A/N: I am so sorry, everyoneI mean, I PROMISED I wouldn't take as long as I did on the last chapter on this onebut, I'm an idiotbut, it's really not completely my fault! Seehere's how it went:
I wrote chapter 6 on my laptop. As I was getting ready to put it up on ff.n, my laptop started to mess upbut, no biggywe just had to send it back to the company to be fixed (we did that before, and it was fine for a few monthsand everything that had been on it had still been there when they sent it back)...So, then, we sent it back, and I waited to get it back, and it FINALLY got back! Yay, right?no yaysee, for some stupid reason, the stupid laptop didn't have ANYTHING on it anymore! NOTHING!I lost it all*including* chapter 6so, now, I've finally gotten up off of my lazy butt and decided to write itthat's my excuseI'm really sorry, thoughI mean, REALLY sorryit's amazing you guyz still stick around to read it what with these long intervalsalso, another reason it took so long is that I got some insperation and decided to write another L/JI have the first chapter of it up, but it's an L/J through Hogwarts fic, and those are never as popular as after-Hogwarts ficsI only got 4 reviewswhich was kinda depressingesspecially since one was a flame, one was from Daynae, who'll review no matter how badly it sucks (you knowww it's trueeeso, dunt tell me it's not, Dayncuz, it does stinkvery muchand only two ppl who I didn't know liked ito wellit's also depressing, seeing as, compared to the number of reviews-per-chapter I get for this fic (which is around 20), 4 reviews is absolutely NOTHINGo wellif you guyz're nice, would you read it? It's called "Whatever It Takes" (I'll prolly change the name soon, though)enough chit-chathere's the chapter you've ALL been waiting forbefore I start, one of my more obserbative reviewers pointed out that last chapter didn't really connect with a plotso true! Im really sorry about thatI hope you don't totally hate me for it!
Disclaimer: Anna is minethat idiot, Snape isn't minethank godBella isn't really mine, seeing as her name appears in the end of the 4th bookLily and James definitely aren't mineneither is Siriusor Remus or Peter, for that matterVictoria still is minethe plot is also mineand most everything else is JK's
Chapter Six:
Surprising Reports
Lily, Snape, and James were silent for several minutes. Suddenly, Lily regained consciousness and slapped James hard on the face. "I can take care of myself, Potter. Thank you very much." Although, she was partially glad he had come to her rescue.
"Well, it didn't look like you were taking care of yourself." James shot back.
"Well, I was! So, just mind your own business and stay away from me!" She shouted. Her voice then softened a bit.
James looked crushed. Serves him right, Lily thought furiously, although she wasn't sure why she was so mad.
"So, then, I'll be seeing you, Lily?" Snape got up the courage to say.
"No, I beg to differ." Lily spat. She then punched him in the stomach.
James lied on his bed; heartbroken. She'll never be mine. James thought furiously through his head. The words echoed through his mind until he drifted into a deep sleep.
"James, you wouldn't betray your own family. You won't do that."
"I'll kill you one day, James! I'LL KILL YOU! I'll kill you like you killed us."
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
"James Potter, are the rumors true. Are you quitting quidditch to become an auror?"
"I'll kill you!"
"Yes, I am. I feel that it is an important field of business and it's time I find myself a more serious profession. Quidditch is great, but I need to make something of my life."
"I'm sorry!"
"You're just afraid, James. You're just afraid. You think being an auror will save you, you coward, but you're wrong. I'll get you one day. You can't hide."
"Just mind your own business and stay away from me!"
"kill you"
"sorry"
"YOU KILLED US, JAMES! YOU KILLED US!"
James sat up in bed, sweating madly. "No." He murmured, "No!" He gulped, and left his bedroom.
Lily sighed, sitting in the Staff Lounge. She felt like crying. "I just wish I could get away from him!" She said to the empty room.
"Ironic." Came a voice from behind her. "Just last month, you couldn't stand the thought of having to be without him."
Lily grinned and turned. "BELLA!" She screamed, hugging her friend. "How on Earth did you get here?"
"Floo Powder. I had a day off and I missed you! I absolutely couldn't stand the thought of going shopping on my day off without you!"
Lily smiled. "You know I hate shopping!"
"Yup. That's why I figured that without me to drag you out, you couldn't have had the good fortune to go on a fun little shopping spree. Plus, we need to shop for the wedding." Bella had a gigantic grin on her face.
"W-wedding? What wedding?" Suddenly Lily's eyes swerved toward Bella's hand. Her jaw dropped. "Oh my god!"
"Is that all I get when I tell you I'm engaged? You're the maid of honor, by the way. We decided to have a traditional muggle wedding, since I'm half muggle, and I want my muggle side to be able to come."
"We?" Lily said. "You're engaged toSirius?"
"My, aren't you quick today!" Bella's smile widened. "Don't say anything to James, though. Sirius is coming later today."
"But" Lily was still in shock. "You're far too young to get married! Are you sure this'll work? You two'll probably drive each other crazy within the first week!"
"Lily, Lily, Lily. You still see Sirius as the 11-year-old you met on the Hogwarts express. He's 21, and he has grown up quite a bit, just in case you haven't noticed."
"Oh, I've noticed. I just hate the thought of it." Lily said. "But, I am happy for you two! When's the wedding?"
"Christmas Eve. December 24th. Oh, Lily, I'm so happy!" Bella hopped around the room. "I'm getting married!"
A drowsy James had then walked into the staff lounge. "You're what?!"
"Ermher dog is gettinghairy!" Lily said, trying to hold back a giggle.
"Bella doesn't have a dog."
"Yes, but she's getting one. Now, if you don't mind, Potter, we're going shopping!" At that, the two exited via Floo Powder, leaving James with a quizzical look on his face.
"So, what's happened?" Bella asked, as they walked through yet another bridal store.
"Oh, everything and nothing." Lily said. "I miss you. Anna's here and she's great, but she's not you."
"What about James? Are you two still on shaky ground?"
"Shaky ground is the understatement of the year. Ugh. I hate him, Belle."
"You do not and you know it." Bella scolded.
"Fine, then. I don't. But, I wish I did. I can't stand being around him. It's killing me."
"Lily, you love him! Why do you have to do this to yourself?"
"He doesn't love me!"
"Lily, if anyone loves you, it's him."
"No. He loves Victoria. He still does. I'm only his back-up."
"You don't really believe that, do you, Lil?" Bella asked softly.
"It's true!"
"Look, Lily. I know you've known James longer, but you're a very blind sighted person, I must say. You see what you see, and then jump to conclusions. James loves you, trust me."
Lily sighed. "Can we not talk about him. Thinking about him makes me think about Snape, and Snape is definitely not someone I want to think about."
"Am I missing something?" Bella asked curiously.
"Yup. To give you the condensed version, Snape kissed me, James saved me, I got mad at both of them."
Bella's eyes widened. "Well! Haven't you been busy!"
"What?" Lily looked shocked. "You're not gonna lecture me on how I should've given James a break?"
"By now, you should know where I stand on the subject of you and James. There's no need for me to tell you." Bella grinned. "So, what color for the bridesmaid dresses?"
"What about light blue? Light pink would be nice too."
"HmLight pink it is."
"Why not blue?" Lily asked.
"Victoria's bridesmaids had light blue dresses." Bella grinned. "It might be a bad omen." Both girls broke into a fit of hysterical giggles.
James sighed, visions if his nightmare flashing in his mind. He tried to brush off his thoughts, but when he wasn't thinking about his dream, he was thinking about Lily, another subject he would like to avoid at all costs. So, he was sitting on the couch, trying to clear his brain of all thoughts when a great horned owl flied into the room through a cracked window. James immediately recognized the owl and grinned. He ripped open the envelope and began to read the letter.
Prongs,
Hey. I was in the neighborhood, and decided to stop by. Meet me in The Three Broomsticks ASAP.
~Sirius
James smiled, and walked out of the lounge. He was happy for a distraction from his currently chaotic life.
Eyeing the statue of the one-eyed witch, James made up his mind to take the old, familiar route for old times sake.
After traveling through the passage, he found himself in the familiar attic of Honeydukes. This had been the Marauders' official clubhouse, of sorts, for all their years in Hogwarts. If he looked long and hard enough, he could probably find some of their old hidden things. Unfortunately, Sirius' letter seemed to show some urgency, so he decided not to take the time.
James tried to sneak down the stairs as cautiously as possible, seeing as he had no idea who currently owned the shop. The old shop owner had discovered them up there during their second year. He kept their secret for them, though and allowed them to be there. He had always been very fond of the Marauders, and his niece, Liz (or Bethie, as Lily had often called her), had been particularly good friends with them. Unfortunately, James wasn't the best sneaker. Luckily for him, he was greeted by a familiar face.
"Why if it isn't James Potter?" The girl grinned. "How on earth did you get in here?"
"Lizzie Needingham, don't tell me you've already lost your memory!" James grinned at the old friend. Liz had been one of his only very close friends outside of the Marauders. They had even gone out for several months at the end of 7th year, but decided that friendship would be a better option between them before leaving Hogwarts.
"Oh, the secret passage, how could I have forgotten?"
"I really don't know." James answered. "So, how've you been?"
"Oh, just fine. I have a job at the ministry. I'm just here for a month while my uncle's on vacation in Spain. From what I've heard, you've certainly had an interesting few years after Hogwarts."
"How much have you heard?" James raised his eyebrow.
"Oh, just the ordinary; quidditch-playing, auror things" James looked relieved. Maybe she hadn't heard about the whole Lily thing. Liz then grinned. "And then there was all that stuff about Lily. So, tell me, what's the real story on that?"
"What, you mean you don't believe that Lily broke my precious, innocent, little heart?"
"First of all, I've known you long enough to know that you're the heartbreaker." She then paused, her voice beginning to have a hint of hurt in it. "And, second, I know, Lily and I didn't exactly leave Hogwarts on good terms, and I know we haven't spoken sincewell, since before the end of 7th year, but Lily wouldn't do something like that. I know she wouldn't."
"Well, it was partially true, actually. Well, besides the part later on about how she attacked me with flying monkeys, and the part where it says that one of the guests had to hold her back from setting me on fire."
"It really is? Wow. Well, what's the rest of the story?"
"Well, I'm working at Hogwarts. Lily's working at Hogwarts. She wants nothing to do with me. Just the usual stuff." James detected a look of longing for her old friend on Liz's face. "You know, Liz, she's right up at Hogwarts if you want to" James stopped, not knowing how to continue. He began again. "I mean, almost two years is a long time not to talk to someone."
Liz laughed a half-forced laugh. "You're one to talk, Potter. You haven't sent me one owl in the past few years."
"Ermyou know, things were pretty busy. And, wellwe had just broked up andthen it was the whole Lily-fight thing too. I didn't talk to Lily either until I ran into her. It was just kind ofweird. It sort of divided us over that whole period of time. I sided with you, because we were going out. Remus sided with Lily, because he always does. Sirius sided with Lily, becausewell, I'm not quite sure why he sided with Lily. And Peter, Peter sided with you, becauseI dunnoAnyway, it kind of separated us. Not the Marauders, because we can't be divided. But, it separated you and Lily between us. AndI really don't know. It was just weird."
"Oh. I didn't really know that the fight effected you guys so much. I'm sorry."
"It wasn't your fault." James said, "Look, whatever happened during 7th year happened. I don't know why you two got into a fight, but I should think that both you and Lily are mature enough now to put your past behind you."
Liz grinned and hugged him. "When did you grow up, Potter?"
"Oh, over the past month." He grinned. "Look, I'm meeting Sirius at the Three Broomsticks. You can come with me if you want."
"Sure. I'll meet you guys over there after I close up."
"Oh, Lil! How do you like these?"
"Ewwtoo sparkly. Remember, Belle, this is a wedding, not a Hogwarts ball."
"Oh, I know, but wedding colors are just so boring!"
"Get used to it."
"Ok, look, I'm sorry, Lil, but I've got to go. I need to get back to the auror office. I'm expected at 5." She said, guiltily. "Owl me! We need to go pick out the dresses that we're really going to wear in a few weeks."
"Ok, sure! See you, Belle!" Both girls apparated to their final destinations.
"Prongs! Over here!" Sirius was seated by the bar, grinning madly and sipping a pint of heaven-knows-what.
"Lord, Sirius. You haven't gone and gotten yourself drunk, have you?"
"Oh, no, this is butterbeer." Sirius gestured toward a seat next to him.
"Why are you so happy, then?" James asked, as he indulged himself into a butterbeer. "By the way, I saw Liz today."
"Liz Needingham?" Sirius raised his eyebrows. James could tell what he was thinking immediately.
"Yes, Sirius, Liz Needingham. And, no, I'm not interested in her. I'm barely over Lily."
"Given your reputation, I think not being over Lily is probably your best reason for starting up with this Liz thing again, so you can't exactly blame me for my unsaid accusations."
"Look, what's so wrong with me being interested in Liz? You yourself said that maybe I should get over Lily and meet other girls."
"I was wrong. At least if Liz is going to be one of the 'other girls'. Sorry, James, but you know this is just another fling. We've been through this before. She'll never mean anything to you as anything but a friend."
"Look, I think I know my feelings better than you do, ok?" James snapped, a bit too harshly.
Sirius sighed. "Ok, ok, you're right. I'll just leave this to you. Anyway, before all this Liz stuff came up, I was going to tell you why I was so happy."
"Which is?" James asked, calming down.
"I'm getting married!" Sirius exclaimed.
"You'rewhat?"
"Master," A black-haired man in his thirties by the name of Matthew Potter bowed down to a tall man, in whose eyes you could easily read evil. "You called upon me?"
"Yes, Potter. The reason I've called upon you is to ask of your assistance."
"Anything, Master."
"Good. Now, I believe that you have a younger brother?"
Matthew winced. "Yes, Master. Although, you could barely call him a brother."
"Yes, I believe I am aware of that situation. That is exactly why I have called for you."
"I'm sorry, master. I don't understand. How could my brother be of any help to you? Last I heard, he was an auror."
The man gave a sort of stern laugh. "Oh, yes, James Potter could be of very much help to me. Unfortunately, he will not change sides. You yourself know that well. The reason I need you is I need him dead. He can not live."
"I'd be much obliged to do that job, Master. But why do you want him dead?"
"Your job is not to ask why. Your task is to simply kill him. No questions asked."
"Yes, of course, Master. I don't know why I asked. Please tell me how you'd like me to kill him."
"He's a fully trained auror, so you won't be able to kill him the regular way. This is why I've chosen you. You can gain his trust back. Convince him you have left my side. Once he is trusting, kill him."
"Yes, master." Matthew bowed, and left the room.
James was staggered. "You're getting married? To who?"
Sirius rolled his eyes. "To Dumbledore, James. Who do you think I'm getting married to?"
"Oh, yeah, Bella. So that's why the girls were acting oddly earlier."
"Oh, you saw them?" Sirius grinned. "Won't Bella look brilliant in a wedding dress?"
"I don't think I'm permitted to answer that." James laughed.
"So, I'm still considering who to choose for my best man. I mean, at first, I was leaning toward Billy, I mean, he's 17 now, and mature enough to be a best man. But, then I realized that the answer was pretty obvious, it would have to be my cousin, Timothy." Sirius hid his laughter.
"What?" James shouted.
Sirius almost died of laughter. "So, who do you think would make a better best man?"
"Oh, well, I'm leaning toward Tim, actually." James grinned. "So, just tell me, do I have to pay for my own tuxedo?"
"Yes, you are. I wouldn't mind if you also paid for the rings as well, actually. And, while, you're at it, the entire wedding. That's what best men really should be for; financial support."
James laughed. "So, when's the wedding?"
At that moment, Liz came in. "Who's having a wedding?"
"Me!" Sirius jumped up.
"Siri? You're getting married! Funny, I never would have thought you'd be the first of us to get married. Well, then, we absolutely have to have a butterbeer toast!"
At that, Liz was served a butterbeer, and they all raised their pints. "To Sirius!" Liz said.
"To Sirius!" James echoed.
"To me!" Sirius laughed, and they all drained their mugs of butterbeer.
Lily apparated into Hogsmeade, the closest to Hogwarts that she could apparate. She walked down the familiar street. When she reached The Three Broomsticks, she decided she needed to treat herself to a butterbeer.
As she walked into the Three Broomsticks, she was greeted by shouts of "LILY!"
She turned, and saw three familiar faces. "Hey, Potter." She gave him a soft glare, then turned to Sirius. "Siri! Oh, congratulations! I'm so happy for you guys!" She hugged him in a brotherly way, and then turned toward Liz, biting her lip. "Bethie?"
"Oh, Lil!" Liz cried. "I'm so sorry. We really have to talk."
"No we don't. It was my fault, and it was a long time ago. It never should've happened. Let's just pretend it never did, ok?"
"Sure. But, it did and it was all my fault!"
"Shush, it was no one's fault. Except for maybe James'." Both girls glared at him playfully.
"What? How could it have been my fault! I never did anything!"
"Oh, shut up, Potter." Lily giggled happily, wrapping her arms around everyone's shoulders. "Now, then. We have a wedding to plan, don't we?"
James flopped down onto his bed happily, and slightly confused. When he was with Liz, he felt comfortable. With Lily, he also felt comfortable, but he felt something else too. The thing was, it wasn't as if he really had a choice, was it? Lily wanted as little to do with him as possible. Liz; well, he didn't really know what Liz wanted. But, she wasn't married, so why wouldn't she want him? He thought egoistically. All of the sudden, he heard a knock on his door. Who could it be? "Come in." He said. Suddenly, he saw a tall figure walk through the door. "M-matthew?" James croaked, reaching for his wand in his pocket.
A/N: well, that wasn't quite a cliffy, was it?ok, so it kinda wasbut o wellit's very hard for me to end when it's not a cliffyI mean, without cliffhangers, I could let the chapters go on foreverrranywayz, wow! That chapter was VERY unexpectedeven for meI had NO idea I was gonna make Sirius and Bella get engaged! Well, everyone, congratulate the happy couple in a review, ok? Speaking of reviews, here're the thank-yous! Btw, I got over 100! Whoo! Isnt that greatt? *dances*anywayz, here're the thank-yous!
Oliverwoodschic: Why, thank you! I'm gonna be on your favorites list? Wow! What an honor! Tyyy! I still sya my fic sucksbut o wellthanks so much!
Hyper-Piper: im SO sorry for taking so long again! It's justmy life is really busyy! But, that's no excusee! I'll get the next chapter up REALLY quick! I promisee! And, I'm an awesome writer? Ty!
Daynae: yay! Felicitous! Whoo! Hypernesssfun! Jamesie! JAMESIE! what part is that? *goes to check* ooothat was our favoritest little Victoria, wasn't it? Well, thanks, Dayn!
Prongslover: Thanks so much! I love it when ppl love it! And, here's more for ya!
Marissa: well, I went went went went went went went went went went went went (etc.)and it's heree! And im going againn! Yay!hope you liked this chapter too! Btw, you were the 100th reviewer! Yay!
Good story. Keep going (good story. Keep going.): why, thank you! And I did keep going! And im glad you think it's good! Yay!
Martini Addict: lol, yay! Boy Meets World rockss! and yaSnape might be the guy who Lily goes out withbut I doubt itthat guy was more perfectSnape is ickyor maybe there won't be a guyI dunnoim decidingya! Go James! Thanks for the review!
Mystikalolo: thanks a bunch! I'm glad you like it!
Princess Hermione: I KNOW! Grosss! *gags*I'd HATE to kiss Snapewell, thanks!
Emily Woodmark: Whenever things start looking good for them they get worse again? I knowwwim so evil to thembut, they'll be together in the endddnever fearwell, thanks!
Jak009: I know! Lola MWPP fic just isn't a MWPP fic without Sirius! Which is why I absolutely HAD to insert him in this chapter! Well, thanks!
lil' grasshoppa: lolyou're the first reviewer whose actually felt sorry for Snapey! But, now that I think of it, poor guyI mean, he has absolutely no chance with Lilo wellthanks!
Shelly: COOKIES FOR YOU! *gives her cookies* you got it! YepLily told James that she could take care of herself, and is mad at both of themmGOOD JOB! Well, thanks!
Lick Me: lolz, thanks so much! I'm glad you like it!
Princess Potter: yayou've gotta hate Victoriaannoying little witchthanks!
Y. Kuang: yayou're so rightI made a comment about your review in the A/N, if you noticeddvery obserbant of youI'm so sorry that that chapter was out-of place! It prolly was a result of not writing for so longanywayz, sorryy! And thanks for the great review! I love reviews that actually give me a little critisism! Ooo, and btw, I'll review your fic right away!
Anne: it's cool? Why, thank you!
Nike1000: oooim glad you like it! Thanks!