A/N: Hey. Well, this has had a much needed rewrites. It's better, but it still feels a little off. Oh well, things are going to be a lot better at Hogwarts…
I took the liberty of changing Charlie's stepsister's name. I wanted to make it more... I don't know... just more. Her name is now Annabelle Alana Stramopolis. She goes by Anna Edwards though. Remember, she just uses the last name 'Edwards' when travelling and when she doesn't want everyone to know she is a part of the Royal Greek family. Her real last name is Stramopolis.
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MY3 ~ Marauders, Inc.
By: Noelle
Chapter 3: Rescues
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The sun slowly rose over the rolling farmland, lighting up the dew on the grass. Birds chirped good morning, welcoming the dawn. Animals pranced about, ready to begin their day. This small area of Illinois began to come alive.
That's more than one can say about the occupants of the barn in Green Oaks.
Michael felt himself been shaken. He opened his eyes, and looked around. Everything was still blurry. He made out a faint figure, who was trying to lift him up.
"MICHAEL! THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!" a voice screamed. Michael shook his head. He didn't really comprehend the words. The voice continued on, not actually shouting, in fear of being overheard. But he wasn't screaming in their ears, Michael thought wryly. The figure continued to shout urgent words, and Michael caught a few. Several seconds later, however, it all hit him.
Michael said groggily, "What do you want, Godric?" The figure was much sharper now.
"Sirius! He left!"
"What? Sirius is right there," Michael said, as he gestured toward the empty space on the floor. "Or not," he finished, looking around, searching for his friend. His eyes found no sign of Sirius, and he couldn't find Sirius' broom either. As Michael gazed at the open one-way window, he pieced the things together.
"He just got up and left around ten minutes ago. You have to go help him! L'Ordine di Morte agents are all over. Who knows what they'll do if they capture one of your friends…"
"Well then," Michael said, his attitude peaking through. He was not in a good mood after sleeping on a hard wood floor for four hours. Sighing rather grudgingly, Michael grabbed a broom and began to mount it. However, just as he was about to take his seat, Godric pulled it away. Michael fell on his bum on the loft floor. "Ouch!" he exclaimed, glaring daggers at his ancestor.
"You can't go, Michael. They'll kill you."
Michael frowned from his sprawled position. "Then why did you wake me up? And what am I supposed to do then?"
"I don't know!" Godric boomed, his patience wearing down.
Michael was also beginning to get aggravated. "How could you not know? You know everything! And besides, they won't expect me to go. And I look enough like James from far away, they won't go trying kill me right away. Before I left, father told me that they don't kill anyone but their target."
Staring at the ceiling, thousands of thoughts flooded Godric Gryffindor's mind. "Why don't you tell the people downstairs? They could get him," he said thoughtfully, stroking his chin.
"And what am I supposed to tell the people downstairs? 'Er… my dead ancestor, Godric Gryffindor, told me that Sirius flew away in the night. Can you go get him?'. No! They won't go get him or else they would have gotten Remus' father a long time ago! Now, I am leaving and there is nothing you can do about it! And, by the way, if that prophecy you told James in First Year is any indication of what is to come, then I can't die yet. And that's all there is to it."
With these parting words, Michael flew out of the window. Godric sat down on one of the piles of hay, burying his head in his hands. He did not notice the dark brown eyes that were scrutinizing him.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
"Over here!" Estella Black whispered, gesturing toward the large yellow Victorian home. "This is it!"
Evan Edwards (not related to Charlie or Ryan) panted. "Are you sure this time, 'Stella?" he asked.
Estella threw him a look of contempt. "This is the last house! Of course this is it!"
Evan and Christopher dropped their armloads of pranks, as did Jules. Estella smiled at the house. "Where do we start?" she asked happily. She received a few gasps of air in response. "Oh, come on guys. It wasn't that bad."
Christopher stood, bending over with his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. "You didn't have to carry 20 frickin' pounds of stuff all over Hogsmeade!"
"Point taken," Estella said, and added rather haughtily, "no need to be snippy. So, where do we start?"
Estella was quite a character, as Felicity Black told her friends. Estella was usually quiet and soft-spoken, but she could also be loud and unbearable. Felicity told her friends that Estella would make a wonderful actress. Indeed, at that moment, Estella did look like a drama queen.
Jules stood up, panting slightly still. "I think I could do the colouring charm, but I have to go on the roof to do it. Why don't you guys start setting up the firebombs and dungcrackers in the front?" she suggested, naming their two specialty products. Sirius Black had molded a firecracker and a dungbomb together. The end results were either firebombs or dungcrackers. Firebombs would explode, and zoom around, letting out a odorless green smoke. Dungcrackers would emit sparkles that smelled like dung.
Christopher grinned. "Sounds like a plan to me! I'll start in the backyard. Why don't you two go work on the front, and perhaps indoors after?" he said to Estella and Evan. "It'll take more firepower to do that." After they consented, and they and Jules went on their way, Christopher surveyed the yard.
He first noticed the pink flamingos in the yard. Obviously Kiana's decorating suggestion. She had set some up in the Gryffindor Common Room that previous year. Grinning, he remembered how Toria loved to kick the stupid birds. He performed a charm Estella had taught him that would bring the birds to life in a sense. If they were kicked, the flamingos would kick the kicker right back. That would teach Toria to not give in to animal cruelty.
He was in the process of setting up dungcrackers in the bushes when he felt something poke the back of his neck. He straightened immediately, and put his hands up.
"So, you're one of the rogue pranksters. Now, I know how to use this, so don't make me…" he heard Kiana Walters say.
Christopher's mind reeled. "Isn't magic illegal over holidays?"
"That's true. They can trace it by seeing which wand performed the magic, and trace it down to the exact location. Now, this is my Mrs. Walter's wand, so she has a special permit to use magic in Hogsmeade, from the Minister of Magic himself. He happens to be my uncle," Toria said sharply.
"I therefore suggest that you tell us what the heck you are doing, before I decide to do something really not nice." Kiana pushed the wand tip further into his neck. "Oh, and who are you working with or for?"
"I'll never tell," Christopher said bravely. "Kill me if you must."
"There are worse things than death…" Toria said threateningly, in sort of a singsong voice. Her brown eyes flashed, and Christopher gulped. Toria never lied… not once.
Christopher inhaled deeply, closing his eyes. "Do your worst!"
And that is exactly what Kiana Walters and Toria Vanter did…
"What did you do?" whispered a sultry voice. Christopher grasped his throat, his eyes widening in shock. He then had the chance to examine his perfectly manicured fingers. He looked down, noting the apparent changes.
"You made me a girl!" he said. "And a pretty one, at that! A feminine girl, in a red dress! And I have… ugh! Feminine parts!" He covered his chest with his arms, gazing at the two girls indignantly.
Kiana and Toria smiled in triumph. "Nice legs," Kiana said, trying to keep a straight face.
Toria grinned. "And you'll stay that way until you answer our questions!" Her eyes now held an air of satisfaction. Kiana was staring at Christopher, her eyes penetrating his own. Christopher was reminded of raging rapids in Kiana's gray eyes. Shuddering, he turned his attention back to Toria. "Can you imagine Christina here walking into Hogwarts? What a response she'd get from the male population!" Toria grinned.
"And in that smashing red number!" said Kiana, gesturing toward Christopher's outfit.
"All right, all right!" Christopher whispered throatily, covering his eyes. "I'll do whatever you tell me too. Just change me back!"
Kiana snapped her fingers. Christopher removed his hand from his face, and looked down.
"Sit!" Toria snapped, "I am so tired of these First Year games." Christopher immediately obeyed her. "So, what do you think you're doing?"
"So, who was it?" Kiana asked, circling Christopher like an eagle circles its prey. "Charlie? Potter and Black?"
"Potter and Black," muttered Christopher.
Toria slapped her knee. "I am going to pummel Sirius!" she said.
"They blackmailed us into coming here! Evan and I are completely innocent!"
Snorting, Kiana said, "My arse you are!"
"Haven't I been punished enough?" Christopher cried out, throwing out his arms as if in defense. He appeared to be on the verge of tears.
Toria and Kiana exchanged looks. "Well, I suppose you have. But I suggest getting out of here as fast as you can, before we find your friends."
Christopher didn't need to be told twice. He leapt up, running toward the Three Broomsticks, where he knew they had a fireplace.
As soon as he left, Kiana and Toria erupted into laughter. "A girl? He saw himself as a girl?" Kiana choked out. "You are getting to be superb at those Illusion Charms!"
Toria smiled modestly. "Oh, but you deserve credit too. The 'Nice Legs' comment was too much for him…"
"So, that is what Christopher Cauldwell fears most? Being transformed into a girl. Now, that is an interesting piece of information," Kiana said, still laughing.
"Better tuck that little tidbit away. It could be useful…"
Laughing, Kiana managed to choke out, "I'm sure it will be," before collapsing on the ground once again.
Toria smiled faintly. "Well, let's go find the accomplices to conspiracy, and tell them the judges' verdict."
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
The night was dark. The forest was rather opaque, but emitted some faint light. A woman with silvery blonde hair crept through the forest with the agility of a cat. She sprang over streams and logs, and waded through rivers. The moon lit a faint path for her to follow.
The woods were dark and damp. It had rained earlier, and the woods smelled of it. The woman usually loved to take a walk in the woods after it rained, but she hated it today.
She threw herself on the murky ground as she heard voices. "Where is she?" someone shouted.
The woman heard another voice shout, "I saw her go this way!" The footsteps faded softly as they went in the opposite direction. She breathed a sigh of relief, and continued once again on her way.
The Resistance needed her.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Lily and Noelle quietly packed their trunks. Now that they had escaped the parlor, they were getting along a little better. But not much. They still had numerous fights and arguments.
Lily was still packing her possessions that she didn't want Petunia rifling through. Noelle was trying to close her trunk.
"You are so impossible!" Lily said, rolling her eyes.
Noelle gazed at Lily, brushing off her comment, and adding one of her own. "You are a self-centered prat."
Lily marched over to her. "You're calling me self-centered? All you care about is yourself! That's why you're in Slytherin!"
"Oh, what would you know?" Noelle muttered, as she tried to shut her trunk. Lily looked in her trunk, and turned red with anger.
"Is that my blouse?" she screamed, reaching into Noelle's trunk and grabbing it. "It is! You… you thief! And you thought you could get away with it too, didn't you?"
"It's only fair since you took my favorite green shirt!" Noelle yelled back, snatching the white gauzy blouse out of Lily's hands. She re-folded it, and put it in her trunk.
Lily's eyes flashed angrily. "I did not take your shirt, you egg-head!"
Noelle glared at Lily without flinching. "Egotistical beast," she said, her voice lacking emotion. This peeved Lily, who shouted more names at Noelle. Noelle too was starting to get aggravated. "Moron!" Noelle was trying to latch her trunk. "Oh, this stupid thing won't shut!"
Lily walked over. "Let me help." She jumped on top of the trunk, sitting on it. Noelle struggled with the latches, but eventually got them to shut properly.
"Thanks, ignoramus," Noelle called out.
Lily tried to hide her smile. "Git!"
"Well, I'm ready," Noelle called out, pushing her trunk off the bed, and onto the floor. She proceeded on to kick it under the bed.
"We don't start for another three days," Lily said.
"Well, that gives me plenty of time to remember what I forgot."
"Nice point, airhead."
Noelle grinned, and threw a pillow at Lily as she exited the room. "Later, Potter lover!"
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Sirius flew, searching the ground below him. He had seen a few people wearing heavy black cloaks, but he managed to evade them each time. The strange part was that they didn't really chase him… they knew who they were after, and didn't care for anyone else. Sirius knew those were the people of the L'Ordine di Morte. Once he was chased by a Death Eater. He had known it was one of them because the man did not give up for a while. He had figured that the Death Eaters were the ones interested in the siege of the Resistance. The L'Ordine just wanted Michael. Which meant that the Death Eaters had Mr. Lupin. Sirius found himself searching for the Death Eaters below, trying to keep out of their sight.
He was sure that if he could find Mr. Lupin, everything would be all right, and the Dark Wizards would just go away.
Remembering the stories he had heard of the L'Ordine, Sirius shuddered. Cold, heartless, and incapable of feeling any compassion, they hunted their prey to the ends of the earth, and usually accomplished their goal. They did not go after any others -- just who they had been paid to go after. They were worse than the Death Eaters, from what his mother told him. Sirius felt an ache in his heart as he thought of his mother. He actually missed her. He missed Estella and even Andromada. At least it would all be over soon. They would return to Hogwarts in two days. And then, everything would be normal again. As normal as it could be.
Voldemort was gaining power. Sirius recalled the Daily Prophet he had found in the loft. It had fallen out of Mrs. Lupin's pocket when she came to deliver food. Voldemort's army of Death Eaters and Elites, led by Lord Dkembvare, had seized several magical cities, including Wartzlebury, in Wales, and Helga's Haven, south of London. They were small cities, of course, completely magical, but however their location made them a threat to the entire magical community.
Sirius had been searching for four hours, and decided to grab a bite to eat. He had packed few provisions, not knowing how long the search would last. He flew into a tree, settling on the branches. He was well camouflaged, and wasn't worried the Death Eaters would find him. His mind cleared, and he felt oddly relaxed. A small voice told him that he was tired, and should sleep. He was exhausted. Sirius leaned against the tree trunk, and closed his eyes.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
"It's you again!" James whispered. He had awoken to find the somewhat-transparent figure of Godric Gryffindor pacing around the loft. He looked around. "Where's Michael and Sirius?"
"If I only knew…" Godric muttered. "They ran off to find a Mr. Jonathan Lupin."
James' mouth dropped. "With all those people out? They'll get themselves killed!" Then, his mouth resolute, James grabbed a broom, and mounted it.
"Oh no you don't," Godric boomed, stepping in front of the window. "I'm not going to be responsible for three deaths…"
"James?"
Both Godric and James whirled around to find Charlie stretching her arms, her eyes closed. "James?"
Godric, giving James a look to say 'You had better do what I said', disappeared, before Charlie opened her eyes.
"Er… yes?" James said, mounting his broom once again.
"What are you doing?"
James' mind whirled. "Er… nothing," he answered stupidly.
"Whatever you are planning on doing, I'm coming with you," Charlie yawned. Before James knew what was happening, Charlie grabbed one of the Invisibility Cloaks, and climbed on behind James.
"Hold on tight," James said, surrounding. "We're off!"
Godric reappeared as soon as James and Charlie left. He shook his head sadly, as he looked out the window. "I won't be responsible for three deaths. I'll be responsible for four! Including my two heirs!"
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
"Are you done yet?" Estella asked, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet. She was impatient by nature.
Evan frowned. "Almost. Shouldn't Chris have been done by now?"
"He should be," Estella answered, "unless he thought of something extremely evil, fun, and time-consuming to do. What about Jules?"
"I don't know. I reckoned she should have finished too. You don't think… well, never mind. That's unlikely."
"What's unlikely?
Evan and Estella whirled around. Kiana Walters was blocking one of the doorways. She was tapping one hand with her wand. And she did not look happy.
"Er…" Evan stuttered.
"Now, you wouldn't be trying to prank my best friend in the entire world and me now, would you? And you wouldn't be trying to prank on our turf?" Kiana took a step forward.
Estella grabbed Evan's arm. "I'm sorry. I would love to continue this discussion, but er… we have an appointment. Somewhere. Somewhere far away…" she said, as she and Evan backed up.
"Going somewhere?" asked Toria Vanter, as Evan and Estella backed right into her. She too held a wand.
"Now, what should the punishment be for these too criminals?" Kiana asked aloud, taking another step toward them.
Answering, Toria said, "I think the jury should reach a unanimous decision. So, the jury needs to talk this over…"
Kiana, using her mother's wand, muttered 'Petrificus Totalus'. Evan and Estella dropped to the ground.
The two soon-to-be Third Years huddled in the corner. After a brief session of hurried whispers, they announced they had reached a decision.
"Now, you have two choices. You can either keep your mouths shut, and be sentenced…" Kiana began brightly.
"Or we can all make a deal," Toria interrupted. "What do you think?"
Evan and Estella didn't say a word. They couldn't. "Oh, that's right," Kiana muttered. She performed Finite Incatanteum, unfreezing the criminals.
"So, this plea bargain… what do you want?" Evan said nervously. He brushed his sweaty palms on his pockets, and avoided eye contact with their captors.
"The names of the rest of your accomplices. Is Potter involved? Or is it Brooks? Or maybe it's Remus…" Kiana began to name off names, while giving Estella and Evan penetrating glares, hoping their nervousness would give them away.
"And if we tell you? What happens to us?" Evan pressed on.
"We will be somewhat merciful," Toria promised.
Evan raised his eyebrows to Estella. Estella was standing still, looking down. "Well, that's enough for me," he said. "What about you, 'Stella?"
Estella remained silent. Evan took this as 'it's up to you'. "Jules Potter and Christopher Cauldwell."
"We have already dealt with Christopher," Toria said.
Evan's jaw dropped. "But… what… what did you do to him?"
Kiana grinned sinisterly. "Let's just say that he has had a whole new perspective on life…" she said cryptically.
"What are you going to do to us?" Estella finally spoke up, and Toria noticed happily, her voice held a note of trepidation.
"Have you ever heard the saying two heads are better than one?"
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Pushing open the door, Noelle bustled in to the room. "I brought you some tea and biscuits," she said to Grams.
Grams smiled. "Thank you, dear."
Noelle looked around the room. The walls were covered in pictures featuring Grams with some famous person. She saw Grams with Albus Dumbledore and Curtis Wingington, a famous Quidditch player. Most of the pictures moved around, but some remained stationary. Noelle noticed one picture with Grams and Marilyn Monroe, the famous muggle starlet. She turned to leave the room.
"Wait dear. I was hoping we could talk."
Noelle froze when she heard Grams' commanding voice.
"Come. Sit right here."
Noelle slowly walked over to the chair by Grams' bed. She sat down, and Grams clasped her hands.
"You know, I went to Hogwarts. Many years ago, that is. I was two years above your Headmaster. I was a Gryffindor."
Noelle remained silent. She didn't quite know what to say.
"I learned many things at Hogwarts. One of the most important things that I learned was that I was a Seer. I could catch glimpses of the future…"
"Pardon me, but I don't see how this involves me…" Noelle said, looking down as she twisted her hands in her lap.
Grams exhaled deeply, smiling faintly. "Of course, you don't," she muttered. "Of course…" Grams stared out the window for a moment, as if searching for words. "I changed the future," she blurted out. "And if the world ends, it's my fault…"
Noelle stared at her, noticing that Grams' eyes were strangely glass-like. "What?" she asked, her eyebrows arched high. "What do you mean by ending the world?"
Grams continued on, as if Noelle had never spoken. "I am sorry," she whispered to an invisible person. "I am so sorry." Tears rolled down Grams' face. "My dear," she said to Noelle. "You must do but one favor for me. You must remind Lily of the trunk. Remind her, or things will be much worse. The trunk holds all the answers needed to defeat Voldemort. But not yet. It is not your battle. But you still must prepare. There will be a battle, not the final. You must not use the contents. It is not your battle. Not the final battle," Grams began to babble on, not making much sense. Noelle slowly backed away, as Grams' eyes rolled to the back of her head. Grams jumped up then, quickly. "What happened?" she asked, clutching her heart.
"I… I have to go," Noelle said, backing out of the room. "I'm sorry to disturb you… but I have to go." She twisted the doorknob behind her back, and opened the door, and shut the door softly. Lily was behind her.
"What was that about?" Lily asked, her eyes matching the fiery tones of her hair.
Noelle turned away, resuming her cold manner. "Nothing. Leave me alone!" she snapped, running into her room, and collapsing on her bed.
The end of the world? Oh, what had she gotten herself into?
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Jules had been in the basement when Estella and Evan were discovered. She had heard everything through the air vent that led to the parlor. And was she mad… "Those… those traitors!" Jules seethed, as she tried to figure how to escape. "Evan is going to wish he had been left with Kiana and Toria when I'm done with him…"
The basement seemed to be inescapable. There was a small window (too small to climb through). There was also a door, which led to the kitchen. Jules knew that the chances of her making a clean get-away were slim to none.
"And Christopher…" Jules added, talking to herself. "He just left! What am I supposed to do? Let's see… maybe I could blow a hole in the wall… or expand the window…"
"Or you could just bend over and say your prayers," a voice called out. Jules whirled around to find Toria and Kiana standing at the top of the stairs. She was speechless, for the first and last time in her life.
Kiana smiled sinisterly. "What should we do to Ms. Potter now, Toria?"
Toria answered quietly, "I don't know. The possibilities are endless…"
"What did you guys do to Christopher? And Estella and Evan?" Jules asked curiously, regaining control of her voice.
"Well, Christopher has had a whole new perspective on life… a more feminine one," Toria said cryptically.
Kiana grinned. "As for Estella and Evan… well, you know how they say two heads are better than one…"
Jules gasped, and slowly backed away. Kiana and Toria came forward. "The jury finds Julianne Elisabeth Potter guilty, and will be sentenced accordingly."
"What am I guilty of?" Jules asked.
"Messing with two members of the Venustians. The jury must deliberate your sentence," Kiana said. "And don't move!" she added teasingly, after freezing Jules. She then huddled together when Kiana to think of a 'suitable' sentence.
Moments later, they broke apart, smiling evilly. Jules gulped. "What are you going to do to me?" she asked.
"You'll find out soon enough," Toria said, stepping forward. Waving Kiana's mother's wand, she muttered, "Usted es cuál es dicho."
Jules had covered her face, vaguely listening to the spell. She figured she could discover a counter if she knew it, but she never heard the words before. 'Probably some foreign spell', she thought. After Toria was done, Jules examined herself. "What did you do to me?"
"I wish you luck Potter," Kiana said brightly. "You're going to need it. Now, I suggest you leave before we decide to do worse!"
Jules ran up the stairs to the fireplace, not needing to be told twice.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
The banging on the door made Josephine Lupin jump. It wasn't like Death Eaters to knock, so she went over and opened the door. A cloaked figure ran in, covered in mud and soaked to the bone. The figure threw back her hood, revealing long blonde hair. "Melinda Figg? Is that you?" Josephine whispered. The other occupants of the room turned to look at the woman in the center.
"Who else would be stupid enough to attempt to get past the L'Ordine and the Death Eaters?" said the women with a hint of cold humor in her voice. "Now, I want to know what you people think you're doing." she snapped.
Jose stepped forward, his wand in hand, frowning. "Melinda, it is wonderful to see you, but to what is the reason of your unexpected arrival?"
"You're in trouble," Melinda said. "What better reason for being here? Now, where are the children?"
Josephine stared at this face from her past. "They are upstairs," she said, shrugging. "The safest place for them to be…"
Melinda smiled sarcastically. "Is that so? Well, you're in even more trouble than I thought. Alas, some of the children are upstairs. But what of the others?"
The hostility in the air was obvious. The group backed up, leaving Josephine and Melinda in the center of the room, anger radiating off them.
Josephine, giving Melinda a penetrating glare, walked upstairs. She ran back down in a panic. "Black. Potter. Hunter. Barnette," she panted. "All missing…"
At once, the Resistance was in an uproar, accusing each other of losing their charges. Jose, the self-appointed leader, hushed them. "Someone has to go out after them…"
Josephine's eyes flashed. "You are going to send people out now," she said in a deathly whisper, "when my husband was taken yesterday?"
The Resistance was once again at each others' throats. Melinda slipped off, and went upstairs. She saw some young faces she recognized, including the face of her niece. Turning her attention away from the sleeping figures, she found a dusty broom in the corner. It was old, but would still work just fine. Melinda dusted it off, and flew out the window. It would be hours before the Resistance elected someone to go, and Melinda knew there was no time to waste. She flew off, without a second glance to the barn.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
"It's a good thing we didn't have to go to Diagon Alley this year…" Lily said. The Evans were driving to Kings Cross Station on the first of September.
"Yeah. Can you imagine everyone if they saw me with a warthog such as yourself," Noelle said, grinning.
"Why didn't you have to go again?" Violet asked from the driver's seat. Mr. Evans was gone once again, on a business trip in Korea. Petunia was home with Grams.
"Well, they changed the standard Third Year curriculum. So they had to get all the books from this specialty book store in Malaysia. We have to pay for them when we get to school. So I need ten galleons, Mum."
Violet gazed at the two girls in her rearview mirror. "Grams put some money in your change purse. She put extra this year because you get to start travelling to that one town…"
"Hogsmeade," Lily supplied excitedly. "I can't wait! I've never been to a wizarding town before!"
Noelle leaned back in her seat, sighing. "You see one wizarding town, you see them all…"
Lily carried on just as excited as before. "You packed my permission slip, right Mum?"
"Yes, my Lily," Violet said, as she made the right turn into the parking garage. "I packed yours too Noelle. Do you need any money?"
Noelle smiled at Mrs. Evans. "No, I have enough stashed at Hogwarts. But thank you all the same, Mrs. Evans."
"I insist on you calling me Violet. Mrs. Evans makes me sound so old!"
Noelle grinned. "Violet."
"Now Lil, I don't want any more owls telling me of what you did to that Potter boy. The neighbors were getting suspicious, owls at our house from three in the morning up until six at night."
Lily groaned. "Yes mother."
Mrs. Evans parked the car, and stepped out. She unloaded the girls' trunks, putting them on carts. She grabbed Lily hugging her, and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Mum! What if people saw you?" Lily screamed, struggling to get away.
Violet hugged Noelle and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Noelle didn't struggle to get away.
"Good bye! Take care! Don't get in too much trouble!" Violet yelled, as the girls wheeled their carts away.
They reached the entrance to Kings' Cross Station. "Well," Lily said, "I guess this is where we go our different ways…"
"I guess it is," Noelle said. "I'll see you at Hogwarts."
With these parting words, the girls wheeled their carts in opposite directions, seemingly enemies once again.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Michael flew for awhile, passing over several camps. He kept one hand steering his broom, the other on his wand. At the other camps, there had been no sign of Sirius, or Mr. Lupin, so he kept travelling, hoping to find them soon.
He had come close to two of the camps -- close enough to catch snatches of what was being spoken. He had heard comment made of a 'mischievous boy', and hoped it was Sirius. If it was, it meant he wasn't dead.
The light broke through the thick leaves of the tree Michael hovered in. He peered at the camp below him. It looked normal enough, but it was different. He had a feeling... just a feeling that Sirius had been here. Michael wasn't sure if he was here now or had just been taken through. As he was considering this, a hand reached out of nowhere, covering his mouth. Michael began to scream, although is screams were muffled, when a familiar voice told him to shut his bloody mouth before he shoved a boot in it.
"You bloke," James muttered, as he slowly uncovered Michael's mouth. "You could have gotten us killed! How idiotic are you? I mean, running off without telling anyone where you're going, right into Death Eater camps when there are people trying to kill you... smart, Mikey, very smart!"
Michael smiled in return. "Hullo James," he whispered. "Hullo Charlie." Charlie nodded, now very alert at the danger she had demanded James to take her into. "Nice of you to drop in, but I had the situation under control."
The scowl on James' face deepened. "Listen here. It is my job to go and get myself into trouble. This is the sort of thing that I would do. Michael, you are far more reasonable than this, so what is going on?"
"That is what I would like to know," said a deadly calm voice behind them. Michael, James, and Charlie turned slowly around to find Melinda Figg, Bella's aunt, behind them on a bent broom, not looking happy at all."
Michael looked surprised. "How did you find us?" he asked, looking around to make sure there would be no more unwelcome visitors.
"Would you like the truth or a lie?" Melinda asked frostily.
"Truth please," James said brightly, smiling faintly. When he saw the look Melinda gave him, the smile faded quickly.
Melinda cleared her throat. "I am an Empathist. I have the ability to feel auras and souls. When I felt five warm souls surrounded by dark, cold souls, I knew it was you."
James' frown deepened. "Surrounded?"
"Did you not think that there would be patrols guarding the boundaries of the camps? It is a wonder you managed to get past them, but you did."
"So, what do we do?" Michael asked, looking rather paranoid at the moment.
Charlie finally spoke up from behind James. "We all have our wands. Why don't we just start stunning people until we get to Sirius and Mr. Lupin?"
Melinda's face became harsh. "That is the last thing that should be done, child. There are Dark Wards that can sense magic. If we even use the slightest bit, they will know where we are. I don't even know if we are safe now. There are such things as Dark Empathists, you know. Our presence may already be known, so it is best that we work quickly. I know that you are all pranksters, and for once I am thankful. Do you happen to have any of your pranks with you?"
Michael and Charlie emptied their pockets, as did James. Melinda found herself holding an array of 'dungcrackers', 'firebombs', and several vials of potions and dusts.
"This will do," Melinda said absentmindedly, handing two vials and a 'dungcracker' to James. She also handed two vials and a 'firebomb' to Charlie. "I assume you know the Duplication charm, being the roguish pranksters that you are," she said somewhat sarcastically. "So, here is what you are to do. Duplicate the round things as many times as you can. We have to make the Death Eaters believe that they are surrounded. Next, you are to pour the potions and the dusts on whoever will not leave. I believe your Invisibility Cloak will come in handy for that, James. You and Charlie must work together. Michael, I want you to find Sirius and do this around him. As soon as you are able, you have to swoop down, and grab him. Do not stop flying until you reach the Resistance. You will undoubtedly be chased, but the wards that were set should keep the Dark Souls away. Understood?"
"Yes," the three chorused as one, rather mechanically.
"Good luck," Melinda said, flying off on her bent broom. Michael offered James a smile, but he did not return it. He flew off, Charlie holding their tools tightly. Michael sighed, before going off to find Sirius.
It was surprisingly not hard to find Sirius. Michael set to work duplicating the dungcracker he had been given. When he heard shouts from the other side of the camp, he began to throw them below. He flew around, keeping out of sight, but keeping up the idea that the Death Eaters were surrounded. All but one fled, and that one was nearly standing on top of Sirius. Michael plummeted downward, trying his best to uncork the two vials he held. He somehow managed to, without losing control, and poured them on the man. The man screamed, and Michael smelled the grotesque odor of burning flesh. Perhaps he shouldn't have used both at the same time...
However, now was not the time for regrets. Michael grabbed Sirius' arm, pulling him behind him. Sirius' wrists were bonded, but that was all. He flew at a leisurely pace until Sirius shouted for him to fly faster. Death Eaters were on their tail.
Michael had to swerve several times to avoid the curses and hexes sent their way. He just prayed to the Gods that he was going the right way. He soon himself in familiar territory, the Death Eaters still behind them. Michael was glad when he saw the barn and heard the screams of the Death Eaters caught in the barrier. He crashed through the door and landed in a heap on top of several of the adults. Bella ran over, helping him and Sirius up.
"I'm so glad you're all right!" she said, throwing her arms around Michael. She then released him and stepped back, slapping him. "That was a horrible thing to do, running off without telling anyone. Nobody would have known if you died!" she said angrily. Michael rubbed his red cheek.
"Would you have let me gone if I asked?" he asked.
Bella considered this. "No. But I'm glad you and Sirius are safe. Charlie and James, and Mr. Lupin and Aunt Melinda too."
Michael noticed that it was beginning to grow late. He took the opportunity to look around him. All the equipment was broken, and there were piles of papers burning. The Resistance was lined up at the fireplace, taking turns Floo-ing to Diagon Alley. He grinned at Thomas as he and Charlie stepped through calling out "Hogsmeade." Sirius, James, and Remus did the same. Melinda gestured for Bella to go next, and she went through. Michael followed.
Tumbling out of the fireplace, covered in soot, Michael couldn't remember being happier. He had survived the summer, even with the most deadly assassins after him. And he had great stories to tell when he got back to Hogwarts. It was nighttime, but the group decided that it wouldn't matter if they had a butterbeer first -- the Sorting would have already started by now. They sat at a table in the corner.
Charlie talked about Annabelle most of the time, ecstatic that she was going to Hogwarts. She said she hoped Anna found someone nice to sit with on the train, preferably a Hufflepuff.
"Do you think Snape and Malfoy missed us on the train?" Sirius asked with a grin.
Thomas laughed. "I think everyone did!" Michael said. "We're rather noticeable, you know."
James finished his butterbeer while Michael took the last swig of his. "Reckon we should head back now?" he asked the group.
"How do you plan on getting us back?" Remus asked. "The carriages are gone by now, as are the boats. And I don't plan to walk that whole way in the dark -- I'd rather stay at an inn for the night."
"I'm anxious to get back to Hogwarts," Charlie said, "so don't worry. I'll find a way..." she added mysteriously, as she ran out of the Three Broomsticks. The group continued its small talk until Charlie returned, with seven top-of-the-line racing brooms. She handed one to each of them, keeping one for herself. "Well, what are you waiting for?" Charlie asked, with a grin. "Let's go!"
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Noelle loaded her trunk onto the train, and walked to find a compartment. She found Alexiandra Marsiella, her best Slytherin friend, along the way.
"Lexi!" Noelle said happily.
"Noelle!" Alexiandra said smiling, but her eyes remained rather cold. "I think you had better come with me."
Noelle frowned, but followed her nevertheless. Alexiandra led her through a Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor compartment before she stopped. She stepped out of the way to reveal Lucius Malfoy.
"Noelle. Where were you this summer?" he asked, his voice tight.
"Well," Noelle began, her mind reeling, "I had failed Transfiguration, so Minnie made me stay at Hogwarts to retake the bloody course."
"Then why aren't you at Hogwarts now?" Narcissa Watkins asked, her voice oozing of malice.
Noelle smiled sarcastically at her. "Well, I had to get some new robes, so I was allowed to come to Diagon Alley today."
Lucius frowned. "Mum threw a bloody fit when you didn't show up."
"I'm sure she did. But Professor McGonagall did send them a post telling them. Did they not get it?"
"No. Oh well. So, how was your summer?" Lucius asked, as he raised one of his eyebrows. He had been doing that since he discovered he could raise only one eyebrow last year.
Noelle breathed in internal sigh of relief. Thank the Gods she thought quick on her feet, and that Lucius was rather stupid. "Rather boring. Have you seen Sevvie?"
"He'll show up," Lucius said, smiling. It wasn't a real smile, of course. More of a smirk. He didn't know how to smile.
Noelle sat back in the seat, while Lucius told her about all the 'mudbloods' that were infesting the village by Malfoy Manor, and Alexiandra filled her in on Victor Halliwell, the dreamy Fifth Year she had a crush on.
Severus entered the compartment, and gave Noelle a small smile, but didn't speak to her. The train ride was long and rather uneventful. Lucius had gone off at one point to find those 'bloody Gryffindors' but reported he could only find Lily and some girl he didn't recognize. Noelle shrugged it off, and popped another chocolate frog in her mouth.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Lily was worried when she couldn't find anyone on the train. She couldn't even find Potter! She knew that Kiana and Toria would not be there, since they lived in Hogsmeade, but Lily expected Bella.
Remembering that she wasn't on speaking terms with Bella, Lily sighed. It was going to be one long year.
The door opened, but Lily didn't turn to see who it was. She expected it to be Lucius Malfoy, and was surprised when a girl asked if she could sit in the compartment. Lily gave her consent, and turned to find Anna, Charlie's stepsister.
Anna was tall and beautiful. Her tan skin didn't have one blemish, and her pale blue eyes looked exotic. She had long dark brown hair, that cascaded in waves. She wore a simple outfit of black pants and a white blouse.
"Oh hullo. I remember you from the party. Anna, right?" Lily said, smiling.
"Yes. You're Lily, aren't you? Well, I planned to begin attending Hogwarts after the Easter holidays, but father thought it would be better to wait until September." Anna smiled, as she sat down in a seat by the window.
The girls talked, exchanging stories about their families, their friends, and their lives in general. Anna especially loved to talk about her horse, Cloud. They arrived at Hogwarts before they knew it. Lily walked with Anna to the horseless carriages, and they ended up sitting with two Ravenclaws. Upon her first sight of Hogwarts, Anna gasped. She told Lily that it was much larger than their summer estate. Lily grinned. Hogwarts was pretty amazing…
When they arrived in the corridor, Professor McGonagall was waiting for Anna. She pulled Anna out of the throng of students, and Lily gave her an encouraging smile before going into the Great Hall. Lily was surprised to see several empty seats at the Gryffindor table. She sat by Kiana and Toria, who looked like they had something up their sleeve. Jules Potter, Estella Black, Christopher Cauldwell, and Evan Edwards were looking at them as if wishing that looks could kill. She was about to ask them what they were up to when Professor Dumbledore rose, clearing his throat.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts," he said. "I trust you all had a safe holiday. I have several announcements to make, but those can wait until after the Sorting. Professor McGonagall, if you please…"
Professor McGonagall nodded, and stood up. She placed a three-legged stool on the small platform, and put the Sorting Hat on top of it. The brim opened, and the hat began to sing.
Lily did not listen to the song. She was trying to figure out what the Marauders could be doing that was more important than the Sorting. She was also wondering if Bella was with them. Her stomach churned as she thought of Bella not being with them.
As 'Aban, Judith' was called, Lily's thoughts were directed toward the Marauders once again. When they were all together, the results were often disastrous. Especially since she never called off her war with Potter…
Lily clapped when 'Benson, Stephen' was made the first Gryffindor. She noticed Anna standing in the back. She waved to her, and Anna waved back enthusiastically.
The Sorting didn't take that long, surprisingly. There were many students, but the Hat made its decisions in record time. Professor Dumbledore stood up, and announced that Hogwarts had an exchange student, giving Anna an encouraging smile. She grinned back.
"Stramopolis, Annabelle. Third Year." Anna strode to the stool, her head held high. She did wink at Lily, though, as she sat down. Anna was proclaimed a "GRYFFINDOR!" after three minutes of deliberation. She ran down to Lily, throwing her arms around her. "I'm a Gryffindor!" she shouted happily. They sat down as Professor Dumbledore stood up.
"New beginnings," he said, raising his hands. At that instant, a faint wailing was heard. "New beginnings," he tried again, but the screaming got louder. The doors to the Great Hall flew open, and Lily stared in amazement as James Potter, Michael Barnette, Sirius Black, Thomas Brooks, Remus Lupin, Charlie Hunter, and Bella Figg flew in on brooms, crashing into the Head Table.
"Beginnings that shall not be forgotten," Professor Dumbledore said with a wry smile, as he stared inquisitively at the group.
Charlie stood up first. "No need to worry," she said, "we're all right!" She bounced to the Hufflepuff table where she sat by Christine. She searched the room looking for Anna, and was a little disappointed when she saw her at the Gryffindor Table. But a grin spread across her face when she realized that she could probably get into Gryffindor Tower a lot easier now.
The Marauders and Bella stood up as a group. "Er..." Sirius said, not knowing quite what to say when looking at the sea of faces. "Er... uh... its' beginning to storm out there..." The Marauders smiled apologetically at the students, as they made their way to the Gryffindor table, Bella close behind. They sat down, amid the stares. "What are you looking at?" they all snapped at the same time. The many faces immediately whirled away from them.
"Eat up," Professor Dumbledore said, as food appeared on the tables.
The Gryffindors literally stuffed their faces with food, especially the Marauders, who had not eaten all day. The food disappeared almost instantly, and desserts appeared in their place. That soon disappeared too, however. Professor Dumbledore stood once again, as he raised his hands for silence.
"I must ask you to pay attention for a short while. I have many announcements to make. First of all, Mr. Filch has made a list of forbidden objects at Hogwarts. If you would like to see it, it will be posted outside of the Great Hall, or in Mr. Filch's office. The forest is still forbidden, and it would do you good to remember," he said, looking in the Marauders' direction, and then sneaking a glance at Charlie at the Hufflepuff table. "The village of Hogsmeade is also forbidden to all those under third year, and everyone else except for those special days. Also take note that Quidditch try-outs will be in two weeks, on a certain day depending on your house. I would lastly like to announce the Head Boy and Girl. Of Ravenclaw, Robert Reynolds is the Head Boy." The Ravenclaw table erupted in applause. "And Gwyneth Baker, of Gryffindor, is Head Girl." The Gryffindor Table now burst into applause, everyone congratulating a blushing Gwyn. "That is all."
The students stood up, following the Prefects to their respective Common Rooms. The girls went up to their dormitory where they found an extra bed for Anna. At once, Lily collapsed on her old bed, as sleep washed over her. Anna, Toria, and Kiana did the same.
It was a new beginning at Hogwarts.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Voldemort sat in his chamber, distracted with heavy thoughts of the future. He had this feeling -- incredibly bad feeling -- that the reign of Fate would soon begin. And he was still no closer to revealing his or her identity. He had ordered his best men onto research duty, and he had assigned the rest to go to America to help out with the Michael Barnette situation. He had also hired L'Ordine di Morte to help, since he was so busy trying to deal with Fate.
Out of nowhere, a girl appeared. She was a girl of seven, with shimmering blonde hair and wide blue eyes. She wore a green cloak over her shoulders. Voldemort watched as she opened her mouth to sing. Her voice was airy and light, traveling over the notes.
***
(A/N: Okay. Here's the tune. For those of you that watch Buffy and have seen the episode with 'the Gentleman'. You know when that little girl sings the song to warn Buffy in her dream in the very beginning of the episode? Well, that's the tune. For those of you that don't know, here is a basic layout:
hmm hmm hmm
hmm hmm hmm
hmm hmm hmm hmm ~~(higher hmm)
hmm hmm hmm
All right? Basically, every word is the same note except for the last word in the third statement. Sorry for the interruption.)
***
Close your windows
Lock your doors
She's coming over mountain
And o'er moor
You can not run
You can not hide
Fate is truly
Bonafide
The time has come
Fate is here
The end is drawing
Oh so near
The dark at its height
The light at low
Friend against friend
And foe against foe
Fate has come
To save the light
To amend the past
Make it right
She shall come
Battle the Dark
And each time
She'll leave her Mark
Close your windows
Lock your doors
She's coming over mountain
And o'er moor
The time has come
Fate is here
The end is drawing
Oh so near
The girl's lips pressed together, as she gazed at Voldemort. Voldemort rubbed his eyes as the girl grew older. She now appeared to be around 16 or 17. Her blonde hair fell to curls beneath her shoulder, and her cheeks were rosy. Her lips were a dark rose pink, and her eyes a hazel colour. She opened her mouth to speak.
The end is drawing
Oh so near
Then, the girl disappeared. No smoke, no sparkles. She just disappeared, leaving Voldemort in the chamber, fearing for his life.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
A/N: I do like the Voldemort section. I wrote the song myself! I'm sure you're all very proud of me. I want to thank Kim for having the patience to bear with me as I tried to write this. I also want to thank everyone who reviewed. Don't worry, this series is going to get better in the next chapter. It's going to be full of pranks.
I rewrote this actually three times, and I figure this is the best I am going to get. I've just been having a lot of trouble with bringing Michael/James/Sirius/Charlie/Melinda/Lupin all together, and I think I have it the way I want it.
~Noelle
Luckie7n13@aol.com
