Prelude to a Love Story
Chapter Eight: Waking...
"The sleeping princess is waking," muttered Madam Pomfrey, as they quietly sat by the bedside of a beautiful girl. Her red hair lay in a circular pillow, surrounding her - a soft sea of curls. A neat chin and pale skin with only a scattering of freckles over a small nose, she was certainly not ugly. There was a slight flush to her cheeks, as though she may have been running, and he eyelids flickered continuously, making thick eyelashes brush her, rapidly.
"She's been under the sleep spell too long now. I'm certain that together we could keep her asleep for quite sometime, but only against her own will. Her body is fighting us now." As she said this, Madam Marmalade looked rather downcast. It had been many weeks now, yet they still hadn't some up with a good enough idea to heal her spirit.
On the bed, looking like a sleeping princess, lay Lily Evans. Emotionally charged, slightly insane, and with hatred seething through her veins. Poppy Pomfrey couldn't help but shudder at the thought of those eyes, filled with hatred, looking directly at her. Shaking off the thought, she began considering different ways of fixing Lily's ravaged mind, and she was certain that Madam Marmalade was doing the same thing, yet all Poppy seemed capable of doing was noticing the walls. They were white. White walls, white sheets, white blankets. Not only were they sanitary, the colour seemed to have a soothing effect on her mind... Poppy felt herself drifting towards sleep. And then woke up quite suddenly as she understood what her discovery meant.
"White," she said out loud. Madam Marmalade looked at her quite oddly, perhaps thinking the young nurse mad.
"Poppy, Dear, what was that you said?"
"White!" she cried again, though this time much later, waking the boy in a nearby bed from the deep slumber he had been immersed in. The girl on the bed before them moved her head, her eyelids fluttering even more swiftly. Her arm lifted, slowly, towards her face.
"Poppy! Shh... Be quiet!" whispered Madam Marmalade in a fierce voice, dimming Poppy Pomfrey's excitement instantly.
"Sorry," Poppy said, meek.
They both breathed a sigh of relief as Lily Evans returned to her previous state - not quite asleep, yet not awake.
"That's okay, child. Now what was it you wanted to tell me?"
The enthusiasm returned to Madam Pomfrey's voice, though this time she was much quieter as she said:
"White." Madam Marmalade could only look at her oddly. "White! Don't you understand?" Quite obviously, she could not, so Poppy continued. "White, its calming, soothing... Perhaps if we woke her up in an entirely white room? Nothing else, no people, no sounds - nothing intruding. Once she is awake, we'll be able to perform a simple memory charm, and all will be well!"
Madam Marmalade's eyes turned down, however, and Poppy's bright eyes began questioning.
"We already discussed this once, don't you remember?" Poppy shook her head. "We contemplated giving her seclusion, and letting her wake up alone... But that still left us with the problem that as soon as something intruded on her waking mind, she would immediately recollect her crazy state and return to it." Madam Marmalade gave an audible sigh. Poppy was, however, desperate for her idea to work, so she persisted.
"What if we were to slowly introduce her to humans? Or we could try to manipulate her dreams, at least that way she'll sleep naturally." Madam Marmalade seemed keen to remain cynical, however.
"That's hoping that she sleeps at all. Remember, she's been sleeping for a long time now - if she pushes herself, she can probably go without sleep for a long time. And what if she were to become suicidal? We have no padded rooms in this facility! We are no mental asylum!"
"Lily Evans is not mental!" Poppy had never raised her voice at Madam Marmalade before, and both of them looked quite shocked by the outburst. "I am sorry," Poppy tried to redeem herself, "But we need to somehow improve the situation, and you are only bringing up all the negative sides! Should something go wrong, then we will, at least, know her mental situation and be able to act accordingly."
Out of Madam Marmalade's aghast face there came a beatific smile. "Madam Pomfrey, I think we'll make a nurse out of you yet!"
Poppy couldn't help but give a little smile, she was, perhaps, a little surprised.
--- --- ---
Someone else was smiling, too.
Oh, goody! Severus Snape thought to himself, still lying where he had woken up. The Marauder's last prank had ended him up in hospital, yet now he couldn't help but be happy because of it. 'Li'l Cry-Baby Lil' was coming back to school... he was certain that he could use this to his advantage.
Severus' smile grew into a snicker, and from there turned into a laugh. Yes, he would certainly reap the rewards.
--- --- ---
"Oh, Sevvy, dearest! Are you awake?" asked Madam Marmalade as she stepped quickly past the curtain that partitioned off his bed from Lily's. Severus' laughter stopped at once. He hated being called 'Sevvy'. Turning his glaring face into a beaming smile, though it was rather twisted, he waved to Madam Marmalade and called:
"I am feeling much better now, thankyou." Severus could be charming when he wished, though the hooked nose, greasy hair and rumpled smile usually made him more off-putting than engaging.
"Well, then perhaps you are ready to go back out into the real world!"
"And leave you? Never!" Inside, Severus was shuddering at what he was saying, wanting nothing more than to be rid of her presence. Unfortunately, the amount of occasions upon which he was forced to visit the Hospital wing were quite numerous, so it was worth being on good terms with the staff - if only to avoid the Madams' vile potions.
"It seems you never do leave us, Sevvy darling," said Madam Marmalade, beginning to frown as she considered just how often she did see Severus. "Which is all the moire reason for you to go now," she continued, brightening. "I can't have you missing any more of precious school!" Severus shook his head, trying to hide a feral grin with a look of sadness due to the missing of classes and an imminent departure. Sighing sadly, Marmalade looked to the chair upon which rested Severus' clothes. "Well, there are your robes. Once you've finished dressing, come to the office and I'll sign you out." With that the Madam left the room, coming across Madam Pomfrey in the process.
"Poppy! Are you still in shock? Perhaps I should have you in one of these beds too!" Madam Marmalade almost laughed at the look of surprise in Madam Pomfrey's face as she looked up from where she sat.
"Oh, no, Madam Marmalade. I am quite fine, thankyou. I was just considering the finer details of our plan," she spoke, though looked slightly confused when she asked Madam Marmalade, "I was just wondering about how we are going to go about creating this room... I suppose padded walls may be necessary... I really don't know-."
"Doubting yourself, already?" asked Madam Marmalade, looking fondly down on her apprentice. "Don't worry, I'll organise a meeting with Professor McGonagall, she really is rather in the know on these matters of making things." Madam Pomfrey smiled at her mentor, glad to have that sorted out. "If the need arises, I'm certain that necessary changes can be catered for."
"Thankyou, Madam," replied Poppy, looking very grateful, though a frown creased her forehead as she looked over to where her 'sleeping princess' lay. "But whatever we do, we'd better make it soon-."
The sleeping she-devil's eyes were open, and she glared at them menacingly.
~~ Author's Aside ~~
Naughty, I know, but I feel it is necessary to inform you that Lily Evans is not possessed, however much she may act it. (And I'm getting all these freaky pictures in my head from 'The Exorcist' just thinking about it!) She is merely very crazy, and on the brink of insanity. Don't fear, our loving heroine will prevail, however it is the process through which she does this that I am currently writing about. Oh, and a bit of extra information? No, she doesn't kill anyone... yet. ;)
~~ End Author's Aside ~~
***//\\//\\***
"Erm, Professor?" asked an interrupting Poppy Pomfrey. She hadn't been long out of Hogwarts herself, and the fact that she had an almost equal status to that of one of her previous teachers awed her a little. She still couldn't believe it, and coming to McGonagall's office had always been in accompaniment with some form of punishment. It was hard for her to change ingrained beliefs.
Madam Marmalade barged past Poppy, not caring in the slightest about whether she was interrupting the Professor or not. The Madam had been at the school long enough now to forget any previous reservation she may have had towards certain Professors - not that she had ever been taught by Professor McGonagall, for when she had been at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore had been her transfiguration teacher.
"Come in," called Minerva McGonagall, looking up from the schoolwork she had been correcting. Minerva's office was very ordered, with numbers on draws and books on shelves placed in strict alphabetical order. The fire burned brightly, however, and the nurses welcomed the warmth. A massive portrait of Godric Gryffindor hung over the fireplace, though few would have recognised the smiling wizard as he. Madam Pomfrey stopped her eyes from roving over the room as Madam Marmalade began, getting straight to the point.
"We require your aide, and perhaps that of some of your better students, in creating a room within Hogwarts." Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows, questioning, and Madam Marmalade hurriedly continued. "The room is for the student Lily Evans, whom I expect you know of?"
"Unlikely as it may be, considering that she is in Ravenclaw rather than my own house. But yes, I do know of Lily Evans. And her state of mind."
"Good, then you will have some idea as to the room's necessities. We have decided on all white, for that is certainly the most calming colour. Also we were considering whether or not padded walls would be in need..."
"Surely not!" replied Professor McGonagall, quite adamant. Why, for her to wake up in a padded room... She will immediately think herself crazy! If you are going to that extreme, why not go to another and tie her up in a strait jacket!"
The madams looked quite surprised at Professor McGonagall, especially Poppy, who had never seen the Professor so distraught.
"I am s-sorry," stuttered Madam Pomfrey, trying unsuccessfully to hide her surprise.
"As am I, dear," said Professor McGonagall, visibly calming herself. "It is a nightmare of mine, to wake up in an unknown padded room wearing a strait jacket. I would hate to have such a fate inflicted on someone else. Your idea, however, with the separate room and the calming colours seems most appropriate. Are you considering soundproofing the room, also? And what about furniture, I suppose you are looking for safe objects, should the poor girl wish to end her life..."
"That's about the all of it," replied Madam Marmalade, over her shock at the Professor's unexpected admission. "Do you think that you'll be able to help us?"
"With the aide of some industrious students, I know I can," responded Professor McGonagall, smiling warmly.
"Oh, Thankyou!" cried Madam Pomfrey, grateful beyond belief. Perhaps her idea would work after all!
***//\\//\\***
"This is really cruel," Sky Winkkin complained to Sirius Black as he grabbed a quill and started writing on a small piece of parchment. "I thought he was your friend!" Sky continued. Sirius ignored her, putting down his quill and taking out his wand to perform the charm. "I hope you won't ever do this to me." Turning over the parchment and pointing his wand at it, Sirius muttered the necessary spell. "Why do you have to be so ruse to your friend?" Sirius whispered Wingardium Leviosa and watched, pleased, as the parchment flew over and stuck itself onto James Potter's back.
Satisfied, Sirius turned his gaze to Sky. "What were you saying? I'm sorry, but I was a bit distracted." Sirius tried to act pompous, but he couldn't wipe the smile off his face as thoughts of the annoyance he would cause drifted through his mind.
"Oh, you are impossible!" cried Sky, most displeased by Sirius' attitude. "You are being horrible to James! I don't know how I put up with you..."
Sirius gave a loud, fake sigh. "I thought we had already figured that one out. You love Remus; Remus likes me; so you have to like me! It all makes perfect sense."
"In your mind, maybe..." Sky muttered grumpily. Sirius wondered at her manner, for it resembled Remus Lupin's near to perfection. He stopped considering her behaviour, however, as his mind savoured the taste of maple syrup covered pancakes.
"Mmmm"
"And what am I doing here, anyway?" Sky asked, though whether she spoke to herself or Sirius - he didn't know. "I really should be sitting with the other Ravenclaws..." Sirius decided she was talking to herself and promptly stuffed his face, dribbling syrup down his chin.
Sky broke from her musings and rolled her eyes and humorous frustration at Sirius.
"You are such a baby," she said, pointing at the mess he'd made of his face. "I don't know what those girls see in you..."
"I do!" replied Loretta Myers, who had stepped up behind them without either noticing. Sirius quickly wiped his face on the corner of his sleeve, trying to do so without the girl noticing. Sky rolled her eyes again, trying to hide her laughter.
"Our Siri darling is just too gorgeous to resist!" Lora ran her hand over his shoulder, and only Sky saw Sirius wince in painful embarrassment. "Honestly... umm... ("Sky?" Sirius supplied) Sky! How can you not agree with me?" Sky didn't answer - if she opened her mouth the only intelligible concept that would spew forth could be laughter. To hide her amused eyes, Sky began to eat her breakfast, then thought the better of it - were she to laugh, she would spit food everywhere!
Having awaited an answer and received nothing, Loretta turned her attention back to Sirius. Twisting a lock of brown hair around her finger, whilst gazing at him with hazel eyes, she informed him:
"Sandra wants to speak with you." Sirius' gaze became unreadable, and Sky began to wonder if he was having second thoughts - the night previously he had been quite keen on the Sandra girl. Sky had even threatened to spread it around the school, not that it would have been anything new - since James' outburst the previous morning, everyone had heard some sort of rumour about the status of Sirius and Sandra's love life.
"What time?" asked Sirius, Sky thought she detected a slight squeak in his voice, and wondered if he was nervous. This was a new concept! Sirius, nervous! Sky had been certain that she were the only one to have ever felt insecure.
"Hmm... Well, we thought you might want to walk with us to Divination... After all, it's such a long walk, and Trelawney'll won't care if we're late." Sky seriously doubted this, but Sirius was already nodding. "Great!" Loretta smiled, "We'll meet you at the portrait of that crazy knight - Sir Dynadine, or whatever his name is."
Sirius could only nod at her retreating back, while Sky had only the good grace to keep from laughing until she was out of earshot. When she had reached her own seat, Sky couldn't keep it bottled up any longer. After a loud spurt of laughter, she subsided into silent giggles, tears running down her cheeks from humour. Sirius broke his dreamy gaze away from the figure of Sandra and turned to Sky, trying to shake off his embarrassment by joking around, even though Sky was pointing at his blush and laughing all the harder.
***//\\//\\***
James carefully looked through the tapestry before stepping around it and into the hall. He wasn't so fussed about hiding the pathway as he was about hiding himself. Despite their enjoyable conversation that morning, James still wasn't too comfortable around people. Perhaps he was turning into a hermit, he didn't know, yet suddenly seclusion and the peace he found within it seemed to be the most important things in his life.
Distracted by his thoughts, James didn't notice the group of girls giggling and laughing at him from the side of the corridor. Or the third-year boys who burst into laughter as he walked by. In fact, it wasn't until somebody actually kicked him that he realised anything was happening at all. Scowling at the boy (a second year, James noticed) he turned round and asked, with daggers in his eyes:
"What was that for?" The boy appeared to be in hysterics with laughter, and James tried to understand the tears pouring down his cheeks. Giving up on waiting for a sensible answer, James said "Well?" He was beginning to get quite frustrated with all of this, as there was now quite a crowd of second and third years surrounding him. Thankfully at that moment, someone had the decency to come up to his back and tear of the note causing the entire ruckus and silently handed it to him. It was then that he saw who it was. Professor McGonagall.
Obviously she was taking a combined class or something, James hadn't even realised that he was standing outside of her classroom until she walked up on him.
"Students! Calm down this instant! I would have expected the third years to set a better example!" James winced at her tone, exceedingly glad to not be, for once, at the receiving end. "Now, all of you, into the classroom. I'll have no more of your poor manner today." Obediently, the class filed into the classroom, silent except for a few smothered giggles aimed at James as they walked past.
James was about to walk off when Professor McGonagall tapped him on the shoulder.
"James, I am wanting to have a meeting with you. Come to my office after lunch. Okay? I'll excuse you from whatever class you might have."
"Divination," James managed to quickly blurt out.
"Oh, well, no loss there. I'll see you after lunch. Oh, and could you please tell Sirius Black, Remus - er, no, maybe not Remus," she said as she recalled the current lunar positions, "... and perhaps also Sky Winkkin, too, if you can find her. Thankyou."
Turning on him, the professor stepped into her classroom, immediately calling the class to silence and taking ten points from Gryffindor. James winced, and then began to walk away, scrunching up the note which read, in Sirius' distinctive scrawl, "KICK ME!" as he turned.
It was only as he was part way down the corridor, once again lost in his thoughts and not noticing where he stepped, that he realised. He wasn't in trouble, yet he was going to a meeting with Professor McGonagall. He had absolutely no idea what it could possibly be about.
***//\\//\\***
Potions was usually quite interesting, especially with Peter having a fair flair for it. Today, however, almost everybody in the class was having problems. They had just started the topic of alchemy, which, according to Professor Evelyn, they only covered briefly. To the students, however, it was sheer hell. Involving complex mathematical formulae, only those who were either gifted at maths or had been brought up in a muggle family had any idea at all. At that, even those who could were having numerous problems, trying to figure out just what ingredients to put in when, and the knowledge of how much honeysuckle oil was needed for one vat of perfumed ...
"Perfume," said Sirius, disgust written plainly on his face as he considered just what he was making. All this effort... just for perfume. I cannot believe it. Behind her desk, Professor Evelyn continued on with her introduction to the ancient art of alchemy. She paused from her long speech, however, when the door was timidly opened.
James Potter steeped through, not really looking where he stepped, yet obviously trying to avoid the Professor's eye contact. Which she kept with a grouchy fierceness.
"And just where have you been, Mr Potter?" the Professor asked, sounding menacing, to say the least.
"I bumped into Professor McGonagall - she needed to speak with me," James replied. He finally met her eyes, though without any of his usual sparkle of mischief.
"Professor McGonagall is currently conducting a class. I don't believe you."
"But, Professor!" called James, quite upset that he was telling the truth, yet not being believed. "I met her outside if the classroom."
Professor Evelyn looked decidedly stubborn, rather irritated that a tardy student had cut her speech short. James noticed her demeanour, and instantly gave up fighting her.
"Fine then, don't believe me. But if you decide to remove any points from Gryffindor, I ask that you please do so after speaking with Professor McGonagall in reference to my current lateness. Now, if you please," continued James with an air of snobby superiority as he dismissed her, "I would be most obliged if you would leave me so that I may begin this lesson on the fascinating subject of alchemy. For sure, I have already missed out on enough!" With that, James actually turned his back on her and walked over to Sirius, Peter and Sky who were crowded around a boiling cauldron, discreetly warming their hands.
Professor Evelyn gaped like a fish for a second before straightening her posture and turning back to the entire class, continuing on with her speech from where she had left off.
"I can't believe you!" whispered Sirius, in awe. "Snubbing off a teacher... I didn't know you had it in you." For a moment, James was back to his usual self, laughing with them all over a joke well played. James was even able to laugh at Sirius' procrastination when he was informed that he was to meet Professor McGonagall at the end of lunch.
On hearing this, Sky burst into laughter. Sirius' cheeks began to tinge red, though somehow he got control of his emotions and managed to join in the laughter. Sky explained to James about Sirius' dilemma - whether he avoid a meeting organised by McGonagall or stand up his "to be" (as Sky insisted on calling Sandra) and risk losing her. Eventually it was decided that Sirius would go to the meeting instead, particularly as standing up a teacher was likely to have worse repercussions than standing up his "to be".
However, James soon lost the happy demeanour. For some reason he just couldn't seem to keep it up - nothing seemed so funny any more. Always at the back of his mind there was this dreadful feeling of loss, or a fear of loss. It was quite horrible for him, and he pined to be able to smile again, but nothing seemed worthy of joy. Shrugging off the questioning looks and even Sirius' outright "What's wrong?!" James shoved all his implements into the pewter cauldron and stepped over to another hearth. Alone.
--- --- ---
"What is wrong with him?" asked Sky, looking at Peter and Sirius with worry in her eyes.
"I thought he was just resentful towards me... But now it's becoming much, much more. I can't really say that I understand it." Sirius said all this as he stared at James' retreating back. Sky was surprised at his seriousness - this was the boy who tried to eat a painting! His shoulders slumped in a sigh, and he turned back to her, though Sky hoped that he wasn't giving up on cheering his friend. Obviously James needed something, and he needed it soon.
Sirius' eyes lit into a smile at the site of Sky's frowning face. "Don't worry, Sky-Baby," he ignored Sky's glare at his use of her unwanted nick-name, "I've got Jamsie all figured out... He'll be better really soon." Sky could only look at that mischievous gleam in his eye and wonder just what Sirius was planning.
***//\\//\\***
From behind a scroll she was holding before her eyes, Cassandra Reade watched the meeting being played before her with extreme tension. "Please say yes, Please say yes" she thought to herself, desperate for her dreams to come true. Frantic, she played with her unnatural blonde hair, fingering it into small plaits. But that made the scroll fall down, and she really didn't want anybody noticing her rapt attention of the Gryffindor table. Picking up the scroll, she once again placed it before her eyes, though it was in the wrong position - now she couldn't see anything! Shoving it a bit to the side, she decided that that would have to do. At least she could now see the group, even if it was partially covered up by some doctrine about Geoffrey the Giant. What she could see, however, made her cringe. There was Lora, her best-friend LORA, flirting with him. Oh, what was she to do...
Startled, she noticed that Loretta Myers was quickly walking back to her, so at once Sandra's eyes returned to the scroll before her, though she felt Sirius' eyes boring into her and wished she could look up into them.
The anticipation too much, Sandra looked up. Catching Sirius' eye, she gave one of her brilliant smiles, then turned her gaze over to Lora, even though she felt a wrench in her gut from leaving those to, amazing, black eyes...
There was a massive beaming smile on Loretta's small face, and soon Sandra wore one to match.
"Yes?" asked Sandra.
"Yes!"
The small squeals of excitement they emitted simultaneously covered up the loud burst of laughter that came from the opposite table. By the time Sandra and Lora had calmed down enough to discuss what she should wear (even though it's have to be school uniform) and how her hair should sit, and what make up she'd need, and whose she could borrow... By that time Sky Winkkin was quiet enough, and Sirius Black un-blushing enough for them to not notice anything out of the ordinary as they walked from the room. However, just before exiting the eating hall, Sandra, without any obvious embarrassment, blew Sirius a kiss.
Sky nearly died for laughter.
***//\\//\\***
"Please, Peter. You aren't required at the meeting, and you're the only other person I'd trust enough to give this message to Cassandra." Sirius pleaded with an unwilling Peter, Sirius' plight in no way aided by the continual and distracting laughter of Sky Winkkin. Finally giving up on the impossible task of ignoring her, Sirius snapped. "Sky, either stop laughing this instant or go somewhere else!" Surprised at his sudden shout, Sky swallowed back her laughter, giving out a giant hiccough instead. Soon everybody was laughing at Sky, who couldn't laugh for all the crazy hiccoughs she was shouting.
Everyone was at the lunch tables, eating away noisily. It seemed that Sky shared every meal with the Gryffindors now - and spent most of her time in their common room. No one commented on why this was so, they didn't want to embarrass her. The fact was, however, that Sky really didn't have any other friends in her house - and she really wasn't that great at making new ones. The Gryffinddors didn't really mind, though. Sky was great fun, and she could always make you laugh.
Trying to hiccough and laugh at the same time was near impossible, Sky decided. Especially when those hiccoughs were of the giant variety. To herself, Sky wondered if she'd been hit by some jinx, then decided it unlikely. More likely was the fact that her laughter, once it started coming out, really couldn't be stopped without the dire consequences that she was always threatening. Her hiccoughs even had James laughing, even if his was rather brittle.
"Drink water!"; "Eat something!"; Hold you nose!"; "Cough!"; "Do a handstand"; "Jump up and down"; "Do the Hula!"; "Do star jumps,"; "Swallow!"; "Take a tablet"; "Take your clothes off!" Numerous shouts echoed round the hall, though most stopped at Sirius' impertinent call, perhaps because it had given her such a rude shock that the hiccoughs actually stopped.
"Take your clothes off?" asked Sky, looking at Sirius in disbelief.
"No thankyou!" replied Sirius, a cheerful gleam in his eye.
"Ugh! I wasn't telling you to take your clothes off, you idiot!" said Sky, taking a playful swipe at his head. "I was asking why you asked me to take MINE off! Silly dolt - I've never heard of such an unlikely cure!"
"But it worked, didn't it?" Sirius asked, laughing at her. Because, suddenly, Sky had realised that, yes, indeed, Sirius' cure had worked!
"I don't believe it..."
"Now, back to the matter at hand." Immediately Sky started laughing again, but before she could do something equally crazy and strange, Peter gave in: nodding his head and taking the parchment from Sirius' hand. "And don't read it! Sirius called, and turned, amazed, when Sky succeeded in laughing even louder than she previously had. Giving in to the urge, Sirius began laughing, too. Though why, he didn't know.
***//\\//\\***
A/N
I have to end this chapter here... Damn it, I really wanted this to be the last proper chapter before the epilogue, but now I've realised that I'll have to do another... Grr! I was even considering doing this as an extra long chapter, though that seems quite unnecessary when I can stop here so easily. I have spent four hours on this chapter, so you'd better like it! Not that anyone is likely to read it... Oh well. I suppose I really should redo LR, (I certainly think it needs it! I haven't written in such a poor style since primary!!!!) However, I really just can't be bothered rewriting something that is, I suppose, serviceable. Hmm...
I had big problems with this chapter, what with trying to figure out just when different things were to happen, and in what order. Can you believe it? I was actually going to begin it with the James scene, and him going to a meeting with Severus Snape... From there, I was going to talk about Severus and how he's feeling in the world... I was going to end the chapter (which I nearly just called Snape - I don't know how I did that!) in the muggle world, with Petal (I am SO going to change her name...) hearing about what the school is doing to cure her lovely little Lily.
Grr...
Well, now you know what's happening in the next chapter! I think it's all quite obvious and predictable. Oh, and just in case you want to know, the epilogue will be called "Awakening" or something like that, anyway... No need to guess what that'll be about!
Enough is enough. I've got one exam to go, and I'm actually considering writing the next chapter this evening... Though I also wanted to do my homework then, too... I don't know really.
Oh, I have to include a disclaimer, this time... The alchemy section within this chapter, that may also be included in chapters to come, is inspired by Lyndon Hardy's 'Master of the Five Magics' (a great book, that) and relates directly to it, with the principles and theories being those discussed within the novel.
There we go, is that it? Oh, I thank all the people who have been kind enough to review - and to those who haven't I ask that you please review, as your input is most appreciated. I think I'll keep writing this, though, whether I get a million more or zero reviews... I can't really stop myself!
Once again, thankyou to all and to Sierra Charm for posting another chapter to her story "Eyes as green as a fresh-pickled toad." If you haven't read her yet, do it! Her, Admiral Albia and Tropical Fishy are some of the best HP fanfic authors on the net!
-wildcat-
Chapter Eight: Waking...
"The sleeping princess is waking," muttered Madam Pomfrey, as they quietly sat by the bedside of a beautiful girl. Her red hair lay in a circular pillow, surrounding her - a soft sea of curls. A neat chin and pale skin with only a scattering of freckles over a small nose, she was certainly not ugly. There was a slight flush to her cheeks, as though she may have been running, and he eyelids flickered continuously, making thick eyelashes brush her, rapidly.
"She's been under the sleep spell too long now. I'm certain that together we could keep her asleep for quite sometime, but only against her own will. Her body is fighting us now." As she said this, Madam Marmalade looked rather downcast. It had been many weeks now, yet they still hadn't some up with a good enough idea to heal her spirit.
On the bed, looking like a sleeping princess, lay Lily Evans. Emotionally charged, slightly insane, and with hatred seething through her veins. Poppy Pomfrey couldn't help but shudder at the thought of those eyes, filled with hatred, looking directly at her. Shaking off the thought, she began considering different ways of fixing Lily's ravaged mind, and she was certain that Madam Marmalade was doing the same thing, yet all Poppy seemed capable of doing was noticing the walls. They were white. White walls, white sheets, white blankets. Not only were they sanitary, the colour seemed to have a soothing effect on her mind... Poppy felt herself drifting towards sleep. And then woke up quite suddenly as she understood what her discovery meant.
"White," she said out loud. Madam Marmalade looked at her quite oddly, perhaps thinking the young nurse mad.
"Poppy, Dear, what was that you said?"
"White!" she cried again, though this time much later, waking the boy in a nearby bed from the deep slumber he had been immersed in. The girl on the bed before them moved her head, her eyelids fluttering even more swiftly. Her arm lifted, slowly, towards her face.
"Poppy! Shh... Be quiet!" whispered Madam Marmalade in a fierce voice, dimming Poppy Pomfrey's excitement instantly.
"Sorry," Poppy said, meek.
They both breathed a sigh of relief as Lily Evans returned to her previous state - not quite asleep, yet not awake.
"That's okay, child. Now what was it you wanted to tell me?"
The enthusiasm returned to Madam Pomfrey's voice, though this time she was much quieter as she said:
"White." Madam Marmalade could only look at her oddly. "White! Don't you understand?" Quite obviously, she could not, so Poppy continued. "White, its calming, soothing... Perhaps if we woke her up in an entirely white room? Nothing else, no people, no sounds - nothing intruding. Once she is awake, we'll be able to perform a simple memory charm, and all will be well!"
Madam Marmalade's eyes turned down, however, and Poppy's bright eyes began questioning.
"We already discussed this once, don't you remember?" Poppy shook her head. "We contemplated giving her seclusion, and letting her wake up alone... But that still left us with the problem that as soon as something intruded on her waking mind, she would immediately recollect her crazy state and return to it." Madam Marmalade gave an audible sigh. Poppy was, however, desperate for her idea to work, so she persisted.
"What if we were to slowly introduce her to humans? Or we could try to manipulate her dreams, at least that way she'll sleep naturally." Madam Marmalade seemed keen to remain cynical, however.
"That's hoping that she sleeps at all. Remember, she's been sleeping for a long time now - if she pushes herself, she can probably go without sleep for a long time. And what if she were to become suicidal? We have no padded rooms in this facility! We are no mental asylum!"
"Lily Evans is not mental!" Poppy had never raised her voice at Madam Marmalade before, and both of them looked quite shocked by the outburst. "I am sorry," Poppy tried to redeem herself, "But we need to somehow improve the situation, and you are only bringing up all the negative sides! Should something go wrong, then we will, at least, know her mental situation and be able to act accordingly."
Out of Madam Marmalade's aghast face there came a beatific smile. "Madam Pomfrey, I think we'll make a nurse out of you yet!"
Poppy couldn't help but give a little smile, she was, perhaps, a little surprised.
--- --- ---
Someone else was smiling, too.
Oh, goody! Severus Snape thought to himself, still lying where he had woken up. The Marauder's last prank had ended him up in hospital, yet now he couldn't help but be happy because of it. 'Li'l Cry-Baby Lil' was coming back to school... he was certain that he could use this to his advantage.
Severus' smile grew into a snicker, and from there turned into a laugh. Yes, he would certainly reap the rewards.
--- --- ---
"Oh, Sevvy, dearest! Are you awake?" asked Madam Marmalade as she stepped quickly past the curtain that partitioned off his bed from Lily's. Severus' laughter stopped at once. He hated being called 'Sevvy'. Turning his glaring face into a beaming smile, though it was rather twisted, he waved to Madam Marmalade and called:
"I am feeling much better now, thankyou." Severus could be charming when he wished, though the hooked nose, greasy hair and rumpled smile usually made him more off-putting than engaging.
"Well, then perhaps you are ready to go back out into the real world!"
"And leave you? Never!" Inside, Severus was shuddering at what he was saying, wanting nothing more than to be rid of her presence. Unfortunately, the amount of occasions upon which he was forced to visit the Hospital wing were quite numerous, so it was worth being on good terms with the staff - if only to avoid the Madams' vile potions.
"It seems you never do leave us, Sevvy darling," said Madam Marmalade, beginning to frown as she considered just how often she did see Severus. "Which is all the moire reason for you to go now," she continued, brightening. "I can't have you missing any more of precious school!" Severus shook his head, trying to hide a feral grin with a look of sadness due to the missing of classes and an imminent departure. Sighing sadly, Marmalade looked to the chair upon which rested Severus' clothes. "Well, there are your robes. Once you've finished dressing, come to the office and I'll sign you out." With that the Madam left the room, coming across Madam Pomfrey in the process.
"Poppy! Are you still in shock? Perhaps I should have you in one of these beds too!" Madam Marmalade almost laughed at the look of surprise in Madam Pomfrey's face as she looked up from where she sat.
"Oh, no, Madam Marmalade. I am quite fine, thankyou. I was just considering the finer details of our plan," she spoke, though looked slightly confused when she asked Madam Marmalade, "I was just wondering about how we are going to go about creating this room... I suppose padded walls may be necessary... I really don't know-."
"Doubting yourself, already?" asked Madam Marmalade, looking fondly down on her apprentice. "Don't worry, I'll organise a meeting with Professor McGonagall, she really is rather in the know on these matters of making things." Madam Pomfrey smiled at her mentor, glad to have that sorted out. "If the need arises, I'm certain that necessary changes can be catered for."
"Thankyou, Madam," replied Poppy, looking very grateful, though a frown creased her forehead as she looked over to where her 'sleeping princess' lay. "But whatever we do, we'd better make it soon-."
The sleeping she-devil's eyes were open, and she glared at them menacingly.
~~ Author's Aside ~~
Naughty, I know, but I feel it is necessary to inform you that Lily Evans is not possessed, however much she may act it. (And I'm getting all these freaky pictures in my head from 'The Exorcist' just thinking about it!) She is merely very crazy, and on the brink of insanity. Don't fear, our loving heroine will prevail, however it is the process through which she does this that I am currently writing about. Oh, and a bit of extra information? No, she doesn't kill anyone... yet. ;)
~~ End Author's Aside ~~
***//\\//\\***
"Erm, Professor?" asked an interrupting Poppy Pomfrey. She hadn't been long out of Hogwarts herself, and the fact that she had an almost equal status to that of one of her previous teachers awed her a little. She still couldn't believe it, and coming to McGonagall's office had always been in accompaniment with some form of punishment. It was hard for her to change ingrained beliefs.
Madam Marmalade barged past Poppy, not caring in the slightest about whether she was interrupting the Professor or not. The Madam had been at the school long enough now to forget any previous reservation she may have had towards certain Professors - not that she had ever been taught by Professor McGonagall, for when she had been at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore had been her transfiguration teacher.
"Come in," called Minerva McGonagall, looking up from the schoolwork she had been correcting. Minerva's office was very ordered, with numbers on draws and books on shelves placed in strict alphabetical order. The fire burned brightly, however, and the nurses welcomed the warmth. A massive portrait of Godric Gryffindor hung over the fireplace, though few would have recognised the smiling wizard as he. Madam Pomfrey stopped her eyes from roving over the room as Madam Marmalade began, getting straight to the point.
"We require your aide, and perhaps that of some of your better students, in creating a room within Hogwarts." Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows, questioning, and Madam Marmalade hurriedly continued. "The room is for the student Lily Evans, whom I expect you know of?"
"Unlikely as it may be, considering that she is in Ravenclaw rather than my own house. But yes, I do know of Lily Evans. And her state of mind."
"Good, then you will have some idea as to the room's necessities. We have decided on all white, for that is certainly the most calming colour. Also we were considering whether or not padded walls would be in need..."
"Surely not!" replied Professor McGonagall, quite adamant. Why, for her to wake up in a padded room... She will immediately think herself crazy! If you are going to that extreme, why not go to another and tie her up in a strait jacket!"
The madams looked quite surprised at Professor McGonagall, especially Poppy, who had never seen the Professor so distraught.
"I am s-sorry," stuttered Madam Pomfrey, trying unsuccessfully to hide her surprise.
"As am I, dear," said Professor McGonagall, visibly calming herself. "It is a nightmare of mine, to wake up in an unknown padded room wearing a strait jacket. I would hate to have such a fate inflicted on someone else. Your idea, however, with the separate room and the calming colours seems most appropriate. Are you considering soundproofing the room, also? And what about furniture, I suppose you are looking for safe objects, should the poor girl wish to end her life..."
"That's about the all of it," replied Madam Marmalade, over her shock at the Professor's unexpected admission. "Do you think that you'll be able to help us?"
"With the aide of some industrious students, I know I can," responded Professor McGonagall, smiling warmly.
"Oh, Thankyou!" cried Madam Pomfrey, grateful beyond belief. Perhaps her idea would work after all!
***//\\//\\***
"This is really cruel," Sky Winkkin complained to Sirius Black as he grabbed a quill and started writing on a small piece of parchment. "I thought he was your friend!" Sky continued. Sirius ignored her, putting down his quill and taking out his wand to perform the charm. "I hope you won't ever do this to me." Turning over the parchment and pointing his wand at it, Sirius muttered the necessary spell. "Why do you have to be so ruse to your friend?" Sirius whispered Wingardium Leviosa and watched, pleased, as the parchment flew over and stuck itself onto James Potter's back.
Satisfied, Sirius turned his gaze to Sky. "What were you saying? I'm sorry, but I was a bit distracted." Sirius tried to act pompous, but he couldn't wipe the smile off his face as thoughts of the annoyance he would cause drifted through his mind.
"Oh, you are impossible!" cried Sky, most displeased by Sirius' attitude. "You are being horrible to James! I don't know how I put up with you..."
Sirius gave a loud, fake sigh. "I thought we had already figured that one out. You love Remus; Remus likes me; so you have to like me! It all makes perfect sense."
"In your mind, maybe..." Sky muttered grumpily. Sirius wondered at her manner, for it resembled Remus Lupin's near to perfection. He stopped considering her behaviour, however, as his mind savoured the taste of maple syrup covered pancakes.
"Mmmm"
"And what am I doing here, anyway?" Sky asked, though whether she spoke to herself or Sirius - he didn't know. "I really should be sitting with the other Ravenclaws..." Sirius decided she was talking to herself and promptly stuffed his face, dribbling syrup down his chin.
Sky broke from her musings and rolled her eyes and humorous frustration at Sirius.
"You are such a baby," she said, pointing at the mess he'd made of his face. "I don't know what those girls see in you..."
"I do!" replied Loretta Myers, who had stepped up behind them without either noticing. Sirius quickly wiped his face on the corner of his sleeve, trying to do so without the girl noticing. Sky rolled her eyes again, trying to hide her laughter.
"Our Siri darling is just too gorgeous to resist!" Lora ran her hand over his shoulder, and only Sky saw Sirius wince in painful embarrassment. "Honestly... umm... ("Sky?" Sirius supplied) Sky! How can you not agree with me?" Sky didn't answer - if she opened her mouth the only intelligible concept that would spew forth could be laughter. To hide her amused eyes, Sky began to eat her breakfast, then thought the better of it - were she to laugh, she would spit food everywhere!
Having awaited an answer and received nothing, Loretta turned her attention back to Sirius. Twisting a lock of brown hair around her finger, whilst gazing at him with hazel eyes, she informed him:
"Sandra wants to speak with you." Sirius' gaze became unreadable, and Sky began to wonder if he was having second thoughts - the night previously he had been quite keen on the Sandra girl. Sky had even threatened to spread it around the school, not that it would have been anything new - since James' outburst the previous morning, everyone had heard some sort of rumour about the status of Sirius and Sandra's love life.
"What time?" asked Sirius, Sky thought she detected a slight squeak in his voice, and wondered if he was nervous. This was a new concept! Sirius, nervous! Sky had been certain that she were the only one to have ever felt insecure.
"Hmm... Well, we thought you might want to walk with us to Divination... After all, it's such a long walk, and Trelawney'll won't care if we're late." Sky seriously doubted this, but Sirius was already nodding. "Great!" Loretta smiled, "We'll meet you at the portrait of that crazy knight - Sir Dynadine, or whatever his name is."
Sirius could only nod at her retreating back, while Sky had only the good grace to keep from laughing until she was out of earshot. When she had reached her own seat, Sky couldn't keep it bottled up any longer. After a loud spurt of laughter, she subsided into silent giggles, tears running down her cheeks from humour. Sirius broke his dreamy gaze away from the figure of Sandra and turned to Sky, trying to shake off his embarrassment by joking around, even though Sky was pointing at his blush and laughing all the harder.
***//\\//\\***
James carefully looked through the tapestry before stepping around it and into the hall. He wasn't so fussed about hiding the pathway as he was about hiding himself. Despite their enjoyable conversation that morning, James still wasn't too comfortable around people. Perhaps he was turning into a hermit, he didn't know, yet suddenly seclusion and the peace he found within it seemed to be the most important things in his life.
Distracted by his thoughts, James didn't notice the group of girls giggling and laughing at him from the side of the corridor. Or the third-year boys who burst into laughter as he walked by. In fact, it wasn't until somebody actually kicked him that he realised anything was happening at all. Scowling at the boy (a second year, James noticed) he turned round and asked, with daggers in his eyes:
"What was that for?" The boy appeared to be in hysterics with laughter, and James tried to understand the tears pouring down his cheeks. Giving up on waiting for a sensible answer, James said "Well?" He was beginning to get quite frustrated with all of this, as there was now quite a crowd of second and third years surrounding him. Thankfully at that moment, someone had the decency to come up to his back and tear of the note causing the entire ruckus and silently handed it to him. It was then that he saw who it was. Professor McGonagall.
Obviously she was taking a combined class or something, James hadn't even realised that he was standing outside of her classroom until she walked up on him.
"Students! Calm down this instant! I would have expected the third years to set a better example!" James winced at her tone, exceedingly glad to not be, for once, at the receiving end. "Now, all of you, into the classroom. I'll have no more of your poor manner today." Obediently, the class filed into the classroom, silent except for a few smothered giggles aimed at James as they walked past.
James was about to walk off when Professor McGonagall tapped him on the shoulder.
"James, I am wanting to have a meeting with you. Come to my office after lunch. Okay? I'll excuse you from whatever class you might have."
"Divination," James managed to quickly blurt out.
"Oh, well, no loss there. I'll see you after lunch. Oh, and could you please tell Sirius Black, Remus - er, no, maybe not Remus," she said as she recalled the current lunar positions, "... and perhaps also Sky Winkkin, too, if you can find her. Thankyou."
Turning on him, the professor stepped into her classroom, immediately calling the class to silence and taking ten points from Gryffindor. James winced, and then began to walk away, scrunching up the note which read, in Sirius' distinctive scrawl, "KICK ME!" as he turned.
It was only as he was part way down the corridor, once again lost in his thoughts and not noticing where he stepped, that he realised. He wasn't in trouble, yet he was going to a meeting with Professor McGonagall. He had absolutely no idea what it could possibly be about.
***//\\//\\***
Potions was usually quite interesting, especially with Peter having a fair flair for it. Today, however, almost everybody in the class was having problems. They had just started the topic of alchemy, which, according to Professor Evelyn, they only covered briefly. To the students, however, it was sheer hell. Involving complex mathematical formulae, only those who were either gifted at maths or had been brought up in a muggle family had any idea at all. At that, even those who could were having numerous problems, trying to figure out just what ingredients to put in when, and the knowledge of how much honeysuckle oil was needed for one vat of perfumed ...
"Perfume," said Sirius, disgust written plainly on his face as he considered just what he was making. All this effort... just for perfume. I cannot believe it. Behind her desk, Professor Evelyn continued on with her introduction to the ancient art of alchemy. She paused from her long speech, however, when the door was timidly opened.
James Potter steeped through, not really looking where he stepped, yet obviously trying to avoid the Professor's eye contact. Which she kept with a grouchy fierceness.
"And just where have you been, Mr Potter?" the Professor asked, sounding menacing, to say the least.
"I bumped into Professor McGonagall - she needed to speak with me," James replied. He finally met her eyes, though without any of his usual sparkle of mischief.
"Professor McGonagall is currently conducting a class. I don't believe you."
"But, Professor!" called James, quite upset that he was telling the truth, yet not being believed. "I met her outside if the classroom."
Professor Evelyn looked decidedly stubborn, rather irritated that a tardy student had cut her speech short. James noticed her demeanour, and instantly gave up fighting her.
"Fine then, don't believe me. But if you decide to remove any points from Gryffindor, I ask that you please do so after speaking with Professor McGonagall in reference to my current lateness. Now, if you please," continued James with an air of snobby superiority as he dismissed her, "I would be most obliged if you would leave me so that I may begin this lesson on the fascinating subject of alchemy. For sure, I have already missed out on enough!" With that, James actually turned his back on her and walked over to Sirius, Peter and Sky who were crowded around a boiling cauldron, discreetly warming their hands.
Professor Evelyn gaped like a fish for a second before straightening her posture and turning back to the entire class, continuing on with her speech from where she had left off.
"I can't believe you!" whispered Sirius, in awe. "Snubbing off a teacher... I didn't know you had it in you." For a moment, James was back to his usual self, laughing with them all over a joke well played. James was even able to laugh at Sirius' procrastination when he was informed that he was to meet Professor McGonagall at the end of lunch.
On hearing this, Sky burst into laughter. Sirius' cheeks began to tinge red, though somehow he got control of his emotions and managed to join in the laughter. Sky explained to James about Sirius' dilemma - whether he avoid a meeting organised by McGonagall or stand up his "to be" (as Sky insisted on calling Sandra) and risk losing her. Eventually it was decided that Sirius would go to the meeting instead, particularly as standing up a teacher was likely to have worse repercussions than standing up his "to be".
However, James soon lost the happy demeanour. For some reason he just couldn't seem to keep it up - nothing seemed so funny any more. Always at the back of his mind there was this dreadful feeling of loss, or a fear of loss. It was quite horrible for him, and he pined to be able to smile again, but nothing seemed worthy of joy. Shrugging off the questioning looks and even Sirius' outright "What's wrong?!" James shoved all his implements into the pewter cauldron and stepped over to another hearth. Alone.
--- --- ---
"What is wrong with him?" asked Sky, looking at Peter and Sirius with worry in her eyes.
"I thought he was just resentful towards me... But now it's becoming much, much more. I can't really say that I understand it." Sirius said all this as he stared at James' retreating back. Sky was surprised at his seriousness - this was the boy who tried to eat a painting! His shoulders slumped in a sigh, and he turned back to her, though Sky hoped that he wasn't giving up on cheering his friend. Obviously James needed something, and he needed it soon.
Sirius' eyes lit into a smile at the site of Sky's frowning face. "Don't worry, Sky-Baby," he ignored Sky's glare at his use of her unwanted nick-name, "I've got Jamsie all figured out... He'll be better really soon." Sky could only look at that mischievous gleam in his eye and wonder just what Sirius was planning.
***//\\//\\***
From behind a scroll she was holding before her eyes, Cassandra Reade watched the meeting being played before her with extreme tension. "Please say yes, Please say yes" she thought to herself, desperate for her dreams to come true. Frantic, she played with her unnatural blonde hair, fingering it into small plaits. But that made the scroll fall down, and she really didn't want anybody noticing her rapt attention of the Gryffindor table. Picking up the scroll, she once again placed it before her eyes, though it was in the wrong position - now she couldn't see anything! Shoving it a bit to the side, she decided that that would have to do. At least she could now see the group, even if it was partially covered up by some doctrine about Geoffrey the Giant. What she could see, however, made her cringe. There was Lora, her best-friend LORA, flirting with him. Oh, what was she to do...
Startled, she noticed that Loretta Myers was quickly walking back to her, so at once Sandra's eyes returned to the scroll before her, though she felt Sirius' eyes boring into her and wished she could look up into them.
The anticipation too much, Sandra looked up. Catching Sirius' eye, she gave one of her brilliant smiles, then turned her gaze over to Lora, even though she felt a wrench in her gut from leaving those to, amazing, black eyes...
There was a massive beaming smile on Loretta's small face, and soon Sandra wore one to match.
"Yes?" asked Sandra.
"Yes!"
The small squeals of excitement they emitted simultaneously covered up the loud burst of laughter that came from the opposite table. By the time Sandra and Lora had calmed down enough to discuss what she should wear (even though it's have to be school uniform) and how her hair should sit, and what make up she'd need, and whose she could borrow... By that time Sky Winkkin was quiet enough, and Sirius Black un-blushing enough for them to not notice anything out of the ordinary as they walked from the room. However, just before exiting the eating hall, Sandra, without any obvious embarrassment, blew Sirius a kiss.
Sky nearly died for laughter.
***//\\//\\***
"Please, Peter. You aren't required at the meeting, and you're the only other person I'd trust enough to give this message to Cassandra." Sirius pleaded with an unwilling Peter, Sirius' plight in no way aided by the continual and distracting laughter of Sky Winkkin. Finally giving up on the impossible task of ignoring her, Sirius snapped. "Sky, either stop laughing this instant or go somewhere else!" Surprised at his sudden shout, Sky swallowed back her laughter, giving out a giant hiccough instead. Soon everybody was laughing at Sky, who couldn't laugh for all the crazy hiccoughs she was shouting.
Everyone was at the lunch tables, eating away noisily. It seemed that Sky shared every meal with the Gryffindors now - and spent most of her time in their common room. No one commented on why this was so, they didn't want to embarrass her. The fact was, however, that Sky really didn't have any other friends in her house - and she really wasn't that great at making new ones. The Gryffinddors didn't really mind, though. Sky was great fun, and she could always make you laugh.
Trying to hiccough and laugh at the same time was near impossible, Sky decided. Especially when those hiccoughs were of the giant variety. To herself, Sky wondered if she'd been hit by some jinx, then decided it unlikely. More likely was the fact that her laughter, once it started coming out, really couldn't be stopped without the dire consequences that she was always threatening. Her hiccoughs even had James laughing, even if his was rather brittle.
"Drink water!"; "Eat something!"; Hold you nose!"; "Cough!"; "Do a handstand"; "Jump up and down"; "Do the Hula!"; "Do star jumps,"; "Swallow!"; "Take a tablet"; "Take your clothes off!" Numerous shouts echoed round the hall, though most stopped at Sirius' impertinent call, perhaps because it had given her such a rude shock that the hiccoughs actually stopped.
"Take your clothes off?" asked Sky, looking at Sirius in disbelief.
"No thankyou!" replied Sirius, a cheerful gleam in his eye.
"Ugh! I wasn't telling you to take your clothes off, you idiot!" said Sky, taking a playful swipe at his head. "I was asking why you asked me to take MINE off! Silly dolt - I've never heard of such an unlikely cure!"
"But it worked, didn't it?" Sirius asked, laughing at her. Because, suddenly, Sky had realised that, yes, indeed, Sirius' cure had worked!
"I don't believe it..."
"Now, back to the matter at hand." Immediately Sky started laughing again, but before she could do something equally crazy and strange, Peter gave in: nodding his head and taking the parchment from Sirius' hand. "And don't read it! Sirius called, and turned, amazed, when Sky succeeded in laughing even louder than she previously had. Giving in to the urge, Sirius began laughing, too. Though why, he didn't know.
***//\\//\\***
A/N
I have to end this chapter here... Damn it, I really wanted this to be the last proper chapter before the epilogue, but now I've realised that I'll have to do another... Grr! I was even considering doing this as an extra long chapter, though that seems quite unnecessary when I can stop here so easily. I have spent four hours on this chapter, so you'd better like it! Not that anyone is likely to read it... Oh well. I suppose I really should redo LR, (I certainly think it needs it! I haven't written in such a poor style since primary!!!!) However, I really just can't be bothered rewriting something that is, I suppose, serviceable. Hmm...
I had big problems with this chapter, what with trying to figure out just when different things were to happen, and in what order. Can you believe it? I was actually going to begin it with the James scene, and him going to a meeting with Severus Snape... From there, I was going to talk about Severus and how he's feeling in the world... I was going to end the chapter (which I nearly just called Snape - I don't know how I did that!) in the muggle world, with Petal (I am SO going to change her name...) hearing about what the school is doing to cure her lovely little Lily.
Grr...
Well, now you know what's happening in the next chapter! I think it's all quite obvious and predictable. Oh, and just in case you want to know, the epilogue will be called "Awakening" or something like that, anyway... No need to guess what that'll be about!
Enough is enough. I've got one exam to go, and I'm actually considering writing the next chapter this evening... Though I also wanted to do my homework then, too... I don't know really.
Oh, I have to include a disclaimer, this time... The alchemy section within this chapter, that may also be included in chapters to come, is inspired by Lyndon Hardy's 'Master of the Five Magics' (a great book, that) and relates directly to it, with the principles and theories being those discussed within the novel.
There we go, is that it? Oh, I thank all the people who have been kind enough to review - and to those who haven't I ask that you please review, as your input is most appreciated. I think I'll keep writing this, though, whether I get a million more or zero reviews... I can't really stop myself!
Once again, thankyou to all and to Sierra Charm for posting another chapter to her story "Eyes as green as a fresh-pickled toad." If you haven't read her yet, do it! Her, Admiral Albia and Tropical Fishy are some of the best HP fanfic authors on the net!
-wildcat-
