A/N: Okay, I know this is a few days late. I apologize for that. I just found out that I had to do this stupid project and find a lot of political cartoons and write a paragraph about each one. Ridiculous, I know. And it's due on Monday. I worked on it all day on Thursday, along with writing this. Then, on Friday, I was dragged off to a major league spring training game. On Saturday, I finished writing, and I was going to post on Sunday, but I was having computer difficulties. Anyway, a new alliance is formed, more pranks, the Quidditch Cup (Hufflepuff and Gryffindor), more pranks, some classes, a brief appearance by the Marauders' favorite Professor, Rhiane starts to catch on to Remus' health problem, a few fights, and more. Here is Chapter 11:
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Disclaimer: I do not own the characters that you recognize, the spells you recognize, and places you recognize; including but not limited to the following - Sirius Black, James Potter, Lily Evans, Arabella Figg (I own her personality though!) Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Lucius Malfoy, and Albus Dumbledore. Hogwarts, the Sorting Hat, Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and various spells. I do own what you do not recognize. So, don't take them without permission! I am not associated with any owners of Harry Potter (including the amazing J.K. Rowling) and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
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MY2 ~ The Great Prank War
By: Noelle
Chapter 11: Broken Circles
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"Pay back time," Bella Figg whispered happily as she and Lily crept up the stairs to the 2nd Year Boys' Dormitory. She pulled her blonde hair into a ponytail, shoving a black ski hat on her head.
"Oh, are they going to get it!" Lily smirked. She twisted the doorknob slowly, and lightly pushed open the door, taking care to not let it creak.
"So, what do we do first?" Bella asked. "There's so much to do!"
"Why don't we start with the curses? We can booby-trap later, when we're sure we won't get caught in it." Lily whispered, pushing Bella back as James sputtered.
"Well, Charms Expert, work your magic!"
Lily grinned, as she lurked towards Michael's bed. She had a rather large score to settle with him, since he didn't manage to keep James away from her while he was under the influence of that love potion. She has had a little retaliation, but not nearly enough. She first put a temporary deafness spell on Michael, so he wouldn't hear her. She then whispered the charm and was pleased to see its results were instantaneous. Lily then moved onto Sirius.
"La bocca di Palle," Lily muttered, saying the charm she created especially for him.
Lily moved onto an empty bed. Remus must be visiting his mother again. Lily felt sorry for him, since his mother was so sick. He had to go visit her every month, usually near the middle or end. Lily moved onto Thomas, who was snoring lightly. She felt kind of bad for doing anything to Thomas. It seemed as if he wanted to fit in with his fellow Gryffindors so much that he would do whatever Sirius and James wanted. Sighing, she performed a temporary baldness charm before moving onto her last victim --
James.
Smiling, she knew exactly what to do. James had been the 'brain' of the group lately, formulating particularly evil pranks for them to play on Lily, Bella, and the rest of the Venustians. But… he couldn't plan if he couldn't be understood, right? "Igpay atinlay," she whispered, touching James forehead lightly with the tip of her wand. She took a minute to examine James. When he was asleep, he looked almost… angelic. He was curled into a ball, his blanket wrapped around him. His messy hair covered his forehead. Lily gave him one last look before creeping over to where Bella stood, outside of the room.
"Ready?" Bella questioned.
"Ready," Lily said, breathing deeply.
They whispered a charm together, waving their wands in the same complex motion. Strings, buckets, balloons, and other hazards appeared everywhere.
"Good night, boys," Bella whispered, as she quietly shut the door.
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Beep… Beep… Beep… Beep…
Groaning, Sirius Black reached out his hand and pushed the snooze button. His dad managed to enchant a muggle alarm clock to run off magic after Sirius was late to class so many times.
Beep… Beep… Beep… Beep…
Sirius reached out and hit the alarm clock once again. And it hit him back. "Sirius Orion Black, get you bum out of bed before you're late to class again!" he heard his mother's voice. Sirius groaned when he remembered what other enhancements his father put on the clock.
Sirius sat up in bed, and noticed James, Thomas, and Michael also sitting up. As if a silent agreement, all got out of bed at the same time…
And the stopped when the felt themselves push up against something.
Sirius watched in a terrified fascination as thousands of strings appeared from nowhere. They pulled one another, triggering other objects…
Sirius watched as a humongous balloon dropped onto James' head, turning his hair pink. Thomas had no hair -- he was bald. Sirius took a minute to examine Michael. Michael was wearing a black leather skirt and a black leather corset with red accents. It was actually quite becoming on him.
Sirius opened his mouth to say something, but what he wanted to say didn't seem to come out. Golf balls came out instead. Sirius shut his mouth in shock. He opened it again, causing more golf balls to pour out.
"Hatway isay oinggay onay?" James asked, before covering his mouth. "Hyway amay Iay alkingtay ikelay histay?" A look of incredible anger then crossed his face. "Iggfay! Evansay! I'llay etgay ouyay!"
Thomas turned to Michael. "Did you get any of that?" he asked.
"Er… something about Lily, probably. LILY! Lily and BELLA! They did this!"
"They are so going to get it," Thomas muttered, rubbing his shiny, hairless head. "Do they expect me to go out in public like this?"
"We can't go to the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey is taking the day off to visit her brother. He came to Hogsmeade for the weekend," Thomas said.
"Eway avehay Ransfigurationtay ownay," James said unintelligently.
Thomas leaned over the strings to Michael. "What did he say?"
"I think he said let's go light Evan's hair on fire," Michael answered. "Well, whatever he said, it's not helping us now." He transfigured a blonde wig up for Thomas. "Here," he said, handing it to him. "This might help."
Thomas thanked him profusely, and put the wig on.
And it flew right off his head.
"How long do you think this is going to last?" Thomas asked nervously.
"Knowing Evans, who knows?" Michael answered. Sirius chose not to open his mouth at the fear of drowning in golf balls. James just fumed.
The four friends dressed quickly and ran off to Transfiguration. Sirius was turning the last corner when he ran into the last person he wanted to run into. They collided into each other and fell to the ground.
"Sorry," the girl said, hoisting herself up. She then held out her hand. She quickly drew it back when she realized who it was. "Watch where you're going, Black," Charlie Hunter said.
Sirius stood up, and opened his mouth to retort. But the golf balls poured out. Charlie covered her mouth, shocked. She the began to chuckle lightly, before moving on to full-scale laughs.
Sirius rolled his eyes and grabbed out a notepad. He wrote a message on the paper, and handed it to Charlie. Charlie took it, and skimmed it quickly. " Let's see. 'Shut up. This is not funny; this is war. By the way, when is Laia coming?' Well, I won't shut up because it IS funny. Who did this to you anyway? I should congratulate them. And Laia is coming in September. Ryan decided to let her settle into the English culture first. She's staying at Hogwarts, and is being home-schooled at the moment."
Sirius grabbed the paper and scrawled his answer to 'Who did this to you'. "Evans?" Charlie questioned distastefully. "That redhead who thinks she's better than everyone? The one who gave me an extra arm a few weeks ago?" Sirius nodded, laughing silently (with his mouth closed) as he remembered seeing Charlie right after the 'incident' happened. "You know, I have a score to settle with her," Charlie said slowly, grasping the idea. "And so do the Marauders, obviously. So, why don't the elusive Marauders join forces with C.A.H. to get Evans and her little group back?"
Sirius considered this, and scrawled his answer on the piece of paper. Charlie took the paper once again. "Okay, you talk to James, Michael, and Thomas. Remus is sick again, right? Well, whatever. You don't have to answer. Just send me an owl!" With these parting words, Charlie skipped off as Sirius ran to Transfiguration, late.
"Nice of you to join us, Mr. Black," Professor McGonagall said irritably, glaring at him.
Sirius opened his mouth to respond, 'Nice of you to have me,' but the golf balls poured out. Lily and Bella were in hysterics. Sirius glared at them, and sat next to Thomas.
"Now that we're all here, we can begin. We are to learn higher scale Transfiguration spells today. This would be turning medium-sized objects into other medium-sized objects." Professor McGonagall placed a box on her desk. Waving her wand, she transformed the box into a muggle television. "The principle is the same, but you must put more magic into it. Mr. Potter!" she shrieked, as James attempted to dip Lily's braid into his inkpot.
"Hatway?" he asked absentmindedly.
"What did you say Mr. Potter?" Minnie asked, turning her normal lovely fuchsia colour.
"Hatway oday ouyay antway, Inniemay? An'tcay ouyay eesay I'may usybay?"
"Potter, I will not put up with insolence in my classroom," she screeched, as Sirius scrawled a prank idea for her. "OUT!"
James looked up, and gathered his stuff. He then shrugged and dumped the whole inkpot onto Lily's head. Lily screamed, trying to wipe it off. Bella attempted to help her, glaring evilly at James. James walked out of the room, his head held high.
"Does anyone else want to leave?" McGonagall asked.
The class glanced at each other, and as if on cue, stood up as one and walked out of the room.
"No!" Minnie screeched. "I did not mean that as an invitation! Get back here!"
The Gryffindors continued walking, ignoring the threats of their teacher.
Michael, Sirius, and Thomas met up with James in the cave under the lake. "Hey chum," Thomas said. "How's the potion going?"
"Itay isay oinggay owherenay," James said sulkily. "Eway an'tcay etgay hetay Eritysalvay Rassgay untilay uneJay, underay hetay ullfay oonmay. Hattay isay hetay extnay ingredientay eway eednay."
Sirius and Thomas turned to Michael. "Translation?" Thomas asked, since Sirius was incapable of opening his mouth.
"It believe he said that it's going nowhere, until we get the Veritysal Grass," Michael answered. "That is, if it's a Pig Latin spell he's under."
Michael figured out during Transfiguration that his brother was probably under the Pig Latin spell. Luckily, Michael knew a little, since he used to talk to his house elf in Pig Latin sometimes, when he was younger.
"We've been working on this for a year now," Thomas said. "When are we going to be done?"
James looked thoughtful, as he stirred the Animagus Potion. "Ivengay the imingtay, I'd aysay ometimesay inay Ifthfay Earyay."
"Sometime in Fifth Year," Michael translated, "because of the timing."
"I hope this works," Thomas said.
"It will," Michael answered confidently. "We're Marauders! How could this go wrong?"
At that moment, there was a small explosion in the cauldron. James looked up sheepishly. "Iay hinktay Iay tirredsay ootay uicklyqay," he said.
Michael groaned. "He stirred too fast."
"Well, let's start over…"
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"I cannot believe him! The nerve of that boy!" Lily said furiously, standing over the sink. In her right hand, she held a scrub brush. In her left hand, her braid. She was attempting to wash the ink out of her hair, but she was having a hard time. "I need more SOAP!" she shrieked.
Kiana was sitting on a chair in the bathroom. She handed Lily a bottle of shampoo, drawing her hand back quickly to avoid being bit. Lily was fuming over the Transfiguration incident.
"I mean, how rude is that? It's not like I did anything to him!" Lily vented.
"Actually," Kiana said, rather tentatively, "you did. You put that Pig Latin charm on him."
Lily gazed frostily at Kiana, and continued on with her rant. "I mean, just because he has terrible hygiene and untamable hair doesn't mean he has to go ruin my perfectly nice hair, right?"
"Right," Kiana said, sighing, knowing that disagreeing with Lily would be futile.
"So are we agreed?"
"Sure," Kiana said, not particularly paying attention.
"Good. It's settled. You'll talk to Charlie tomorrow."
Kiana fell out of her chair. She laid there in shock for awhile, her black hair in her face. "I'm what?"
"You're talking to Charlie tomorrow. We're joining forces with them, against the Marauders."
"But I can't do that!"
"Hey," Lily said, her eyes narrowing. "You are the one who knows her the best. Is there some reason you don't want to get even with James and Company?"
"Look. I think James will get what he deserves in the end. Same goes with the Sirius, Michael, Remus, and Thomas. Now, I have a score to settle with some certain Slytherins." Kiana pushed herself off the ground.
"What Slytherins? And what are you planning on doing? I wanna help!" Lily whined. She then added, "I have a score to settle with Malfoy and Snape," saying it rather darkly.
"Well, Alexiandra has been getting on my nerves. And it's always fun to get Malfoy and Snape…"
"And Noelle Charrier! "She aggravates me so much!" Lily fumed.
"Why? She doesn't seem as bad as the rest of them. I mean, she did help Michael that one time."
"One good deed doesn't make up for a lifetime of bad ones," Lily said darkly.
Kiana shrugged. "Whatever you say, Lils. What's going on between you and Malfoy and Snape, anyway?"
"They've been calling me 'Mudblood' again. I don't even fully understand what it means, but I know it's bad. Snape called me it a few days ago, and Mundungus was there. 'Dung would've jumped on him if Andromada didn't hold him back. He did sneak in a good curse though."
"Oh, so he's the one that gave Snape those nasty green boils. Wow, that was great!"
"So, what do you want to do?" Lily asked excitedly.
Kiana stared at her friend, who had a crazed look in her eyes. "Oh, no. Lily. No. This is a top-secret, hush-hush, confidential and PRIVATE thing."
Lily's face fell as she gave Kiana her best puppy dog face. "I can be hush-hush," Lily said softly.
"You can never be hush-hush, Lils! You don't even know what hush-hush is!"
"But I can be it!" Lily dropped to her knees, and wrapped her arms around Kiana's legs. "Please, please, please, please, please…"
"Oh, fine!" Kiana said, agitatedly. "You can come. But you can't get in my way when I do my thing. You'll have to do yours first…"
Lily squealed in delight, and wrapped Kiana in a hug. Kiana shrank back a little, but let Lily hug her nonetheless. When Lily finally released her from her deathtrap, Kiana looked at her determinedly. "We strike at 2:34 A.M."
Lily and Kiana exited the bathroom, determined and starved for revenge. Bella noticed this, and wanted to know who they were going to prank.
The problems started when Bella and Lily were walking to History of Magic.
"You have to tell me who you're going to prank!" Belle exclaimed.
"No," Lily answered shortly.
"Lily Rose Evans, you tell me right now!" Bella said firmly, putting her hands on her hips. She stared at Lily menacingly.
"I can not disclose that information at this point," answered Lily, professionally, as she kept walking.
"Lily," Bella whined. "Best friends aren't supposed to keep secrets from each other!"
Lily froze in her tracks. "You think we're best friends?" she questioned, a hint of hope in her voice.
"Of course we're best friends, Lils," Bella said confidently.
"That's great to hear," said Lily happily, walking ahead.
Bella quickly caught up to her. "So, that means you'll tell me?" Bella asked.
Lily whirled around to face her best friend. "Nope. Besides, it's not a secret. The whole school will know by tomorrow morning."
"LILY! What? You're going to tell the REST of the SCHOOL before you tell ME, your BEST friend?" Bella screamed, her voice raising at the right points. Bella failed to notice a large crowd had gathered around them.
"Arabella Figg, even BEST friends are allowed to have SOME secrets!" Lily yelled back. The crowd, meanwhile grew larger. "You are just jealous because I have other friends, and you… you don't!"
Everyone gasped. Bella looked as if she had been slapped. "I may not have my own paparazzi, Evans," Bella said frostily, "and I may not have an entourage, or a million other friends. And I clearly don't have a best friend at the moment…" she said, above the gasps, "… but at least I know the true meaning of friendship, and I have real friends; not people who just pretend to be my friends. I'm out of here," Bella said, turning on her heel before beginning to walk off.
"What do you mean? Just because I keep one thing from you, you're throwing away our friendship?"
"First of all, Evans," Bella said, not even turning around. "Keeping things from each other is a reason to end a friendship. It shows that there's no trust. And it isn't just this once! This has been going on for ages! Ever since we came back this year, you've been keeping stuff from me!"
"Like what, Figg?" Lily asked, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Like, I don't know," Bella began, turning around to face Lily. She wasn't crying, but instead, she looked angry. " Like how you never even told me that Grams was sick!"
Lily sucked in her breath. "How did you know about that?"
"I have my ways," Bella answered. "Or how about the fact that you're going to Spain this summer? And you invited Kiana and Toria, but not me!"
"Well, they're my friends too. I thought we could get to know each other a little better! And Mother said that if Grams gets better, and we do go, I could only invite two people. And how did you know that anyway? The only place I have that is… no, you didn't. That's low, even for you!"
"Yes, I read your diary. How else am I supposed to know anything if you never even really talk to me anymore?" Bella screeched in frustration.
"Me? Not talk to you? What about Melinda? Why didn't you tell me that she is in hiding now, because there are Death Eaters after her? Didn't think I'd care? Well, I do!" Lily shrieked.
"How did you know that?" Bella asked softly. "I only found that out yesterday. No… you didn't!"
"Yeah, I read that letter. You left it out in plain view, I thought you wanted me to!" Lily said arrogantly.
"So, you invade my privacy, keep secrets from me, and try to blame everything on me? What else did you snoop around to find?" Bella asked.
"I know some other stuff too! Like your secret crush on that Ravenclaw -- David something!" Lily claimed.
"Well, I know that you have a crush on Jeremy DeWitt! And you didn't tell me when I questioned you about it!" Bella screamed.
"I cannot believe that you went through my diary! And I can't believe you just announced to the whole school who I like!" Lily screamed back.
"So you went through my diary too? You invade my privacy, accuse me of keeping secrets, accuse me of being a snoop, and humiliate me in front of the whole school? You act like I'm the bad guy? Well, Evans, I'm not. It looks like someone else is. Way to be a great friend, Evans!" Bella turned on her heel and stalked off once again.
"Where are you going, Figg? In case you're forgetting, we have History of Magic now," Lily called out, somewhat pleadingly. "Or are you skiving off again?" she added, to not sound pathetic.
Bella didn't answer her, she kept walking. She continued walking to Gryffindor Tower, where she proceeded on to the dorm. There, she threw herself onto her bed, and cried into her pillow, for maybe the fifth time in her life.
A good hour later, Bella had cried all her tears. She grabbed her blanket that her grandmother hand knitted her when she was a baby. She also grabbed her teddy bear, her school stuff, a change of clothes, and all her personal items she didn't what Lily to go through. On a whim, she also packed her pillow up. Bella put everything in her trunk, and began to push her trunk down the stairs.
She saw Michael sitting on the couch. He still had on his leather skirt and corset combo. Bella remembered that it would wear off after three days, unless the proper counter-charm was performed.
"Hullo," he said cordially.
Bella smiled. "Fancy meeting you here, Miss Barnette," she joked.
"I have a question, and be brutally honest. Does this skirt make me look fat?" Michael asked, standing up and twirling in a circle.
Bella mock-examined him, circling Michael like a vulture. "Nah, I think it slims your figure. And I don't know if anyone's told you, but this outfit is rather becoming on you."
Michael grinned. "I've heard that all day. But I think this does make my bum look a little on the larger side."
Bella scrunched up her face, as if critiquing him. "Well, Michael, it does make it look a little larger, but in a good way."
"That's nice to hear," said Michael, grinning wider. "So, Miss Figg, where are you off to at this hour? You missed History of Magic and you are in the process of missing lunch."
"I don't want to be anywhere near her," Bella said venomously.
Michael looked thoughtful. He sat back down on an armchair by the fireplace. "You know, friends do have fights. Even best friends. But when it's all done and over with, those fights are really what makes the friendship stronger…"
Bella walked over and sat on the arm of the chair. "I really don't like fighting with people."
"So, what's going on between you two? I was there watching, but I would like to hear it from you."
Bella looked into his eyes, and felt like she could trust him. "Well, it's just about secrets. Lily has been keeping stuff from me. Stuff she would have told me if we were really best friends, you know? I mean, it's really difficult for me to be away here, at boarding school. Here, you never get any privacy, whatsoever. And me, I'm an only child. I'm used to privacy. Here, you're thrown together with three or four other people the first day you arrive, and you're expected to get along with them and tell them everything. I don't think I could ever do that."
"But they are your family. Everyone's just trying to make it easier by pairing you up with people similar to you," Michael said. "And they should respect your privacy. And you should respect theirs also."
"Well, Lily didn't do that! She read my letter, addressed and sent to ME, not her. I was going to tell her, eventually, but I just wasn't ready yet. I was trying to figure everything out."
"First of all, you also invaded her privacy. Cut Evans some slack. Secondly, you're talking about your aunt, right?" Michael questioned. Bella nodded solemnly. "Well, I think I could help."
Bella's eyes brightened. "Really? How? Why?" Bella's eyes then narrowed suspiciously. "What's in it for you?"
Michael laughed. "Nothing is in it for me. I just don't like seeing families torn apart by Death Eaters, and I'll do anything to help stop it."
Bella looked down. "Oh, that's right. I forgot."
Chuckling lightly, Michael told her not to worry about it. "It's done and over with, and I can't change it. But I can help. You see, my dad has been having a bit of trouble with Death Eaters too. So he fixed up our house with all these wards, and other protections. He even installed two Floo networks in it. 'The Pottery' for the lower three stories, and 'The Nut House' for our reign of the house. And we have a really big house. I'm sure that he and Elisabeth wouldn't mind…"
"Wouldn't mind what?" Bella asked inquisitively.
"Well, Melinda could stay with them until the whole mess lightens up a little," Michael answered. "I know that he and Elisabeth wouldn't mind. He was two or three years above her at Hogwarts, and I think Elisabeth was in her year. They'd love to have her. And if it annoys the Death Eaters, then all the better!"
"Really?" Bella asked. "You'd do that?"
"Well," Michael said, as he thought about his plan. "There's only one flaw. We have to find Melinda first."
"What do you mean by 'we have to find Melinda first'? Why don't we get the Ministry?"
"Well, the Ministry of Magic is being infiltrated by Death Eaters. A lot of them have high positions. It's not safe. So, we'd have to find her."
"But when?" Bella said. "When do we have time to go to AMERICA and find ONE person in that whole BIG country?"
"Well, it can't be that hard. And we can go this summer. There's plenty of time."
"Whoa, Michael, slow down. I really don't think that my mother is going to like this…"
Michael stared at Bella. "Then don't tell her. What, do you think I'm actually going to tell my parents?"
"Wow. No. We can't… I mean, this is crazy."
"Just give me a week or so to tune the plan, and work out the kinks. Now, you said that you didn't want to be near Lily? Where are you planning on sleeping?" Michael asked.
"I'm not sure," Bella said, unsure of herself. "I figured that I'd just find a corridor or something."
"No, that's not going to work. Okay. On the Fifth floor, there is a portrait of the Founders. The password is 'Hogwarts'. Really original, I know. You can stay there for as long as you like."
"Er… thanks, I guess. Oh, I can't look at you any longer. Rygg til Normal," Bella said, waving her wand. Michael looked at Bella curiously. "It's a Norwegian spell that Lily found."
Michael looked down and happily noted that he was no longer leather-adorned. "I owe you, Bella," he said, sighing in relief.
"You've already paid me back," Bella said. "Thanks."
"Oh, and here. You might need this. But I want this returned on Thursday, and in perfect condition!" Michael held out his hands.
Bella stared at him. "You're not holding anything."
"Oh, yes I am," Michael said smugly.
Bella reached out uncertainly, and screamed in delight. "You have an INVISIBILITY CLOAK?" she shrieked.
"Shh… it's a SECRET Invisibility Cloak," Michael said pointedly. Bella covered her mouth immediately, barely able to contain her excitement and amazement. "Family heirloom. And a family heirloom that is NOT to be damaged."
Stroking the cloak lovingly, Bella muttered, "You have my word."
She then shrunk her trunk (Mundungus taught her how) and covered himself with the Invisibility Cloak. She walked towards the door, taking one last look at Michael standing by the fire. She sighed, and turned around, walking out of the Portrait Hole.
Bella walked down the corridor, when she noticed Lily and Kiana walking. Grinning and remembering they couldn't see her, Bella caught up with them.
"I can't believe she told over half the school about my crush on Jeremy DeWitt. And he was right there!"
"That was pretty low," Kiana said, nodding her head. Bella seethed.
'Oh, I'll show you low,' Bella thought, holding out her foot. Kiana tripped over it, sprawling across the hall.
"Oh, bugger. I'm tripping over myself now," Kiana said, as Lily helped her up. "So, are we still on for tonight?"
Lily nodded. "2:34, and then we'll head to the Slytherin Common Room."
'Yes Evans. We ALL will head towards the Slytherin Common Room,' thought Bella. 'And I'll prove to you that you can't mess with Arabella Figg and get away with it.'
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Lily and Kiana arrived outside of the Slytherin Common Room at 3:00 A.M. Lily was running late, and Kiana was not very happy with her. Bella met them there. Of course they didn't know that; Bella was wearing Michael's Invisibility Cloak.
"Pureblood Pride," Kiana muttered irritably. "Okay, Lily. Do what you have to do, and do it quick!" she said as the girls stepped into the room.
"Fine," Lily said rather huffily. She and Bella disappeared up the Boys' Staircase.
Bella entered the room after Lily, but quickly performed a Shield Spell on all of the boys. The spells would defect onto Lily, and around two hours later, it would become apparent. Lily performed the curses, and walked down the stairs. She then went up the Girls' Staircase, and went into the Second Year Girls' Dormitory. Bella once again placed a quick Shield Spell as Lily cursed the girls. Lily spent a lot of time cursing Alexiandra and Noelle. Bella meanwhile examined the room. She went over to Noelle's side.
Bella and Noelle had once been friends, but things had changed this year. Noelle acted like a true Slytherin; Bella acted like a true Gryffindor. It just didn't work. Noelle's section of the room was actually fairly clean. There were no clothes strewn about, like Alexiandra and Narcissa's side. There were two more Slytherin Second Year Girls (Bella didn't know either one) that had semi-clean areas. But Noelle had by far, the cleanest part of the room. Bella saw on her nightstand, Noelle had a muggle book (Grimm's Fairy Tales), a velvet box, and a name-engraved gold compact. The compact was magnificent. It was encrusted with jewels. Bella was a little jealous, even she would admit to that. Who would ever give a Slytherin such a nice present?
When Lily finished, Bella followed her out. Kiana was relaxing on couch. She jumped up when Lily entered. "You ready to run?"
"What?" Lily asked questionably.
Kiana held out her hands, and suddenly, buckets of water poured out of the ceilings. The Common Room was flooding.
Kiana, Lily, and Bella ran out of the room, making sure to not let a lot of water out. "It's going to continue so that they won't drown, but they'll be very very wet," Kiana explained.
Lily nodded, and followed Kiana to Gryffindor Tower. Bella turned off to go to the Founder's Room, but not before giving Lily one last look.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Bella went into the Great Hall the next morning and sat by Sirius. "What do you want now?" he asked suspiciously as she slid next to him.
"Hmm… what do I want? I don't know. Ask me again at Christmas or near my birthday," Bella said smartly.
"You know what I mean, Figg. Do you want to put more 'La bocca di Palle' curses on me? You know, that took three days to wear off! And poor Thomas was bald for three days. And James… he was annoying for three days. Bloody Pig Latin spell…"
"My EX-friend Lily is the one who picked the curses and performed them. I just had final approval. And I want to sit here. I can't really go sit by Lily, can I?" Bella said exasperatedly.
Sirius looked at her. "Why don't you sit by Kiana? Or Toria?"
"Or how about 'No'? Lily already got them on her side by now."
Sirius just shrugged. "All right. Whatever you say, you piece of fruit. So, did you hear what happened to the Slytherins or Miss Evans, for that matter?"
Bella acted curious, although she was dancing happily on the inside. "No. What happened?" She raised her eyebrows lightly.
"Well, first of all, the Slytherin Common Room flooded. No one knows how though. And your very dear friend, Lily, is in the hospital wing. She got cursed, really badly, last night."
Bella feigned a surprised look. "How could that happen?"
"No one knows, but she suspects it was those two Slytherins -- that Noelle girl, and that Alexiandra person. She said it should have been them cursed like that. I don't know. She was just rambling this morning. But Arthur did change our password, just in case," Sirius said, munching on a piece of toast.
"Hey, Bella!" Michael said, from across the table. "Why don't you hang out with us today? We're going to go and try to feed the Giant Squid some candy."
"Oh, that's right. It's Saturday today. Well, sure."
The Marauders and Bella finished eating, and they all walked to the lake together. There, they tempted the Giant Squid (who was nicknamed 'Squiggy') with Blood Pops, Sugar Quills, and other delicacies. 'Squiggy' tried a Sugar Quill, but he point blank refused to go anywhere near a Blood Pop.
After awhile, everyone just laid down on the grass. Bella leaned back on her elbows, not wanting to get her hair dirty.
"You know," James said thoughtfully. "Summer's coming."
Michael gave Bella a meaningful look. "Yeah. Lots of stuff to do. Luckily, we have plenty of time."
"Yeah," Bella agreed. "Lots of stuff to do."
"You know, I have a great idea of what we can do now," Sirius said, grinning mischievously. He exchanged a look with Thomas, and jerked his head in Bella's direction. Thomas grinned, and inched closer to Bella. Sirius did the same.
Meanwhile, Bella was oblivious to this. She lay on the ground, finally, her eyes closed. She felt four arms grab her (Thomas and Sirius) and she felt them pick her up. She shrieked, and wiggled about. She couldn't overpower them, though. The next thing she knew, Bella was flying into the lake.
"Aieeeeeee!" Bella screamed, as the cold water hit her. The Marauders laughed. Michael felt some sympathy toward her, and reached out his hand to help her out. Smiling mischievously, it was Bella's turn. She took Michael's hand and yanked him into the water.
Sirius, James, and Thomas were in hysterics. "Boy, if only Remus could see this," Sirius panted. Michael glared at him, and inched forward. He grabbed Sirius' leg, and tripped him, causing Sirius to get SOAKED.
It soon became an all out Water War. Water flew everywhere as everyone tried to get everyone else wet. Bella was clearly the Champion of the Wet -- she was clearly the wettest.
They all decided that they were hungry, so they went into the castle, leaving wet footprints everywhere. James led the way to the kitchens, since they missed dinner and the Marauders and Bella raided it. The House Elves were very helpful, getting out of the five Gryffindors' ways. After eating her heart content, Bella bid the Marauders goodbye, and went to the Founder's Room.
The Founder's Room was beautiful. It had a rich crème carpet, and each wall was a different color. Each wall was also decorated differently. The Red Wall had pictures of Godric Gryffindor and his family, and artifacts of his. It also had pictures of the Gryffindor Common Room. There was a large stained-glass window, depicting happy times -- picnics and get-togethers. The Blue Wall was adorned with pictures of Rowena Ravenclaw and her family. There were some trophies she had won. A large bay window was on her wall, with a heavy blue draping. The Yellow Wall was Helga Hufflepuff's. There were her pictures -- most of people causing trouble. There were some medals Helga had won, and there was a large window with a sheer, yellow curtain. The last wall was Green, and had pictures of Salazaar Slytherin with famous people of the time. There were tapestries and snakeskin pieces scattered about. There were some sword-fighting trophies. A large stained-glass window was the main feature of his wall. It depicted a battle. Overall, the room was cluttered, but homey.
Each wall also had a bed by it. Bella had chosen to sleep in Gryffindor's Bed, since she was a Gryffindor. She collapsed on the bed, exhausted, but happy. She had a very interesting and exciting day.
Lily, meanwhile, had a terrible day. She woke up with a total of 27 curses on her. She barely managed to make it to the Hospital Wing. There, she had to lay in bed all day while Madame Pomfrey attempted to figure out her ailment. Lily also had to eat the terrible hospital food that's served there.
Madame Pomfrey finally agreed to release her (without telling her that some of her 'treatments' had side effects!) for dinner in the Great Hall. Lily walked in with blue hair and neon orange and lime green polka dots on her skin. She was beyond humiliated.
Lily was also determined to find out who was responsible. When she did, well, it wouldn't be pretty.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Wednesday dawned on Hogwarts as Quidditch Fever began to hit. The Cup would be decided on Saturday, and the teams were trying to squeeze in as many practices as they possibly could.
Meanwhile, off the field, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor hostility began. Several fights broke out (most involving Hufflepuff's star seeker, Charlie Hunter) and curses were almost always flying through the air. Ravenclaw chose to support Gryffindor, while Slytherin opted for Hufflepuff. 'Anything', they said, 'to see Gryffindor fall off it's mighty throne.'
Remus 'arrived' back at Hogwarts on that Wednesday.
"Remus! I'm so glad you're back!" Molly shrieked as she embraced Remus. Remus uncertainly hugged her back.
"Er… thanks Molly."
"No, you don't understand! I was almost afraid that you were going to miss the Quidditch Cup! It's on Saturday! So, let's talk strategy. I organized some meetings and practices for separate sections. The Blacks and Bella are going to have final practices on Thursday. James, you, and I are going to practice with Christopher (A/N: Christopher is the Keeper) on Friday. Is that all right with you?"
"Er… sure, why not?" Remus answered uncertainly. He then remembered what he had to ask Molly. "About the whole secrecy thing. I still don't want to be announced. I'll pose as someone else…"
Molly grinned. "You know, kid, we're not playing your girlfriend now."
Remus blushed faintly. "Well, I thought about it. Rhi's going to be there, and if I get announced, she might recognize that the flying style is exactly the same. And I was a little suspicious after we played them…"
"All right. You can pose as someone else. But definitely not Jefferson, the filthy ball-hog. After the Ravenclaw scrimmage, we all lined up in the Common Room and got free kicks on him. It was actually quite satisfying. Anyway, I talked to Raul Sanchez. He's a 7th Year, and he's all right. He agreed to let you pretend to be him. And he promised to be modest, unlike Jefferson. So, I think everything will work out, as long as you wear a hat or something. Last time you played, you wore a hat because it was cold. Claim you have to wear one because the sun's too bright or something. And definitely wear sunglasses."
"All right Molly," Remus said wearily. "I'm going to go up to talk to James now. See what I missed in Transfiguration and Herbology."
"Bye Remus!" Molly screamed enthusiastically.
Remus waved over his back and walked up to Gryffindor Tower. The last transformation had been particularly gruesome, for some reason, and Remus was exhausted. He stayed for two days in Hogsmeade, and Madame Pomfrey came to care for him. She gave the excuse that she was visiting her brother, who was in town for a few days.
"Password?" the Fat Lady requested.
"Chinese Fireball," Remus said.
"Aww… I'm sorry dear. That's no longer the password," said the Fat Lady, rather sympathetically. "One of the Second Years is proclaiming someone sneaked into the Tower, so the password was changed.
"But, you know I'm a Gryffindor!" Remus said.
"I'm sorry, dear," the Fat Lady said, "but I can't let anyone in without a password."
Exhaling deeply, Remus leaned against the stone wall and slid down, sitting on the ground.
Remus sat there for over an hour before someone finally came. "Hey Remus," Andromada Black said cheerily. "What are you doing out here?"
"Oh, hullo. The password changed, but no one thought of mentioning it to me," Remus answered.
"Lions for the Cup," Andromada told the Fat Lady. She opened up, resignedly. "There you are. So, Molly told you about Practices, right? She just added one more for tonight, but she said that it's optional."
"Well, I'm opting to not go. I'm exhausted." Remus yawned as if to prove his point.
"Just to warn you," Andromada began, in a hushed whisper, "things have changed. A LOT."
"Er… all right," Remus said, looking at Andromada curiously. Andromada, however, refused to elaborate. Shrugging, he went up to the Second Year Boys' Dormitory.
"Hullo Remus," Michael called out, from his bed. The upper half of his body was hanging over the bed, upside down.
"What are you doing?" Remus asked, with a smile.
"Sirius told me that you get smarter this way," Michael answered.
"And you actually believed him?" Remus questioned with a wry smile. Michael considered this, and rolled off the bed.
"He seemed so sure of himself! He said he did it himse -- oh."
"So, what's been going on. Andromada gave me a warning. And a really cryptic one at that."
Michael looked down, his jaw dropping. "Oh. That's right. You don't know about any of it…"
"Any of what?" Remus asked.
"Well, four days ago, Lily and Bella got into this huge fight, in front of everyone. They pretty much accused each other of keeping secrets, and they aren't best friends anymore," Michael explained.
"Wow," was all Remus could manage to say.
"There's more though. Bella is sort of, I don't know, hanging around us now. She claims that Lily already managed to convince everyone that it was Bella's fault." Michael leaned against his headboard.
"Wow," Remus mustered.
"And, the Slytherins are finally back to normal. You know how in the beginning of the year, they were extra mean, and then a few months ago, they became like mice and didn't cause any problems? Well, they're back to their old old selves. The old selves from First Year."
"That's a relief," Remus said. "It was sort of creepy."
"Very creepy," James said, as he entered the room. "Now, what were we discussing?"
Michael rolled his eyes. "Nothing."
"All right then. Nice to see you back, Remus. Visiting your mother again, were you?" he said with a meaningful look. "It took a little longer this time, I noticed."
"Well, you know how those things could be," Remus answered. "And right now, I need to rest. I have a game coming up on Saturday, you know."
"As do I," James answered solemnly. "You know, I think that Michael and Thomas should help us out. Maybe by doing our homework and cleaning our parts of the room, and chasing off the paparazzi…" he was stopped when a pillow hit him. He turned to Michael who was grinning sheepishly.
"Er… oops?"
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
The game came sooner as was expected. Remus, James, Sirius, and Bella walked down to the team Locker Rooms together. They weren't really hungry.
Neither was the rest of team, for that matter. Everyone was already assembled when they arrived.
Molly couldn't even find words to say. She just sort of nodded, and made occasional hand gestures. They heard Madame Hooch's whistle, walked to the doorway. Remus put on a baseball cap and a pair of sunglasses. He then peered out into the crowd. He scanned the crowd looking for Rhiane.
"So, what'd you tell her?" Sirius asked Remus.
"I told her that… I got detention from Filch and I couldn't come to the game."
"Nice," Sirius said admiringly.
Remus finally found her, and smiled. The whistle blew again, and the Gryffindor Team stepped out onto the field.
The noise was deafening, although Remus couldn't really hear it. He held up his right hand, and the Gryffindor supporters jumped to their feet, screaming happily.
Christopher Elliot, the Keeper, found his way over to Remus. Christopher was a 6th Year, and this was his 4th Quidditch Cup game. "Don't be nervous, Rookie," he said. "It's just an ordinary game."
"Who am I pretending to be again?" Remus asked him calmly.
"Raul Sanchez," Christopher said, thumping Remus on the back. "Good luck, Raul."
Remus nodded as Madame Hooch blew her whistle signaling that the captains were now to shake hands. Molly walked to the center of the field to meet with Randall Burns. The grimly clasped hands, and then ran to their respective sides. Madame Hooch blew her whistle again, and the game started.
"Sanchez with the Quaffle. He is zooming down the field! He's a 7th Year, and one of the Reserve Chasers. We haven't really seen a lot from him, but this boy knows how to fly! He passes to Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald by the goals. Pass to Potter. Hufflepuff Keeper goes to meet him. But no, pass back to the open Fitzgerald. And she scores! 10 - 0, Gryffindor lead." Mundungus leaned back in his seat and took a deep breath.
Lily leaned forward. "The Beaters are starting to become more active. Andromada Black hits the Bludger toward one of the Hufflepuff Chasers, causing him to drop the Quaffle."
"That's my girl!" Mundungus interrupted her.
"Yes. That is Mundungus' girl. Now, Potter with the Quaffle. Short pass to Fitzgerald. Long pass to Sanchez. Due to the Bludger work by the Hufflepuff Beaters, the Quaffle is knocked into the hands of a Burns. Burns shoots. And he scores. 10 - 10."
The game continued on. Whenever Gryffindor would score, so would Hufflepuff. Soon, the game was tied at 510.
"And some red people have the ball," Lily said lazily. "And some yellow people hit a bludger toward them. And the red people duck out of the way."
Mundungus rolled his eyes, and covered the megaphone. "Lily, if you aren't going to be enthusiastic, then don't say anything," he hissed. He uncovered the megaphone. "And, wow, it's the return of the Bangerang Formation! The Gryffidnor Chasers are in a straight line. Potter is in the front, Sanchez is behind him with the Quaffle, and Fitzgerald is taking up the rear! The Blacks are gaurding Sanchez from the sides. And now, the Blacks are swerving off. Potter is flying down, underneath Sanchez. Fitzgerald goes above him. Sanchez with the Quaffle. The Hufflepuff Keeper doesn't know what to do. Sanchez passes down to Potter. The Keeper goes to meet Potter. But Potter throws it up to Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald grabs the Quaffle, and the Keeper is not in position. She shoots and scores! 520 - 510, Gryffindor!" Mundungus shouted, pumping his fist in the air.
"Oh," Lily said montonously, trying to aggravate Mundungus. "Is that a glint of gold? Bella (the traitor!) goes into a dive. Hunter is behind her. But, no, the Snitch goes up. Hunter reaches out… but runs into Sanchez! Sanchez falls! Someone get him!"
James saw his friend falling, and bent forward on his broom, begging to accelerate. He reached out and grabbed Remus' foot. Remus was upside down, which causes his hat and sunglasses to fall off. James held on tightly to Remus, even though he could feel himself weakening. Remus bent his waist and reached up his hand, grabbing onto James' broom. He then hoisted himself up.
"What?" Mundungus shouted. "That's not Raul Sanchez!"
Remus searched the crowd, looking for Rhiane. And he saw her, in the front row. She was covering her mouth with her hand, and she looked to be on the brink of tears. Wordlessly, she shook her head, and left the stadium.
"Remus?" Lily whispered softly. She saw Remus nod. Molly flew over with Remus' broom. He climbed on, and flew to an empty part of the field.
Meanwhile, Charlie and Bella were still chasing the Snitch. Bella inched forward, spiraling. She reached out her hand, and grasped the Snitch, thanking the Gods that she had long arms.
"And Gryffindor wins," Mundungus said. "Gryffindor wins the cup, 670 - 510. The Cup MVP will be announced after the Lions take the Cup.
Remus didn't fly to the ground to participate in the victory ceremony. Instead, he flew right out of the stadium, and into Hogwarts. He flew toward the Ravenclaw Common Room, hoping he could catch Rhiane.
He soared down the corridors. He found Rhiane outside the Common Room. He landed gently, and walked over to her. "Hullo Rhi," he said softly.
Rhiane turned to him, her eyes glassy. "You lied to me."
"I never lied," Remus said. "I just didn't tell you the whole truth."
"So, that was you that first time. You pretended to be Jefferson against us. You made me look like an idiot!" cried out Rhiane.
"I made you look like an idiot? No, you made yourself look like one. I just played Quidditch," Remus said furiously. "My friends were in trouble, and I wanted to help!"
"You could have told me!" Rhiane shouted. "It would have been different if you would have just said 'Rhaine, I am playing Chaser for Gryffindor'. But you didn't! What, you didn't trust me? What, were you embarassed?"
"I just didn't want to humiliate you!" Remus screamed. "I'm sorry that I took you into consideration!"
"By pretending to be someone else? Remus!"
"Look, Rhiane. I'm sorry. All right? I didn't know what I was doing, and I pretended to be Daniel Jefferson for the first game."
"What about the scrimmage?" Rhiane asked, her eyes flashing.
Remus smiled wryly. "That really was Jefferson. Terrible little bugger, isn't he?"
"I just don't understand, Remus. You don't trust me enough to tell me?"
"I just… I didn't want to play against you," Remus admitted softly.
"So you pretend to be someone else? You think that I wont' care when I found out? You thought I'd take it more sorely if I lost to you than some other Gryffindor?" Rhiane asked.
Remus looked up at her. "Well, Rhiane, you aren't exactly taking it well now, are you?"
"I just don't understand how you could let someone else take your Quidditch glory. You were bloody marvelous out there, Remus!"
"I just didn't want to hurt you."
"Remmie, you hurt me by not telling me," Rhiane said softly.
"I mean, I'm sorry, Rhi, that I care more about you than about Quidditch."
"You do?" Rhiane questioned softly. Remus nodded. In one fluid motion, Rhiane closed the gap between them, and put her arm around Remus. She then proceeded to kiss him. And she kissed him good!
Rhiane pulled away, and looked Remus in the eyes. "I appreciate the fact that you wanted to spare my feelings. But you should never have to lie to me."
"I won't lie again," Remus promised. He took Rhiane in his arms and hugged her.
"So, from now on, we won't keep stuff from each other. Deal?"
"Deal," Remus agreed solemnly.
"So, how's your mother? You were gone for longer than usual this time…"
Remus stiffened, and released Rhiane. He did keep his hands on her hips though. "Well, Rhi, she's sick."
"She gets sick a lot, doesn't she? I mean, you go to see her at the end of every month. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"No," Remus said softly, as he held her in his arms. "No one can help."
"Well, I think that we should go down to the Pitch. You scored over half of the points, you're bound to be the Cup MVP."
Remus smiled, and took her hand. 'Finally!' Rhiane thought as he mounted his broomstick. Remus got on, and Rhiane got on behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist, as Remus took off.
As they flew into the Pitch, they were greeted with the sound of applause. Remus landed gracefully in the center of the Pitch. Rhiane jumped off the broom, and grabbed his hand. Remus grinned.
"And now, we can begin the ceremony," Professor Dumbledore said enthusiastically. "The Cup is being awarded to the Gryffindor Lions, for the third year in a row! Congratulations!"
Molly, Christopher, and Gwyneth (who was still injured) went up to take the Cup together. They held it up amid cheers of 'Lions won the Cup!'.
"And now…" Professor Dumbledore said, "we are to award the Cup MVP to the most valuable person of the game. I am pleased to award this to Mr. Remus Lupin!"
Remus grinned, as he went up to get his plaque. He smiled as everyone cheered for him. Rhiane cheered the most.
'I could get used to this', Remus thought as he surveyed the crowd. 'I could really get used to this'.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
The next few weeks passed by in a blur. The winner of The Great Prank War was not yet decided, although the Marauders, the Venustians, and C.A.H. were each claiming victory. So, the winner would be decided once and for all.
The winner would be decided by the End of the Year Prank.
Teams spent the last few weeks before school ended planning. The castle was eerily quiet. All the inhabitants knew something was going on. They didn't know exactly what, though.
The rules of the End of the Year Prank were fairly simple. Each team picked a Year and had to prank that whole Year. The Marauders had drawn Fourth Year. The Venustians had drawn First Year. C.A.H. had drawn Seventh Year. "Lucky buggers,' Sirius claimed.
And so, they planned, awaiting their moment in the sun.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
"Hullo Professor Dumbledore," Noelle Charrier said as she entered the office of Professor Albus Dumbledore. "You wanted to see me?"
"Why yes," he said, setting down his Whirlamajig. "We seem to have a slight problem."
Noelle walked over to the brass cage in the corner of the room. There was a glorious red phoenix in it. She reached out her hand and gently stroked it. "What sort of problems, sir? And what is your bird's name?"
"Fawkes is a phoenix," Professor Dumbledore said, smiling. "Now, why don't you take a seat, and we can discuss this."
Noelle uncertainly took a seat, after stroking Fawkes once again. Professor Dumbledore stared at Noelle, as if examining her. She cleared her thorat nervously. "What sort of problem?" Noelle repeated, jiggling her foot. It was a nervous habit of hers.
"It seems that Magdalena Malfoy has been a crusade to get you killed. And it seems to be paying off. We received information that if you go to Malfoy Manor this summer, you will be executed."
"Well, I don't want that to happen. So what am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to be 'Noelle Charrier, Super Spy' if they plan to kill me?"
"You can't. Our main goal right now is to keep you alive," Professor Dumbledore said solemnly.
"So," Noelle began, "where am I supposed to go this summer?"
"We are sending you to live with a family. They are Muggles but have a witch daughter. You are to live with them until you are of age and can live by yourself."
"All right. By the way, who is this family?"
Professor Dumbledore peered at her from beneath his half-moon spectacles. "I cannot disclose that information at the moment. You will learn more about this on the train."
"Wow, you people are taking no chances," Noelle said sarcastically.
"That is all, Miss Charrier. Now, I beg you to go take cover. Who knows when this place is going to explode."
"What do you mean, Professor? It's been quiet recently."
"That, Miss Charrier, is the problem."
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Finally, the last day of school finally dawned upon Hogwarts. The younger pupils were ecstatic. They would at last be free, and would soon see their families. The older students were not so ecstatic. Primarily, the Seventh Years could be found bawling their eyes out all over the castle.
The Fourth Years were not having a good day. They awoke to explosions.
The teachers were in a panic. They ran out of their offices and met outside of the Great Hall, where they met Argonious Filch, the caretaker.
"I heard explosions!" he cried out when he saw Professor Dumbledore. "They came from all over. There were eight!"
Professor Dumbldore ran to the Gryffindor Common Room, since it was the closest. Professor McGonagall followed him inside. He walked up to the Girls' Dormitory. He kept walking up, until he noticed something suspicious.
The Fourth Year Dormitory was covered in whipped cream and was badly singed with black ash. The Fourth Year Girls were covered in whipped cream too. The Boys' Fourth Year Dormitory was the same, as were the boys. The students followed Professor Dumbledore to the Great Hall.
"The Ravenclaw Fourth Year Dormitories are covered in ice cream and ash, and so are the Fourth Years!" Professor Flitwick cried out.
"The Hufflepuff Fourth Year Dormitories are covered in sprinkles, cherries, and other toppings, like the students, and everything is covered in ash!" screamed Professor Sprout.
"The Slytherin Fourth Year Dormitories are covered in chocolate syrup! And my Slytherins are feeling incredibly sticky!" screeched Professor Hoffman.
"They cannot be cleaned either. I tried to clean a little off, but it just came back!" Professor Flitwick added.
"Well, obviously, the Fourth Years had ice cream sundaes stored too close to firecrackers. By the way, Professor McGonagall, you owe me 150 galleons," Professor Dumbledore said merrily.
Meanwhile, Lily sauntered up to the Marauders with Kiana and Toria in tow. She and Bella were not yet talking. In fact, Bella helped the Marauders with their End of the Year Prank, known as 'The Let's Cover All of the Fourth Years in Different Substances to Make a Great Big Ice Cream Sundae Plan'.
"That was pretty good. But are you ready to lose?" she asked saucily.
"We'll see who's going to lose, Evans," James said stonily. "You're going to have to try awfully hard to beat that!"
"Just wait until you see the First Years. They're not going to know what hit them!" Toria responded.
The groups glared at each other, and pushed their way into the Great Hall for their last lunch. They would be leaving immediately after.
Everyone was seated when they arrived. Professor Dumbledore nodded, to acknowledge their presence, and began his speech. He commented on what a great year it was, and gave them several warnings for summer. He told the Fourth Years to wash up before they went home, and he also told them that they would try to find out what happened, when they claimed they didn't do it to themselves accidentally. He then told the students of Hogwarts to eat up.
The First Years bit into their food and immediately changed. They sprouted feathers (with pink stripes and yellow polka dots) and beaks (blue and green plaid beaks, that is). They began to cluck, and flew around the room.
The older students loved this. They always considered the younger students to be 'chickens'. They stood up and cheered (when they weren't laughing). Lily, Toria, and Kiana stood up on the table, and bowed.
When the laughter died down, Professor Dumbledore shot a look at Professor McGonagall, who was hiding under her seat. "You owe me 200 galleons," he called out. Minnie shook her fist at him in response.
The effect on the First Years died down 10 minutes later. They were not very happy, especially Jules and Estella.
After lunch, everyone walked out of the castle together. Everyone from First Year to Sixth Year stood on the shore of the lake while the Seventh Years boarded the boats. It was tradition for them to leave Hogwarts the same way they came. They boarded teary-eyed, and sat facing Hogwarts, looking at it for the last time.
Well, not quite.
"Ahhhhh!!! We're sinking!" a girl shouted, as their waterlogged boat sank deeper into the lake. They jumped out, and tried to climb into another boat. However, they tipped that boat over.
They weren't the only ones with boat problems. Every boat was sinking. Soon, all of the Seventh Years were floating in the lake.
All of the younger students loved this. They thought it was hilarious, and were laughing so hard that tears were coming out of their eyes. As a boat washed up to the shore, Professor Vector went to examine it.
"Albus, each boat is the same. All of them have 'C.A.H.' drilled into the bottom!"
Professor Dumbledore glared at Minnie. "That will be 250 galleons, Professor McGonagall," he said happily. Well, this day has been quite profitable," he said. He also collected money from the other teachers, but not as much as he got from Professor McGonagall. "It's been a pleasure doing business with all of you."
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Noelle got on the train, after being handed an official looking letter. She glanced at it, and found an empty compartment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 28
~Miss Noelle Charrier
This summer, you are to live with a muggle family. They have a magical daughter in your year. You are going to live with them each summer until you are of age. However, it is your choice if you wish to go with them during the Christmas and Easter Holidays. I have discussed this with the family, and they understand.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Professor Albus Dumbledore
P.S. Oh dear, I forgot to tell you who it was. You are to reside in Surrey, England with the Evans family.
P.P.S. I have managed to switch your Grignott's account. The key is enclosed, and your vault is Number 718.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noelle froze, and couldn't believe her eyes. Of all the people in Hogwarts, she would have to live with Lily Evans. The unbearable Lily Evans.
'There must be a mistake', Noelle thought, as she reread the letter for the tenth time. But there wasn't.
Noelle sighed, as she sat down, enjoying her last few moments of happiness.
The train ride was long, but far too short for Noelle. Soon, they arrived at King's Cross Station. Noelle exited the train with a heavy heart. An official gave Noelle her trunk, and she thanked him. She was getting ready to go through the barrier when she saw Lily Evans behind her.
Noelle moved to the side, and watched as Lily went through the barrier. She followed her. After all, she didn't know who the Evans were. Noelle watched as Lily walked over to a family of three. The mother had long blonde hair and green eyes, like Lily's. The father had red hair and blue eyes. There was a sister also. She was blonde, bony and horse-faced. Sighing, Noelle walked over to them.
Noelle held out her hand, but Lily's mother had different ideas.
"Oh, you must be Noelle!" she gushed, as she embraced Noelle in a hug. Noelle uncertainly patted her on the back. When Mrs. Evans released her, Mr. Evans held out his hand. Noelle shook it.
"What's going on? Mum? Da?" Lily questioned shockingly, glaring at Noelle. Mrs. Evans turned to her daughter.
"You don't know? Well, Noelle is coming to live with us."
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Bella hugged all of the Marauders goodbye. They weren't really as bad as she had originally thought. "Bye James. Bye Siri! Oh, I'll miss you Thomas! And you too Remus!"
"You're not going to miss me?" Michael asked, grinning.
Bella embraced him. "I'm going to be seeing you soon enough," Bella whispered in his ear. "Write me A.S.A.P."
Michael nodded as Bella released him. "Bye Bella."
Bella mouthed, 'Write me', once again, as she met with her grave mother. "Let's go," her mother said gently. Bella nodded, offering a slight smile.
This would be an unforgettable summer.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
A/N: Well, this year's over. And what a year it was. Pranks, Pranks, and more Pranks. So, watch out for the sequel. It's probably going to be titled 'MY3 ~ Marauders, Inc.'. Yup, you guessed it. The Marauders have decided that it's time to expand. They are going to form the never-ending legacy that is the Marauders. We'll start off in the summer, and we'll hear from everyone, even the Dark Lords. Year 3 is going to be filled with pranks, new characters, perhaps an actual plot (gasp!), hair-brained schemes, the first ever FEMALE Marauder, a face-off with a Dark Lord, and much more!
Just a warning though. As this series moves along, it will be getting darker. People will die, and language may in time get a little stronger. I don't ever expect this series to exceed a PG-13 rating, but I know that by 5th year, it will be PG-13, definitely.
I do want to thank Kim, who beta-reads all of these for me. I owe you! I also want to thank 'Ron's Secret Admirer'. Seriously, when I go to check reviews, you're always the first one I look for! Your reviews always manage to cheer me up! Thanks so much for your support. I also want to thank everyone who reads my stories. I probably wouldn't be writing still if it wasn't for you all. So, thanks to: bunny chan, Ron's Secret Admirer, Kim, Nettey Potter, Purpledoghp, Sienna, VeelaGirl0131, Crystal Lily, Lucky Hedwig, Saphire, cde, Lucky Smileys, Ayla Pascal. And I want to thank everyone who posts my stories on their websites.
I'm always open to suggestions, so if you have any, either put them in a review or email me! Suggestions, Criticism, whatever… just let me know what you think!
Well, the first chapter of 'MY3 ~ Marauders, Inc.' should be up by March 30, but hopefully sooner.
~Noelle
(Luckie7n13@aol.com)