. Out of a side door came a young
woman, probably twenty or so. She looked quite frightened.
"Is he gone?" she asked meekly.
"Yes, m'dear. He's gone," said Dumbledore. "But I'm afraid he's ruined
your pub."
"I can fix it up, or get my brother to do it. Thank you, sir," she said.
"That's quite alright, Rosemerta. Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" asked
Dumbledore with concern.
"Surprisingly, only the Imperius curse. Shall I call for a carriage?" asked
Rosemerta.
"No need, I have one waiting outside," said Dumbledore. "Goodbye
Rosemerta. I'll send someone tomorrow to help you clean up."
"Thank you again, sir," said Rosemerta. Dumbledore put his arm around
my waist and helped me to the carriage. In the carriage, Madame Pomfrey was
waiting, tight-lipped and white-faced.
"You've got him, Professor?" she asked.
"Yes, Poppy. Give me a hand, he's very weak," replied Dumbledore.
"I'm not weak," I protested, just before fainting.
? ? ? ? ?
A/N: Well, I'm still alive. Fancy that. Okay, you've done the first half of r/r, now it's
time to complete it. See the box underneath? Write what you think of this story
there. I'm very upset because my ratio of hits:reviews is 20:1! 20:1! Come on
people! We love hearing what you think, even if it is a flame. Please, please,
please, please, PLEASE review. I would really like it if you did. Listen to me
pleas. Anyway, if you recognize it from the books, I don't own it. I've forgotten to
put these in for the past few times, so sorry to JKR, if she actually reads these
which I doubt she does, but it would be nice.
*From The Ancient Mariner. It's one of my favorite poems. It's by Samuel Taylor
Coleridge. It's really good, you should read it. It's long for a poem, but a short
read. It's fabulous, read it, but after REVIEWING!
"Like one, on a lonesome road who,
Doth walk in fear and dread,
And, having once turned round, walks on,
And turns no more his head;
Because he knows a frightful fiend
Doth close behind him tread."*
James:
The day Lily rejoined the living was the last day of the holidays. The rest of
the tower arrived that evening and we no longer could get good armchairs. I was
unhappy, but when Sirius suggested a prank on Snape to welcome him back, I
regained my normal bouncy manner that matched Sirius's.
"So, Sirius," said Remus. "What do you propose we do?"
"Well," said Sirius with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I read…"
"When did you pick up a book?" I asked in amusement. Sirius pretended
not to hear me.
"As I was saying," he continued. "I read this book that has an index of
pranks. I gave one to each of you with high hopes. Did anyone read the prank on
page twenty?"
"I did," said Peter meekly. "It's a good one, worth about a weeks detention
though."
"My dear Peter," said Sirius. "That's the whole point. To get as many
detentions as possible. Don't you remember me saying that just yesterday?"
"No," said Peter.
"He was in the Hospital Wing, remember?" asked Remus. "He had that
float with Lacompte and he accidentally levitated her?"
"Oh, that's right," said Sirius with a grin. "And he dropped her on himself."
"That's the one," I said. Peter blushed. "So explain to us this great prank."
"Well, there's this charm that will probably never be taught at Hogwarts,"
said Sirius. "The charm has whatever you're thinking plastered on your forehead.
Say I was thinking I was hungry…"
"Which he probably is," injected Remus.
"I am, as a matter of fact. Anywho, the thought, 'I am hungry' would scroll
across my forehead, until my thought changed."
"So," I asked. "What's the incantation?"
"Thinquis inquit tetius," said Sirius.
"I don't know," said Remus. "Maybe we should try it out to see if it works
first. What's the counter curse?"
"Thinquis quietus tetius," replied Sirius. "Who did you have in mind?"
"Oi," said Remus, with a grin. "Petunia, come here." Sirius and I grinned,
too. I knew it was cruel, but she was leaving in the morning and we'd never see
her again anyway.
"What do you freaks want?" she asked, not looking up from her book.
"We just wanted to say good bye," I said. "We're never going to see you
again, and we just wanted to be polite. We promise we won't curse you." Sirius
stifled a laugh, and Remus nudged him in the ribs trying to keep a straight face
and Peter glared at the both of them. They turned and smiled innocently. Petunia
looked suspiciously at Remus and Sirius and walked slowly over.
"Yes?" she asked. I noticed she was wearing a large amount of makeup
and it looked hideous on her.
"Thinquis inquit tetius," I said, with sincerity.
"What does that mean?" she asked while the thoughts, 'Hey, he's pretty
cute' scrolled across her forehead. I gagged inwardly.
"It means good bye in our wizard language," replied Sirius. "You can also
say, 'Thinquis quietus tetius.' That's the more formal way of saying good bye."
"Whatever," said Petunia. She stalked off, looking over her shoulder
uneasily. We just smiled and waved.
"Poor Jimmy," said Sirius.
"Yeah," said Remus. "Meanwhile, Peter here is a fabulous actor. The only
one who could keep a straight face. You do the talking when we get our
detentions. But that's awful, having your friend's older sister fancy him." Sirius
and Remus looked at each other and pointed their fingers in their mouths,
gagging themselves. I wholeheartedly agreed. I shuddered just thinking of it.
"Well," I said. "Look on the bright side. At least we know it works."
* * * * *
Classes started the next day, but Sirius, Remus, Peter and I hardly cared.
At breakfast, we could hardly contain ourselves earning strange looks from Lily
and Cat.
"What are you four up to?" asked Cat, grinning.
"Nothing," said Peter earnestly. Sirius, Remus and I nodded in agreement.
"Liars," said Lily. She was starting to get back to normal, though still
shaken up. She had woken early this morning to see her sister off. "And another
thing, you four wouldn't know why she bade me good bye with the thoughts
charm would you?" She looked up sharply and glared at us.
"Well, actually," said Sirius. "No. We haven't the faintest idea. Look guys,
Snape just came in." Snape had just entered the Great Hall and was coming this
way.
"So," he sneered. "Mudblood. You survived. You must have imagined my
sorrow when I heard you were alive…"
"Thinquis inquit tetius," whispered Sirius.
"I was disappointed," he continued while the thoughts, 'Did I put on clean
underwear this morning?' scrolled across his forehead.
"I would have hardly thought you cared," said Lily, reading his forehead.
He took it as him saying that he was disappointed.
"Of course I would. It would mean that I wouldn't have to look at your ugly
Mudblood face," he sneered while thoughts of, 'It really isn't though' scrolled
across his forehead. (A/N: from now on, I'm just going to put his thoughts in
parentheses, okay? ?)
"That's not what you think," laughed Cat.
"Yes it is," said Snape (How does she know?). "Don't presume to tell me
what I think."
"Oh, she'd never do that unless you told her yourself," assured Lily (She's
got such nice eyes).
"But mind you," I said. "You did." (I'd like to stare into those eyes
sometime.)
"Excuse me Potter," asked Snape. "Who asked you?" (Big Potter, always
thinks he's better than everyone else.)
"Do not," I said. (Good God, they can read minds. Oh no, Lily knows,
damn Mudblood, but such a pretty one, too.) Snape stalked off.
"By the way," shouted Lily, so he, and the rest of the hall, could hear. "Not
a chance you will ever stare into these eyes. Ever." Snape turned a brilliant
shade of magenta (Great, now the whole hall knows). "What did Petunia think?"
"What makes you think we tried it out on her?" asked Remus "We aren't
cruel."
"She thought James was cute," snorted Sirius. I glared at him. "Well she
did."
"Did she now?" asked Lily in amusement. "Thanks for the ammo guys.
Who did it?"
"I did," I said, blushing.
"Thank you very much James," said Lily. "Oh, by the way," she pulled out
her wand and pointed it at me, "Don't ever torment my sister again. For God's
sake James. Our parents just died, cut her some slack. She was in a strange
environment, with strange people who cursed her and violated her privacy. I
would have thought that you, James, of all people would know better. If it were
Sirius, fine, it's his nature. Remus, I would have been too surprised to say
anything. Peter, I would give him a pat on the back for his courage. You? Your
just some stuck up, arrogant idiot who thinks he owns the world. Snape is right
about you." Lily took off, tears in her eyes. Cat glared at me and took off after
her. Sirius, Remus and Peter were quiet. I sat there stunned.
"What's up her butt?" I asked.
"Come off it James," said Remus. "Don't you remember what happened
when your parents died? You were snappish for a few weeks, your very
unemotional and you didn't see your parents get killed."
"I did too," I said.
"That's different. She is emotional, and was there when her parents were
killed and she comes from a Muggle family. She probably thinks she's the reason
they were killed. You can't expect her to only be depressed for a week. Madame
Pomfrey forced her out of bed, she locked her out of the Hospital Wing."
"How do you know?" I asked, feeling uneasy.
"Full moon, remember?" he asked. "I'm not trying to make you feel bad,
but that's the way it is."
"I think old Remus is right, Jimmy," said Sirius. "I would go apologize now
before she gets too mad."
"Alright," I said. I'm going, I'm going." I stood up, and went to look for Lily. I
found her sitting in the empty Transfiguration classroom, crying on Cat's
shoulder. She spotted me and motioned me to come over. I looked uneasily at
her. "Not now," I mouthed. "I'll come back later."
"Lily," said Cat. "You'd better clean yourself up. The other first years will
be here soon. Oh, hey James. You should hear some of the names Lily has been
calling you. Never knew she had it in her. I'll leave you two alone now. Lily,
remember that he's bigger than you, and he knows more magic." Cat left, softly
closing the door behind her.
"Lily…" I began.
"James, can it," said Lily. "I know you came here to apologize. Apology
accepted." I heard a noise outside.
"What was that?"
"I'm guessing Peter, Sirius and Remus just arrived," said Lily, a smile
starting to form. "What do you say to a little performance?"
"Okay, you start," I said. "I'll follow your lead."
"James, how could you think I'd forgive you for something like that?" Lily
shrieked. "She's my sister!" (A/N: Jenny, they aren't really fighting, they're just
acting to fool Peter, Sirius, Cat and Remus.)
"Well, you know Lily," shouted James back. "You always choose the
wrong friends! Remember Saria?"
"Well excuse me," screamed Lily. "At least I wasn't drooling over her!"
"Don't play the male card with me!" shouted James. "You girls, always
going on and on about how men are chauvinist pigs! Have you ever stopped to
think that that's a prejudice?"
"If I can't play the male card, you can't play the weak female card!" hissed
Lily. "I'm not weak, I can kick your butt any day!"
"I'd like to see you try, shrimp!" laughed James.
"Alright, you asked for it," said Lily. "Hit your self and say, 'ow!'" I hit myself
on the arm.
"Ow! Why you little, I'll get you for that. You'll rue the day you messed with
James Potter!" I shouted. The door burst open and Cat, Sirius, Remus and Peter
were all standing there. Sirius and Cat rushed forward to detain Lily and Remus
and Peter rushed to do the same to me. I winked at Lily, and we started
struggling against their grip.
"Let me go!" shouted Lily. "Or I'll tell." Cat let go at once. Now only Sirius
was holding her one arm. She hit him on the arm that was holding her and he
dropped his hands at once. I stepped on Peter's toe and pushed Remus away.
Lily and I ran at each other and hugged each other. Sirius, Cat Peter and Remus
looked puzzled.
"What is going on?" asked Cat. "You two were fighting like vultures."
"No," said Lily. "We were mock fighting. We knew you guys were out
there."
"Yeah," I said. "It was Lily's idea." We took our seats and waited for
Transfiguration to start. McGonagall walked in and was surprised to see the five
of us sitting in our seats, talking.
"What on earth are you all doing here?" she asked.
"Waiting for you," said Sirius, smiling 'innocently'. "Is that a crime?"
"Knowing your sordid reputation, Mr. Black," said McGonagall. "Yes." The
bell rang and class started. "Today we will be learning…" BANG!
"What the hell…" said Sirius. "I mean, heck," he added with a look at
Professor McGonagall. McGonagall, however, took no notice. Professor
Dumbledore's voice came on, magically magnified.
"Students, please return to your dormitories immediately, the Heads of
your houses will inform you. All staff is to report to the staff room." I looked out
the window. It looked like there had been a small explosion in Hogsmeade.
"Get back to your dorms," barked Professor McGonagall. "I'll be there in a
few minutes." I trooped up to the tower, when I saw Malfoy passing. He pointed
his wand at me, and muttered something. Suddenly, I felt light, and I didn't have
a care in the world.
"Follow me," said a voice in my head.
Why would you go with him? Said a voice in the back of my head. Then
another voice said, who cares? Go with him. (A/N: this is a bit confusing. James'
thoughts are in italic and Malfoy's controlling him is the quotations. The two italics
are kind of his devil and angel. The angel is always what he should do, the devil
is the stupid things to do. JAMES IS NOT SKITZO!!)
"James, where are you going? McGonagall told us to go back to the
tower," said Sirius.
"Say you have to go to the bathroom," said the voice.
"I have to go to the bathroom," I said. But you don't have to go, said the
angel. Don't you want to see the fun? Asked the devil. The devil won.
"You can go in the dorm," said Lily. "Something happened in Hogsmeade.
Did you see the smoke?"
"Say no," said the anonymous voice.
"No," I said.
"James, come on, we have to go," said Peter. "It's dangerous."
"Say no it isn't. I'll be fine, I'm only going to the bathroom," said the
anonymous voice again. But it could be, don't go James. You'll get hurt, said the
angel. Who would dare to hurt you? Asked the devil.
"No it isn't," I said. "I'll be fine. I'm only going to the bathroom." I veered off
into the bathroom. I saw Malfoy waiting for me.
"Hello, Potter," he sneered. "Today is your death day." He raised his
wand. "Stupify!" All I saw was black.
* * * * *
When I came to, there was a dull pain in my head. I looked around and
saw, though my eyes were fuzzy, that all the tables were overturned and there
was broken glass and fires everywhere. I tried to stand up, but I was bound to the
chair. My senses started to come back: I felt a wet blob of cloth in my mouth, the
ropes cutting into my skin, and the dull pain in my head had escalated to a
throbbing sharp pain. I tried to scream, for the pain was great, but it came out
strangled and it only made me gag. I blinked a few times, and the world came
into better focus. I heard footsteps. The door swung open so hard, it fell off its
hinges. There stood the cloaked figure of Voldemort. He came over and took the
wad of cloth out of my mouth.
"Well, well, well, Mr. Potter," he said in an icy voice. "It's nice to finally
meet you. I've already met your parents. A sweet couple, too bad I had to kill
them." I said nothing. He laughed a high, cold laugh. "Well, aren't we the little
rebel. I bet you stayed in bed for weeks, crying over my parents."
"That's where you're wrong," I said. "I spent a day. One day, just one. See,
what you didn't know when you killed them, was that they treated me horribly.
They had practically disowned me for my ability."
"And what would that be, Mr. Potter?" asked Voldemort.
"You already know," I said. "Malfoy told you."
"Clever boy," said Voldemort. "I will make a deal with you. Your services
for your life."
"No," I said. "Not after what you've put me and my friends through."
"Ah," said Voldemort. "A true Gryffindor. Though I thought loyalty was for
Hufflepuff."
"Better Hufflepuff than Slytherin." I snapped.
"No need to get snippy with me, Potter," said Voldemort softly. "I'm only
trying to help you. You could be very powerful, you know."
"I can be powerful without using Dark magic. Dark magic is for cowards
who want an easy way out," I spat. "Like you."
"Oh do shut up," said Voldemort. "You don't know what you're talking
about. Crucio." A pain that I had never experienced hit me. I tried desperately not
to scream. I let out a strangled cry.
"Actually, Tom, I think he's quite right," said a voice filled with malice. I
looked up to see Professor Dumbledore. The kindness and sparkle that was
usually there had vanished. If one were to see him now for the first time, they
would perceive him as cruel and hateful. "Are you alright, James?"
"Fine," I lied. I ached, I was tired, cold and hungry. Voldemort was
standing in front of me and I thought it might not be wise to let him know that his
torture was working. Dumbledore gave him a small smile and a wink.
"So, Albus," said Voldemort. "Come to save your student?"
"As a matter of fact, Tom," said Dumbledore. "Yes."
"Who is this Tom you speak of?" asked Voldemort. "I know no Tom, my
name is Lord Voldemort."
"Your name," said Dumbledore. "Is Tom Marvolo Riddle. You are a half-
blood. Your father was ashamed of your mother and left her. You grew up in an
orphanage, a Muggle orphanage."
"I am Lord Voldemort," said Voldemort.
"Rearrange the letters," said Dumbledore. "It's an anagram of Tom
Marvolo Riddle. You always were bright."
"Imperio!" shouted Voldemort. An odd look flickered over the Professor's
face for a minute, then it returned to normal.
"That doesn't work on me, Tom. You know that," said Dumbledore. "Now,
about taking James out of the school," he cleared his throat. "I wouldn't have
ever dared to do such a thing, not with myself as Headmaster. Expelliarmus!"
Nothing happened.
"Albus," said Voldemort. "Don't insult me. You know better than that. That
doesn't work on me. I'm too strong for that. Might I suggest something a little
stronger? Crucio!" The spell hit Dumbledore, rebounded and hit the wall, creating
a small hole.
"Nice try, Tom," said Dumbledore. "Let me see, ah yes. I have just the
thing." Dumbledore pulled a box out of his cloak. "James, I would close your
eyes," he added. I screwed my eyes tightly shut. I heard a scream. "You can
open your eyes now James." I opened my eyes. Voldemort lay spread eagle on
the floor, his wand rolling across the floor. Dumbledore walked over and picked it
up, then gave Voldemort a kick. He was out cold.
"What did you do?" I asked. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
"It's called Catch Dust. It will knock any human being out for twenty four
hours," explained Dumbledore, while untying me. I stood up, quavered and fell
backwards. "I must say, Miss Evans has been quite worried about you. Everyone
has, well, maybe not the Slytherins," his eyes twinkled again. "Do you know who
in the school got you here?" I racked my brain. I knew I did know, but I couldn't
remember.
"No, sir. I can't remember," I said. "Sorry."
"Do you think you can walk to the carriage?" asked Dumbledore.
"Probably," I said. "Could you give me a hand? And I seem to have lost
my wand…" Dumbledore produced one. Out of a side door came a young
woman, probably twenty or so. She looked quite frightened.
"Is he gone?" she asked meekly.
"Yes, m'dear. He's gone," said Dumbledore. "But I'm afraid he's ruined
your pub."
"I can fix it up, or get my brother to do it. Thank you, sir," she said.
"That's quite alright, Rosemerta. Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" asked
Dumbledore with concern.
"Surprisingly, only the Imperius curse. Shall I call for a carriage?" asked
Rosemerta.
"No need, I have one waiting outside," said Dumbledore. "Goodbye
Rosemerta. I'll send someone tomorrow to help you clean up."
"Thank you again, sir," said Rosemerta. Dumbledore put his arm around
my waist and helped me to the carriage. In the carriage, Madame Pomfrey was
waiting, tight-lipped and white-faced.
"You've got him, Professor?" she asked.
"Yes, Poppy. Give me a hand, he's very weak," replied Dumbledore.
"I'm not weak," I protested, just before fainting.
? ? ? ? ?
A/N: Well, I'm still alive. Fancy that. Okay, you've done the first half of r/r, now it's
time to complete it. See the box underneath? Write what you think of this story
there. I'm very upset because my ratio of hits:reviews is 20:1! 20:1! Come on
people! We love hearing what you think, even if it is a flame. Please, please,
please, please, PLEASE review. I would really like it if you did. Listen to me
pleas. Anyway, if you recognize it from the books, I don't own it. I've forgotten to
put these in for the past few times, so sorry to JKR, if she actually reads these
which I doubt she does, but it would be nice.
*From The Ancient Mariner. It's one of my favorite poems. It's by Samuel Taylor
Coleridge. It's really good, you should read it. It's long for a poem, but a short
read. It's fabulous, read it, but after REVIEWING!