The Prince and The Pauper
(A Marauder Story)
Chapter 11: Startling Revelations
~*^*~
"W-what?" Sirius gasped.
"I'm so sorry, Sirius," Edward Potter said, looking directly into Sirius' eyes.
"M-my parents? But…But what've they done to anyone?" Sirius asked.
"Oh, Sirius, they've done nothing. Nothing at all," Edward said softly.
"But…but their my parents! Who in their right mind would be interested in them of all people," Sirius asked, still not taking it all in.
"Well, he's not in his right mind, Sirius. Lord Voldemort is not in his not mind, believe me," Mr. Potter said disgustedly.
"My parents…I mean, I guess…I guess I can't blame Him," he spat out the name, "For wanting to get rid of them, but still," Sirius said weakly.
James walked over to his friend and embraced him. Sirius started to sob and his shoulders began to shake. Lily watched helplessly as he cried onto his best friend's shoulder, and Mr. Potter went back to the fire place to converse with the head in the fire after another look at his son and surrogate son.
"Sirius?" Lily asked hesitantly.
"Yeah?" Sirius asked, trying, and failing, to look cheerful.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered, and gave him a hug, fighting back her own tears.
"It's okay, they never liked me much anyway," he said quietly, tears streaming openly down his face.
"Sirius," Lily said softly.
"C'mon, Sirius, you know that's not true," said James, who was sitting with his face in his hands.
"Jay, please, not now," Sirius replied.
"Sirius?" Mr. Potter asked softly.
"Yes, Mr. P?" Sirius asked.
"They…they went through the-the rubble, and it turns out that…Andie is alive, but in bad conditions," Mr. Potter said.
"W-what?" Sirius asked faintly, for the second time in the last half hour.
"Who's Andie?" Lily asked James, as Sirius didn't look like he'd be in a mood to explain.
"Andie? Well, her real name is Andromeda, and she's Sirius' younger sister," James answered.
"Sirius has a sister?" Lily asked, astonished.
"Yeah, she's a year younger then us," James replied.
"Why didn't he ever mention her?" Lily questioned James again.
"What is this, Scotland Yard? Ask him! I don't know why he doesn't mention Andie," James said.
"Calm down, James. Touché," Lily muttered. There was no way she was going to ask Sirius while he was still upset.
"Sirius, Andie has been taken to St. Mungo's. She's in critical condition, which normally wouldn't allow anyone save…parents to see her, but if I take you, they'll let me," Mr. Potter said, stepping away from the fireplace.
"Thanks Mr. P," Sirius said absentmindedly.
"Will we go too, Father?" James asked, meaning himself and Lily.
"James," Edward Potter said in a warning voice, "Please, not now. And it's up to Sirius who goes."
"You can both come. Besides, Lily, you've never met Andie, and you're like a second sister to me," Sirius said slowly, still not focused on anything.
"Then that's settled. We'll go tomorrow. Everyone, let's get some sleep. We've presents to open tomorrow, then we'll leave for the hospital, and if you'd like, Lily, you may visit the girls at St. Bernadette's afterwards until dinner," Mr. Potter said.
"Goodnight," Lily said to each of the three males in the grand living room, "I'm sorry, Sirius," she said to him as she passed.
She of all people knew what it was like when your parents died. Sure, she'd been but a little child, remembering very little about the night, but she could clearly recall that first feeling: complete, utter aloneness.
As she pulled up the covers of her queen-sized canopy bed (which Mr. Potter had insisted she sleep in) she whispered, "Lord, help Sirius. Help him realized he doesn't have to be alone. Help him know we're all here for him. I'll try my hardest…like Sari did for me."
~*^*~
"Happy Christmas, Lily!" James and Sirius came in to her room.
Sirius, she noted, was still looking pale, but forced a smile on his face.
"Happy Christmas, boys," Lily replied.
"Come open presents, Lil, we're not waiting until 11:00 to open our presents!" James whined.
"And what time is it?" Lily asked suspiciously.
"That's not important," James said nervously, shifting his weight.
"James?" she asked in dangerously.
"Time," he forced a laugh, "Means nothing."
"James Potter, I'm warning you," Lily threatened.
"Son las siete menos doce," James answered, in Spanish.
(A/N: There's your answer, Sierra-I take Spanish)
"IT'S SIX FOURTY-EIGHT? YOU ARE BOTH DEAD!" Lily screeched, furious.
"Habla espanol?" James asked quickly and darted across the room.
"Si, hablo espanol…and you are dead James Potter!" Lily screamed and chased after him.
They ran down the grand staircase and into the living room where Mr. Potter and Charles sat beside the Christmas tree…and the presents.
"Happy Christmas Lil-" Mr. Potter started to say, but stopped as she darted past him.
"JAMES!" she shrieked, "I know you're here-somewhere."
"He's right behind you, Lily dearest," Sirius said with a grin, showing up right behind her.
"He's right behind-HE'S RIGHT BEHIND ME?" she screamed and turned around to find James smirking at her.
"Ja-ames!" she whined.
"Lil-ee!" he imitated her.
"Geez, I thought if anyone would be this annoying to her it would be me," Sirius said, and grabbed both of their arms (one each) and pulled them back into the living room where Mr. Potter was still waiting.
"Present time, present time, open a present and see what's inside!" he and James squealed.
(A/N: Yes, I borrowed that from 'Blue's Clues' after being forced to watch it 4 times in a row *gag*)
"How are you doing, Sirius?" Mr. Potter asked quietly.
He looked up at James' father and looked him square in the eye.
"Fine."
And that was the end of that.
Charles took the liberty of breaking the very uncomfortable silence.
"So, who wants their presents?" he asked. Lily silently thanked him, and quickly said, "Me!" and was followed by James and Sirius immediately.
Lily was surprised to find not one or two presents for herself, as was her pile most Christmases, but a big stack of presents, all for her. For a moment she was speechless.
"Well, are you going to open something, Lily? We're under strict orders for our guest to be the first to open her present. Usually that's Sirius, but he's less of a guest then you," James said, and nudged a present towards her.
She took it, her hands shaking. She certainly wasn't used to this, and quite frankly, it scared her.
"Open it already!" Sirius urged her, and she slowly unwrapped the blue striped wrapping paper.
She opened it and took out the package inside. It was a box. The box was a dark golden color. On the top was a glass circle that was carved into it. The glass was covered by a silvery fog that she couldn't feel. She held it. It was heavy for something so small. She opened it, and inside it was divided into eight sections. Love. Fear. Anger. Hope. Sorrow. Faith. Pride. The eighth section wasn't labeled.
"What is it?" she looked up at Mr. Potter.
"It's a Sententia box."
Lily tried to nod like she understood, but she knew absolutely nothing about this object. Charles, once again, came to the rescue.
"Lily, a Sententia box is a tremendous gift. It will last until your thoughts and emotions have faded, and believe me, that takes an enormous effort to do. As you'll notice there are eight sections. As you go through life, you add things to the different sections. So under love, you might put something to symbolize family."
"But I don't have a family," Lily said quietly.
"That's only an example, Miss Lily. Under sorrow you might put something to symbolize your family as well, to show your sorrow. What you put in the box is to be thought through and used in great caution, however. You'll come back to the Sententia many times to remind yourself of who you are when you need it. Be careful what you put in there," Charles warned her, looking a little solemn.
"What…what about the eight section?" Lily asked.
"That's for you to decide. But once you do decide, you can't change it," Mr. Potter said.
Lily held the box carefully. She looked in the box for a card, but there was none.
"It's from Charles and myself, Lily, we found no need for a card, but use the Sententia wisely; it'll be of great use to you one day, m'dear," Mr. Potter said.
"Thank you," Lily replied, looking at the two men straight in the eye.
"You're very welcome," Charles answered, and Mr. Potter smiled at her.
"We hope you enjoy it. I had one when I was a little older then you. Still have it, but I don't trust James or Sirius with one."
"Hey!" cried James, offended.
"Presents for everyone!" Sirius yelled, looking like himself for once, and they all dove at the presents (literally).
~*^*~
Later on, they were preparing to go to the hospital. Mr. Potter took James, Sirius, and Lily to St. Mungo's by Floo Powder. Sirius looked slightly pale, and James didn't have his usual smile on his face.
"May I help you, sir?" a tall, blond nurse asked from behind a counter.
"Frieda! How lovely it is to see you again, though on a somber occasion, I'm afraid," Mr. Potter greeted her.
James looked confused, as did Sirius, but Lily was far to used to being shocked that next to nothing startled her anymore.
"Edward! Edward Potter…wow. You look great Ed, it's just been so long…oh look, is this your son? Last time I saw James he was six! How old are you now, James?"
"Well, ma'am, I'm eleven years old, and I'm sure a young lady like yourself isn't but much older," he replied smoothly. Sirius nearly snorted and Lily looked away. Mr. Potter, however, laughed openly along with 'Frieda.'
"Well, Ed, he is most certainly his father's son. Now who are these other two?" Frieda asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Kids, this is Miss Frieda Janskée. Frieda, this is a friend of James' Lily Evans. She's a wonderful young lady. And this is Sirius Black, my son's best friend and my surrogate son. Actually, his sister, Miss Andromeda Black, is the reason we're here."
"Ah. Well, I'll take you to see her. Right away…here," she activated a purple floating light, "Follow this. It'll take you to Andromeda's room."
"Thank you, Frieda. Lovely to see you again," Mr. Potter replied, smiling.
"Likewise. Have…well, having fun isn't the most intelligent statement, but have a pleasant trip here," she shook her head sadly and turned back to her paperwork.
They followed the light to a room on the eight floor. Lily's legs felt as if they were about to fall off.
"Here we are," Mr. Potter whispered.
Sirius entered first. When Lily finally got in she saw a small girl laying on a white bed. In fact, everything in the room was white, from the curtains to the ceiling to the sheets to the chairs…everything was a pure white color. She focused in on the girl. She looked tiny, and almost frightened in her sleep. She had limp, damp dark brown hair that was framing her pale face. Her eyes were closed, but her facial features looked identical to Sirius, if not more serious rather than his usually playful expressions.
"Andie?" Sirius croaked. The little girl stirred.
"Siwi?" she yawned and tried to lift herself up to a sitting position, but Sirius and James rushed to either side of the hospital bed to assist her.
"Jamie?" she yawned again.
"Mmm-hmm," he murmured, before signaling to Sirius to help her up at the count of three.
"Siwi? It's you, Siwi, right?" she asked, panicked.
"Yes, Andie, it's me. Don't worry. I'm here," he said softly.
"How are you doing, Miss Andie?" Edward asked, sauntering into the room.
"Uncle Eddie?" she asked weakly.
"Yes, it's me, angel. How're you feeling?" he inquired.
"I'm tired, and they won't give me sweets," she complained, but neither Lily nor the others missed the tears she blinked back.
"Who's she?" Andie asked all of a sudden, in a nasty voice.
"Andie, this is my good friend Miss Lily Evans. Lil, this is my sister Andie. She's a year younger than us," Sirius introduced the two girls, smiling at Lily.
"Nice to meet you, Andie," Lily said kindly, smiling at the younger girl.
"Not nice at all," she muttered in return, giving Lily a Look.
James glanced at her in surprise. Andie was usually the sweetest thing towards anyone, and he supposed this was a horrible situation, but she was just outright rude.
"Andie!" Sirius exclaimed, astonished, but Lily shook her head.
"Don't, Sirius, please. Please?" she asked him, while Andie glared at her.
He forced a smile at her, and replied, "Fine. So, Andie, what'd you say if I told you your favorite older brother has brought you some sugar quills?"
Andie's face lit up, and Lily thought, 'Why doesn't she like me?'
~*^*~
Later on, Mr. Potter had convinced the nurses (with the help of Frieda) to release Andie with them.
They stopped by St. Bernadette's. Lily was thrilled to see all of her older friends, most particularly Sari. She was attacked by Traci, Anastasia, and Donna as soon as she walked in, and embraced warmly by Sari afterwards. She reintroduced them to James and Sirius, and exchanged presents with them.
The only set back was that Andie made a snide comment about her being an orphan, and somehow, Lily found it slightly disturbing. She miraculously maintained her temper and refrained from adding, "You're an orphan too."
~*^*~
She went home to the Potter's house and went into her room. Andie hadn't been nice to her for the rest of the day, snapping at her and staring angrily at her. She would scowl if anyone mentioned it, so Lily made sure to stay out of her way. She sighed and started combing her hair. She hummed softly:
"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear?
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
And days of auld lang syne."
All of a sudden she heard voices outside her room. She crept towards the door and peaked out through the crack. She saw Sirius standing there with Andie sitting in her floating chair (magical version of a wheel chair that floats and is controlled by a lever).
"Why on earth are you so rude to Lily, Andie? She's the sweetest person, and was hurt by what you said! How'd you feel about that?" Sirius asked his sister.
"I feel fine, and what, you talk about me behind my back?"
"She's one of my closest friends, I know what she's thinking by looking at her face!"
"You want to know why I was rude, Siri? Do you want to know why?" Andie demanded, her face red, "I don't exactly feel like being replaced. Maybe you're fine about Father and Mummy dieing and leaving us alone, you have James' family. I don't want to end up in St. Bernadette's along side Lily," she spat out the name, "and you like her better then me now!"
And with that, she burst into tears.
Shocked for about a split second, Sirius quickly regained usage of his limbs and rushed to his sister's side.
"Andie, Andie, Andie," he sighed, "Do you have any idea how upset I was about Father and Mum-Mother? Very…I almost cried with relief when they said you were alive…James and Lily helped me, and I love Lily like a second sister, but you are my first and bestest sister," he teased her, pulling on a lock of brown hair that was in front of her eyes.
"I love you," Andie said softly, and Sirius kissed her cheek.
"Me too," he said, and Lily burst out laughing, making the siblings look up, startled.
"Lils?" he asked amused.
"Me too? She just said she loved you, you git, you're supposed to say I love you too…me too…you idiotic prat!" she giggled.
"I'm…I'm sorry, Lily. For being rude, I just didn't want to be replaced by you," Andie apologized to the redhead, who sighed.
"Don't worry about it. You were better then me when my parents died…and don't worry, you can have Sirius, I don't want him," she replied.
"Hey! Lily!" the mentioned complained.
Lily rolled her eyes, "What, can't handle the truth Black?"
"No, Evans, I just wanted to make sure I warned you before hexing you to death!"
"I'd like to see you try," she smirked, and James sneaked up from behind Sirius, winking at her, and suddenly grabbed Sirius and screamed loudly.
Sirius jumped about a foot in the air, "JAMES POTTER!" and the two boys chased each other around.
The two girls smiled at each other, and giggled as James dumped water all over Sirius' head.
"NOT funny," he protested and walked down the stairs, only to bump into the wall. They all cracked up, Andie particularly hard, and Lily realized she'd gained a friend.
~*^*~
The next night was more somber. Mr. Potter paced in his study. It was time to tell Lily the truth, and he wasn't looking forward to it in the slightest. He took one last deep breath and walked confidently out the room.
He found Lily sitting with James, Sirius, and Andie near the fireplace. They were playing a game of Gobstones. He hated to do this and cursed the blasted ministry (and Dumbledore) for making him doing this…for forcing yet another concern, worry, fear into the young girl's heart…for (in the long run) destroying a part of her innocence.
He was about to tell her the whole story of her parents' death.
He cleared his throat.
"Ahem," he said loudly, and the kids looked up at him.
"Hello, Father," James smiled. He nodded back to him, and sat down next to his son on the couch. James had been a lot more open to him and less nasty since Sirius' parents had…and Andie was…he sighed again. Part of this involved their parents' death as well.
"I need to talk to you four. About something rather serious. Dead serious, actually," he began, the twinkle normally in his sharp eyes (so like Dumbledore's) were not present.
"Father?" James asked, concerned, "What, do you have to leave? Again?"
"No, it's nothing like that…I have to explain something to Lily about…about…" he sighed one last time before saying it.
"It's about Voldemort."
James, Sirius, and Andie all gasped. Lily looked confused, and he thought inwardly, 'This is it.'
"Lily, Voldemort is an evil wizard. Very evil. He's as bad as you can get, and worse. He's…he's like…like Hitler in the muggle world. But worse. They shared similar ideas though. Where Hitler tried to destroy Jews, Voldemort is trying to destroy…Muggle- borns."
Lily gasped, and looked extremely alarmed.
"He's been recognized as one of the deadliest wizards since Grindelwald. He kills for fun, and his workers, called Death Eaters help him…and once, about five years ago, he managed to capture an extremely important document…the list of Muggle-born wizards and witches in all of Great Britian and western Europe. The list of Muggle-born witches and wizards that would be excepted into Hogwarts once they turned 11. Think about it…that's about 10 years of Muggle-born people to our society. At least 10 a year, for 10 years, would be due to Hogwarts," Mr. Potter took a deep breath and continued.
"He killed many of the Muggle-borns all ready aware of the magic society. Then he went after the ones that would be accepted into Hogwarts eventually, and their families. Any child born with magical ability the year after was safe, but your name was on that list…so he went to your house one night…your parents were killed for that reason, Lily, and miraculously, we're not even sure why, he left you alive."
Lily gasped and started to take deep breaths. This couldn't be happening…her parents had been killed-no, murdered!-by some psychopathic, deranged wizard who got a little wand-happy and power-itching and decided to kill muggle-borns and their families! She couldn't think for a second…and then it dawned on her…it was her fault. If it weren't for her, her parents wouldn't be on that list.
James, Sirius, and Andie looked at her, astonished. She had gone pale, and she was holding the toss pillow on the couch so tightly that her knuckles were white.
"Lily?" James asked and moved towards her, but she jumped away from him, avoiding touching him, or anything.
"I…I have to think about this," she said, and dashed up the stairs.
Mr. Potter sighed, "Well, that went well."
James, Sirius, and Andie just looked at him, and he shrugged and walked out of the room.
~*^*~
Author's Note: Okay everyone, once again I'm so sorry for taking so long. I know I always say I'll be quick, and I never am. I will try to be quick next time, but I'm not going to promise anything. So I'll make a deal with you guys – if I get 75 reviews, I will post the next chapter, no matter what, even if it's short. If it's really short, I'll post it and then make a Part II of the chapter. If I don't get that many reviews I can take my time. This chapter was hard to write, because I just killed off my first characters and Lily found out about Voldemort, we meet Andie…lots happened. Sorry again guys. And for the Spanish references, I can't figure out how to make Spanish grammar signs, so sorry.
Disclaimer: You know the drill, JKR owns anything HP, I don't.
Dedication: Okay, I'd like to dedicate chapters every once in awhile. This is for Diana Snape, because I was talking to her when I was told to write, and quick, so you have her to thank that this didn't take another month to get out. Thank you for getting me to get my act together and finish this Diana!
Thank you to:
Amerkat *^* I agree, chocolate is WAY better than vanilla, peoples! Lol Thanks for reviewing, and I'm touched that you think I'm that good! :)
Angelic-Babe *^* Thanks for the review! To make a Fav. Author, when you logon, go to Favorite Authors and type the Author ID (ex. Mine's 118848). Glad you like this so far!
Bertie *^* Thank you so much! I always forget that his name was Samuel Clemens…it's on trivia stuff all the time, and I tend to forget. Thanks for telling me & reviewing.
Caitlin22888 *^* Thanks for reviewing. I don't know if you reviewed before either, but I'm so glad you like my story! Hope you like this too!
Crystal Lily *^* Sorry this so took long, but it was hard to write. Thanks for the review!
Cquill13 *^* well, this took long too. Thanks for being such a faithful reviewer to my stories, I appreciate it so much! You're welcome for reviewing, and I'm glad you like this! Hope this was good as well.
Destiny Phoenix *^* How's the challenge going? You're welcome, btw. Hope you liked this chapter too. All sad, I'm afraid…thanks for the review!
Diana Snape *^* Like the dedication? It was thanks to you that I worked on this, it would've taken much longer…I still can't believe you guys printed out my chapters…::the insanity:: but I feel loved. Harmony told you about the UCCEON club? Interesting…I chose to think not poor Uncle Severus, though. Lol j/k Sorry Lils isn't a Quidditch babe, but you'll get over it. Yes, I know about the names, it was completely coincidental. Thanks for reviewing!
E.C.R. Potter *^* Thanks for reviewing, as always. I'm glad you liked Sirius' names, I thought it was cute. Here's his reaction…and some other stuff…thanks again!
Erin *^* So sorry this took awhile…I'm happy that you'll get over the cliffie, I know it was evil, but I was in a weird mood. Thanks for the review.
Fried Coffeeholic *^* Maer arad to you too…lol. Thanks for the review!
Harmony Slytherin *^* You're welcome for the dedication! You deserve it…oozles, I got brownie points? Wow…I'm glad you love-n-hated this chapter if that's a compliment. You're awesome, and thanks a million times for getting *counts on fingers* let's see…Diana Snape (1), Star*Dust (2), and Sierra Charm (3) to read my stories, I really appreciate that coming from you! mwaz!
Jeanne *^* Thanks for the review! I know, poor Siri, right? Hey! You get writing too, girlie, because I love A Weasley Summer and The Cousin! Thanks again!
Lee *^* Thanks for reviewing! Glad you think this is cool, I try my best! ;)
Ley *^* Please don't quick yourself! Thanks so much for reviewing this and ANV, I really appreciate it! Hope you like this chapter too!
Milkyweed *^* Thanks for the compliment. Hope you like this chapter as well. Thanks so much for reviewing!
Nae *^* thanks for reviewing! Oh no…so you're a poet and didn't know it too? *sigh* too bad. Um…are you crying cuz it was a sad chapter? Or just…crying? Thanks again!
PhoenixGal *^* Thanks! I'm glad you like my story! Best ever? I doubt it, but I'm glad you liked this all the same.
Sierra Charm *^* HEY! Thanks for the dedication in ALS! I feel loved! I'm so glad you like my story, it's a HUGE compliment to me. I loved chapter 5's review, my longest, I think. What does LMAO mean? I like Charles too, he's great. I think after this chapter you'll know, but yes, I take espanol. MHQ does not currently have chamber pots, but maybe if you're a good little girl I'll think about it. I loved all your reviews, they were great, and if I responded to all of them, it'd be as long as this chapter, so I'm just going to say: THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH! AND HOME BEFORE DARK! ^_~
Sierra Sitruc *^* Um…yeah…hehe…interesting review…well, hope you've found this, it took long, I know…go toodle off and look for number twelve now!
SilverPhoenixWings *^* I love Sirius' names part too…I was hoping peoples would like that. You wrote out the French toast line…pinned it on your wall…okay! *nods* lol I'm glad you liked it! Let me know if you post the story you took down or need help with it. Yes, I killed them…didn't even *think* of Sari, actually….Thanks for reviewing!
Snowlily *^* Thanks for the review! I only just recently got people to beta for me, I want to rewrite the first few chapters though. I'm glad you like my story!
Star*Dust *^* Thanks so much for reviewing! I finally finished TLL! As I said to Diana, you PRINTED OUT MY CHAPTERS??? Still can't believe that. I can imagine you laughing about James not missing a beat on a bus full of people *giggles* I'm glad you like my story, it means a lot to me! Thanks again!
Valicity *^* You're welcome…thanks for the review! And the compliment! I hope you liked this!