A Time Out of Memory
S. L
Though James was very anxious to speak with the new exchange students, neither them, the strange man nor Dumbledore showed up for any meals. Until dinner the next night.
James had spent a tiring day running from Evans. Everywhere he went, she seemed to follow him. The escape the night before hadn't been the only one. And even the teachers presence was welcomed after so long. After six years though James was used to dodging Evans, who's temper could flare up very easily after small 'harmless' little tricks of his.
He didn't even sleep in his dorm. He had convinced his Head Boy brother to let him sleep in his dormitory. Daniel Potter was a Ravenclaw and despised the sort of mischievous trouble his brother got into. He was a good sport though and it was lucky for James that he had a good sense of humor. Otherwise his monthly Ravenclaw retreats from Evans would be very difficult indeed.
So it was at dinner that James found himself in a very awkward position. Normally Evans wouldn't dare do anything to him in front of a teacher, being the goody goody that she was, but today... none of the teachers had shown up for dinner. Not a one. James being cocky and ridiculous as always had waltzed into dinner, expecting it to be safe.
Ten minutes later he found himself trapped under the Gryffindor table dodging curses from Evans while the entire school laughed. He didn't mind really, actually he was laughing to. Never the less he was very grateful when Dumbledore's voice filled the hall.
"Now, Miss. Evans if you think you could refrain from tormenting Mr. Potter for five minutes then I can make my announcement."
"Sorry sir," said Evans bashfully.
James watched as her feet retreated and poked his head out from beneath the table. All the teachers had arrived and standing behind Dumbledore were the three new students, and the strange man.
"Thank you Lily. Now as I'm sure you are curious I'd best get on with my announcement." He cleared his throat. "I am happy to say that Hogwarts has three new exchange students to be made known. As well as a replacement Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Since somebody seemed to have driven the last one we had away."
Sirius stood up on his bench and waved to the school. "I accept thanks in the form of food, money, my Transfiguration homework... whatever's at your convenience."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes well Mr. Black, I don't believe that will be necessary. With no more delay I would like to introduce Ron Westley, Hermoine Grancer and her cousin Harry Grancer. As well as our newest teacher; Professor Craley."
Polite applause and a couple of groans followed Dumbledore's speech.
He raised up his hands for attention once more. "All three students are sixth years and have already been sorted into Gryffindor. Therefore I am going to ask a few of our sixth year Gryffindors to show them around. I expect the rest of you to treat them with utmost kindness and show them the courtesy that is expected of all Hogwarts students."
He looked at James, who was now taking his seat next to Sirius, and his gang. "Sirius Black, would you take the small responsibility of helping out Ron Westley?"
Sirius answered with an appalled. "Do you honestly think I'd refuse?"
"Miss Lily Evans, would you show Hermoine around and help her get situated?" Evans nodded, flashing her goody, goody smile at Hermoine.
"Lastly James Potter, would you kindly assist out Harry Grancer?"
James smiled and nodded, maybe now he'd get some answers to the peculiar questions that had been floating around his head for the past day.
"Good, well then I bid you all a goodnight!" With that he turned around and strode out of the room again, leaving the new arrivals at the teachers table.
Immediately the crowded hall burst in to whispers and people craned their next high to get a good look at the new students as they made their way down to the Gryffindor table.
Hermoine went to sit with Evans and her friends, but Harry and Ron came to sit across from James.
"Hullo then, good to see you on your feet again," said Sirius as cheerful as ever.
Harry smiled weakly. "Sorry about that, bad portkey, I've been sick all day."
"You look it mate," Sirius looked positively ecstatic over this. "Nearly as bad as Remus here." He nudge Remus who didn't seem to be paying much attention to the conversation at all. James didn't blame him, the full moon was in a couple of days and he was probably nervous as always.
Sirius looked between Harry and James. "So are you two related or something?"
Looking horrified Harry shook his head. "No!"
James shrugged. "I don't think so, guess we juts look a lot alike." He too was extremely interested in finding out why Harry looked so much like him.
"Nah, I don't like that explanation," Sirius smiled doggedly. "I say we tell everyone you're long lost brothers! Harry and James Potter!"
Ron shook his head. "I don't think so."
Across the table Remus gave Harry and Ron a pitied look. "It's too late, once Sirius gets an idea in his head it sticks. You'll be forever branded as Harry Potter now. By tomorrow no one will even remember your real name." He smiled again and returned to his dinner.
Sirius smiled again. "Harry Potter it is then!"
~
Ron and Harry hardly talked at dinner, then went trudging up to bed the moment they set foot in the common room. James didn't blame them though, they look as if they had been run ragged. Especially after having to sit through dinner with Sirius' non stop chatter.
There was no Quiditch practice that day so James settled down in his favorite spot to begin some of his homework. He joked around a lot and didn't care much about breaking rules, but he was always careful with his grades. He wasn't a prefect for no reason, and besides, he was going for Head Boy and needed top grades.
He was actually very smart in most subjects and whizzed through his homework faster than most, until he got to charms. He just couldn't figure out this summoning charm! After about the tenth failed effort he felt like snapping his wand in half, but ended up growling in disgust.
"Trouble Potter?" Said the worst voice that could possibly fill his head right now. He didn't feel like messing with Evans right then. "Need some help there?"
"Not from you Red." He said resorting to his old nickname for her. He turned around and found that she was now accompanied by a very harassed looking Hermoine. "You know Hermoine, you really don't have to follow Dumbledore's orders. I'm sure he didn't mean to stick you with Satan there, you can always just partner up with Remius or something."
"Shove it Potter," was Evans' retort, Hermoine looked scandalized.
James stood up menacingly. "What she can't talk for herself Evans?"
"Like she'd want to talk to an pompous git like you!"
"But she has no problem with annoying bitches like you?"
"I know you did not just call me a bitch Potter..."
"Hmm.. funny, I think I did."
"Oh, that's it, I am so killing you. Would you like a fancy funeral? Or shall we just chuck you in the lake?" Evans was rolling up her sleeves now, wand already in hand.
James didn't care, he too was holding his wand and was ready for all out war.
"Listen-" then he felt his whole body go rigid- he couldn't move. Someone had put the full body bind on him!
Evans too had similar treatment, she feel with him to the floor, stiff as a board.
Hermoine stood over them looking murderous. Her hair looked even more frizzy than before.
"No I want you both to listen to me. I may be new here, but as of right now I think your both infuriating pricks. Now you can argue about whatever the bloody hell you want, curse each other, even kill each other for all I care. But never ever again do I want to hear you arguing about me." She paused and reconsidered her last statement. "Or my friends for that matter."
She took a deep breath, she now had the entire common room's attention. Even Sirius was watching in open mouthed surprise. Hermoine seemed to have calmed herself down a bit. "Now I'm sorry I lost my temper. I really do think you both are very nice people and I don't care if you want to argue, but really don't kill each other, it's not very nice."
James rolled his eyes, she was talking about nice? "Okay I'm going to let you go now. Just please keep it down." She looked worriedly up to the boy's dormitories as if expecting to see somebody there. "You might wake someone with that racket..."
Then looking very tired all of a sudden Hermoine released the spell and trudged off to her dormitory leaving a very quiet common room behind.
James looked over at Evans who was collapsed on the floor beside him. "You heard her Evans," he said. "Shut up, you don't want to wake anyone, you 'infuriating prick.'"
Evans shook with silent rage before resolving on slapping James across the face and following Hermoine.
"She sure told you Prongs," Remus said shaking with silent laughter. Then slowly the entire common room was filled with giggles as everyone turned back to their own business. Only Remus and Sirius remained by him.
James however fingered the red mark that was now appearing on his face. After all their years of fighting Lily Evans had never once hit him. Even the fight they'd just had was standard, not even their worst. Why hit him now of all times?
"Earth to Prongs!" Sirius said waving his hand in front of his friends face. "Man what's up with you? Moony, I think he's experiencing withdraw. Maybe he had the hots for that flower girl?" He gave his friend a sly look.
James snorted. "Honestly Sirius, I'd sooner kiss Snape than like Evans."
Sirius laughed, but Remus didn't seem to be listening. "What do you think of Hermoine?" He asked with a dreamy sort of look. James and Sirius exchanged excited glances.
"I dunno," said Sirius with a sly look.
James caught on. "Personally I think she's a bit bossy, and a little too nosy as well." He thought this was partially true, though he gave Sirius a wink.
"Besides her butts far too big," Sirius winked back. "Dunno who'd like her..."
The response in Remus was immediate. "What are you talking about? You know you guys should talk about some of the girls you date! Big butt, nothing, she's perfect..."
He suddenly realized what he'd just said and turned scarlet on the spot. "Oh god..."
His two friends burst out laughing. "Oh you should have seen your face!" James gasped.
"We were just kidding after all," said Sirius. "She's okay, what do you think Prongs?"
James smiled. "Well she does have a big mouth," he held up his hands to Remus. "No, no I don't really mean that in a bad way. I mean... she speaks her mind?" Remus accepted this. "Why... you don't like her do you Moony?" He said falling back on the innocent routine again.
"'Cause I think she's kinda cute... was thinking about asking her to Hogsmede this weekend..."
Remus looked petrified. "Your kidding! You can't! I- was... I-" Then he smiled as he realized his friends were kidding again. "Okay... I think she's kinda cute..."
More laughter.
"Kinda cute?" Sirius spat. "Moony I was watching you! You were staring at her all through dinner!"
Remus blushed. "Okay... I like her."
"See," said James. "Was that so hard?"
~
James woke the next morning fully ready for his chaperoning duties. He hadn't asked any questions last night as Harry and Ron seemed very tired, but today he wanted his questions answered. Only Harry and Ron weren't there when he woke.
Harry and Ron weren't even at breakfast, though Hermoine was. She ran up to him as soon as he entered the hall looking abashed.
"Oh, James I'm so sorry about what I said last night I feel terrible."
James had recoiled immediately, she sounded like one of the girls who were always following him around looking for a date. Remus liked Hermoine, besides she wasn't really his type.
"I really shouldn't have spoken so rashly, and I just wanted to apologize, it really wasn't my place," James hesitated. Hermoine looked genuinely sorry. "Can we forget that and just be friends?"
Now James was confused, he'd never had a girl talk to him that way. Like they weren't interested in him... well Evans wasn't, but she didn't count as a girl, Evans was an it. Hermoine though wanted to be friends? He'd never had a girl friend before. He decided he liked the idea.
"Yeah sure, don't worry about it."
Hermoine smiled in relief. "I've been such a prick, you must think I'm absolutely unbearable by now. I've just been so worried with Harry and all- " she waved her hands. "Just thank you for giving me another chance. I really didn't want to start off my first day with enemies."
"Really, like I said, don't worry about it." James smiled and sat down at his spot a little away from Remus. He thought this was a good move, for Hermoine followed to sit next to him and ended up having to sit next to Remus as well. Now if he could just start them in a conversation...
"Remus Lupin right?" Hermoine said to Remus, James could have hugged her. Now Remus couldn't get mad at him later for interfering! Things were going great!
Leaving the two to talk James turned to Peter who was sitting on his other side. They had decided to be nice and wake him up today. Peter Pettigrew was the forth member of the Marauders. James would never tell him, but he didn't really like Peter all that much. He knew he was a great friend, and couldn't help the way he was, but he was a coward and boring and annoying at times and... the list could go on and on.
"So Wormtail... what's up?" It sounded lame, but James couldn't think of anything else to say.
Peter looked absolutely delighted that James was talking to him. It wasn't often they had private conversations. Usual Peter just added one or two lame comments to conversations the other three Marauders were having.
"Nothing much James," he said in a very squeaky voice. "How about you? What do you think of the new exchange students? They look like trouble to me."
"I think they look nice." James said, glancing at Hermoine.
Peter nodded. "Of course James that's just what I said! They look like wonderful people!"
James rolled his eyes and decided that this wasn't a good idea after all. "You know what Peter I've just forgotten that I've left my... wand in my dorm. I'm going to need that today aren't I?"
Then he left before Peter could offer to go with him or something equally annoying. He of course didn't forget his wand, but he had to get out of there. He didn't know why he had been so stupid...
Deciding he better do something for the extra quarter of an hour he'd just given himself he choose to go to get to the Defense room early. It was their first class of the day and their first class with Professor Craley.
When he arrived he found he wasn't the first with this idea. Harry and Ron were already there talking in low voices with the professor.
"Um.. hello?" He said making all three of them jump. "Sorry to interrupt, I just decided I'd get here early for once..."
Harry smiled weakly. "No problem, we were just talking about the curriculum."
"Oh really," James said feigning interest. "What's planed for this year?"
The professor cleared his throat. "Have you ever heard of the patronus charm? It's very complicated to learn, but can be a great service, especially in these dark times." His face became shadowed for a moment as if remembering some dark secret. Then he looked... almost frightened.
"Nope," was James' answer. What else are we doing?
The professor thought about this. "I think we are going to concentrate on spells this year to protect you from dark forces and even harm them. Though we'll mainly be working on the patronus, as I said it's very complicated. Very hard to learn as well. I'd be surprised if even half of you got it by the end of the year. Not very many witches and wizards can."
"Oh..." James said, not at all interested, he wanted class to begin already. He would have liked the chance to talk to Harry and Ron, but not in front of the teacher. Luckily the bell rung a moment later and he had the excuse of taking his seat and arranging his things.
After the seventh time of reading the same page in Dark Arts for Dummies by Simon Schwartz the rest of the class began filing in. Unfortunately they had this class with the Slythrins, but he was happy to see people anyway.
Remus was the first of his friends to come in, with Hermoine he noted. both were chatting away happily and ignored waves from James and Harry. On their part James and Harry exchanged knowing glances and Harry winked.
Sirius ran in the room just as the bell rang once more and Craley began to shut the door. The Marauder smiled mischievously at the professor before taking his seat next to James.
"As many of you now know I am you replacement Defense teacher, Professor Craley. Now just to set a few ground rules," the class groaned, but he ignored them. "I'm not one for much homework," cheers," but I do expect you all to put your best efforts into this class. What you are learning now may not seem like much, but one day it could save your life or even another's.
"As I understand it, you haven't covered many spells concerning Defense before, so that is what I have chosen to concentrate on this year. You shall be learning many difficult spells that I do not expect all of you to master. As I said before I only want you to put your forth your best efforts.
"We will be beginning with the patronus charm. Does anybody know what that is?"
Five hands shot up into the air. Hermoine, Harry, Ron, a Slythrin James didn't know, and know it all Evans.
"Lily Evans," Craley called without hesitation, something James found strange.
Evans too looked a little bewildered, but went ahead any how. "It's a repellant charm sir. That works best against dementors. While dementors are filled with misery and darkness, a patronus is pure joy and love. They counteract one another."
Craley nodded. "Very good, does anybody else have anything to add? Go ahead." He said to Hermoine who was waving her hand furiously.
"A patronus takes the form of what you most feel protected by, something you trust with all your heart. They are also very difficult to produce. It takes a lot of hard practice and concentration to manage one and there are many witches and wizards who can not. In order to summon a patronus you must think of a very happy thought, that makes you feel content. Which means some suffering from depression find it very hard to conjure one. Though when summoned a patronus will protect from most forms of evil, though as Lily said the dementor is the easiest to drive away as it is it's direct opposite."
James was astounded. Hermoine had said it all very quickly without stopping for breath once. Besides she had rattled off more information that even Evans, who was usually long winded. Looked like Evans had some competition...
"Very good Hermoine." Craley nodded. "Now as she said the patronus is a very difficult charm and I won't be expecting you all to take to it immediately. Most of you won't even be able to conjure one by the end of the year, though I expect you to know the theory."
He clapped his hands together happily. "Now I'm going to partner everyone up for this project and then we'll have a demonstration to give you all an idea of what a patronus looks like."
Pulling a very crumpled list for his pocket the professor smiled. "James Potter and Harry Grancer... Remus Lupin and Hermoine Grancer... Ron Westley and Anna Creet... Sirius Black and Emily Norton... Peter Pettigrew and Severus Snape... Lily Evans and Arabella Figg..." James dozed off as Craley read off the rest of the names, though he was pleased with the groupings. It all worked out quite nicely. Besides, he was hoping to get a chance to talk with Harry, now that they were partners.
He smiled at his new partner as he exchanged seats with Sirius. "Hey, hope your good at this stuff," he said as Harry pulled out his books.
"I'm alright," Harry said with an inner smile. "I heard your prefect though."
James flashed a smile. "Yup, I'm going for Head Boy as well."
"I'm sure you'll get it..." Harry sounded very confidant.
Craley cleared his throat. "Alright everyone, now that you've your new partners and new seats... and no, no switching now, these are permanent...we have a demonstration. Harry if you will."
James was just as surprised as everyone else when Harry strode to the front of the room and pulled out his wand. He'd thought that Craley was going to do a demonstration, not a student! Especially after going on about how he didn't expect them to be so good at it.
Surprisingly Harry was looking at James. There was a sort of worried look on his face James couldn't figure out. Then Harry sighed and muttered the spell almost lazily. "Expecto Patronum."
A brilliant white light filled the room and a silver stag erupted from the tip of Harry's wand. A stag identical to that of James' Animungi form.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed my work, it means so much to me and I'm so glad you like my writing. From your enthusiasm I thought you might like this next chapter early instead of being mean and posting it tomorrow, even if it is very late. Oh well, thanks especially to:
~Mel
~starkitty
~SArah
and
~KittyKat
again
and too:
~Jivanna
~vmr
~Athena Black (whoa you must have really lllllllllllliiiiiiiiiiiikkkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeeedddddddddd it)
~Lady FoxFire
~Riauna
Thank you so much again! And if you want me to E-Mail you when I post a new chapter then just say so in your review and I'd be happy too!
S. L
Though James was very anxious to speak with the new exchange students, neither them, the strange man nor Dumbledore showed up for any meals. Until dinner the next night.
James had spent a tiring day running from Evans. Everywhere he went, she seemed to follow him. The escape the night before hadn't been the only one. And even the teachers presence was welcomed after so long. After six years though James was used to dodging Evans, who's temper could flare up very easily after small 'harmless' little tricks of his.
He didn't even sleep in his dorm. He had convinced his Head Boy brother to let him sleep in his dormitory. Daniel Potter was a Ravenclaw and despised the sort of mischievous trouble his brother got into. He was a good sport though and it was lucky for James that he had a good sense of humor. Otherwise his monthly Ravenclaw retreats from Evans would be very difficult indeed.
So it was at dinner that James found himself in a very awkward position. Normally Evans wouldn't dare do anything to him in front of a teacher, being the goody goody that she was, but today... none of the teachers had shown up for dinner. Not a one. James being cocky and ridiculous as always had waltzed into dinner, expecting it to be safe.
Ten minutes later he found himself trapped under the Gryffindor table dodging curses from Evans while the entire school laughed. He didn't mind really, actually he was laughing to. Never the less he was very grateful when Dumbledore's voice filled the hall.
"Now, Miss. Evans if you think you could refrain from tormenting Mr. Potter for five minutes then I can make my announcement."
"Sorry sir," said Evans bashfully.
James watched as her feet retreated and poked his head out from beneath the table. All the teachers had arrived and standing behind Dumbledore were the three new students, and the strange man.
"Thank you Lily. Now as I'm sure you are curious I'd best get on with my announcement." He cleared his throat. "I am happy to say that Hogwarts has three new exchange students to be made known. As well as a replacement Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Since somebody seemed to have driven the last one we had away."
Sirius stood up on his bench and waved to the school. "I accept thanks in the form of food, money, my Transfiguration homework... whatever's at your convenience."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes well Mr. Black, I don't believe that will be necessary. With no more delay I would like to introduce Ron Westley, Hermoine Grancer and her cousin Harry Grancer. As well as our newest teacher; Professor Craley."
Polite applause and a couple of groans followed Dumbledore's speech.
He raised up his hands for attention once more. "All three students are sixth years and have already been sorted into Gryffindor. Therefore I am going to ask a few of our sixth year Gryffindors to show them around. I expect the rest of you to treat them with utmost kindness and show them the courtesy that is expected of all Hogwarts students."
He looked at James, who was now taking his seat next to Sirius, and his gang. "Sirius Black, would you take the small responsibility of helping out Ron Westley?"
Sirius answered with an appalled. "Do you honestly think I'd refuse?"
"Miss Lily Evans, would you show Hermoine around and help her get situated?" Evans nodded, flashing her goody, goody smile at Hermoine.
"Lastly James Potter, would you kindly assist out Harry Grancer?"
James smiled and nodded, maybe now he'd get some answers to the peculiar questions that had been floating around his head for the past day.
"Good, well then I bid you all a goodnight!" With that he turned around and strode out of the room again, leaving the new arrivals at the teachers table.
Immediately the crowded hall burst in to whispers and people craned their next high to get a good look at the new students as they made their way down to the Gryffindor table.
Hermoine went to sit with Evans and her friends, but Harry and Ron came to sit across from James.
"Hullo then, good to see you on your feet again," said Sirius as cheerful as ever.
Harry smiled weakly. "Sorry about that, bad portkey, I've been sick all day."
"You look it mate," Sirius looked positively ecstatic over this. "Nearly as bad as Remus here." He nudge Remus who didn't seem to be paying much attention to the conversation at all. James didn't blame him, the full moon was in a couple of days and he was probably nervous as always.
Sirius looked between Harry and James. "So are you two related or something?"
Looking horrified Harry shook his head. "No!"
James shrugged. "I don't think so, guess we juts look a lot alike." He too was extremely interested in finding out why Harry looked so much like him.
"Nah, I don't like that explanation," Sirius smiled doggedly. "I say we tell everyone you're long lost brothers! Harry and James Potter!"
Ron shook his head. "I don't think so."
Across the table Remus gave Harry and Ron a pitied look. "It's too late, once Sirius gets an idea in his head it sticks. You'll be forever branded as Harry Potter now. By tomorrow no one will even remember your real name." He smiled again and returned to his dinner.
Sirius smiled again. "Harry Potter it is then!"
~
Ron and Harry hardly talked at dinner, then went trudging up to bed the moment they set foot in the common room. James didn't blame them though, they look as if they had been run ragged. Especially after having to sit through dinner with Sirius' non stop chatter.
There was no Quiditch practice that day so James settled down in his favorite spot to begin some of his homework. He joked around a lot and didn't care much about breaking rules, but he was always careful with his grades. He wasn't a prefect for no reason, and besides, he was going for Head Boy and needed top grades.
He was actually very smart in most subjects and whizzed through his homework faster than most, until he got to charms. He just couldn't figure out this summoning charm! After about the tenth failed effort he felt like snapping his wand in half, but ended up growling in disgust.
"Trouble Potter?" Said the worst voice that could possibly fill his head right now. He didn't feel like messing with Evans right then. "Need some help there?"
"Not from you Red." He said resorting to his old nickname for her. He turned around and found that she was now accompanied by a very harassed looking Hermoine. "You know Hermoine, you really don't have to follow Dumbledore's orders. I'm sure he didn't mean to stick you with Satan there, you can always just partner up with Remius or something."
"Shove it Potter," was Evans' retort, Hermoine looked scandalized.
James stood up menacingly. "What she can't talk for herself Evans?"
"Like she'd want to talk to an pompous git like you!"
"But she has no problem with annoying bitches like you?"
"I know you did not just call me a bitch Potter..."
"Hmm.. funny, I think I did."
"Oh, that's it, I am so killing you. Would you like a fancy funeral? Or shall we just chuck you in the lake?" Evans was rolling up her sleeves now, wand already in hand.
James didn't care, he too was holding his wand and was ready for all out war.
"Listen-" then he felt his whole body go rigid- he couldn't move. Someone had put the full body bind on him!
Evans too had similar treatment, she feel with him to the floor, stiff as a board.
Hermoine stood over them looking murderous. Her hair looked even more frizzy than before.
"No I want you both to listen to me. I may be new here, but as of right now I think your both infuriating pricks. Now you can argue about whatever the bloody hell you want, curse each other, even kill each other for all I care. But never ever again do I want to hear you arguing about me." She paused and reconsidered her last statement. "Or my friends for that matter."
She took a deep breath, she now had the entire common room's attention. Even Sirius was watching in open mouthed surprise. Hermoine seemed to have calmed herself down a bit. "Now I'm sorry I lost my temper. I really do think you both are very nice people and I don't care if you want to argue, but really don't kill each other, it's not very nice."
James rolled his eyes, she was talking about nice? "Okay I'm going to let you go now. Just please keep it down." She looked worriedly up to the boy's dormitories as if expecting to see somebody there. "You might wake someone with that racket..."
Then looking very tired all of a sudden Hermoine released the spell and trudged off to her dormitory leaving a very quiet common room behind.
James looked over at Evans who was collapsed on the floor beside him. "You heard her Evans," he said. "Shut up, you don't want to wake anyone, you 'infuriating prick.'"
Evans shook with silent rage before resolving on slapping James across the face and following Hermoine.
"She sure told you Prongs," Remus said shaking with silent laughter. Then slowly the entire common room was filled with giggles as everyone turned back to their own business. Only Remus and Sirius remained by him.
James however fingered the red mark that was now appearing on his face. After all their years of fighting Lily Evans had never once hit him. Even the fight they'd just had was standard, not even their worst. Why hit him now of all times?
"Earth to Prongs!" Sirius said waving his hand in front of his friends face. "Man what's up with you? Moony, I think he's experiencing withdraw. Maybe he had the hots for that flower girl?" He gave his friend a sly look.
James snorted. "Honestly Sirius, I'd sooner kiss Snape than like Evans."
Sirius laughed, but Remus didn't seem to be listening. "What do you think of Hermoine?" He asked with a dreamy sort of look. James and Sirius exchanged excited glances.
"I dunno," said Sirius with a sly look.
James caught on. "Personally I think she's a bit bossy, and a little too nosy as well." He thought this was partially true, though he gave Sirius a wink.
"Besides her butts far too big," Sirius winked back. "Dunno who'd like her..."
The response in Remus was immediate. "What are you talking about? You know you guys should talk about some of the girls you date! Big butt, nothing, she's perfect..."
He suddenly realized what he'd just said and turned scarlet on the spot. "Oh god..."
His two friends burst out laughing. "Oh you should have seen your face!" James gasped.
"We were just kidding after all," said Sirius. "She's okay, what do you think Prongs?"
James smiled. "Well she does have a big mouth," he held up his hands to Remus. "No, no I don't really mean that in a bad way. I mean... she speaks her mind?" Remus accepted this. "Why... you don't like her do you Moony?" He said falling back on the innocent routine again.
"'Cause I think she's kinda cute... was thinking about asking her to Hogsmede this weekend..."
Remus looked petrified. "Your kidding! You can't! I- was... I-" Then he smiled as he realized his friends were kidding again. "Okay... I think she's kinda cute..."
More laughter.
"Kinda cute?" Sirius spat. "Moony I was watching you! You were staring at her all through dinner!"
Remus blushed. "Okay... I like her."
"See," said James. "Was that so hard?"
~
James woke the next morning fully ready for his chaperoning duties. He hadn't asked any questions last night as Harry and Ron seemed very tired, but today he wanted his questions answered. Only Harry and Ron weren't there when he woke.
Harry and Ron weren't even at breakfast, though Hermoine was. She ran up to him as soon as he entered the hall looking abashed.
"Oh, James I'm so sorry about what I said last night I feel terrible."
James had recoiled immediately, she sounded like one of the girls who were always following him around looking for a date. Remus liked Hermoine, besides she wasn't really his type.
"I really shouldn't have spoken so rashly, and I just wanted to apologize, it really wasn't my place," James hesitated. Hermoine looked genuinely sorry. "Can we forget that and just be friends?"
Now James was confused, he'd never had a girl talk to him that way. Like they weren't interested in him... well Evans wasn't, but she didn't count as a girl, Evans was an it. Hermoine though wanted to be friends? He'd never had a girl friend before. He decided he liked the idea.
"Yeah sure, don't worry about it."
Hermoine smiled in relief. "I've been such a prick, you must think I'm absolutely unbearable by now. I've just been so worried with Harry and all- " she waved her hands. "Just thank you for giving me another chance. I really didn't want to start off my first day with enemies."
"Really, like I said, don't worry about it." James smiled and sat down at his spot a little away from Remus. He thought this was a good move, for Hermoine followed to sit next to him and ended up having to sit next to Remus as well. Now if he could just start them in a conversation...
"Remus Lupin right?" Hermoine said to Remus, James could have hugged her. Now Remus couldn't get mad at him later for interfering! Things were going great!
Leaving the two to talk James turned to Peter who was sitting on his other side. They had decided to be nice and wake him up today. Peter Pettigrew was the forth member of the Marauders. James would never tell him, but he didn't really like Peter all that much. He knew he was a great friend, and couldn't help the way he was, but he was a coward and boring and annoying at times and... the list could go on and on.
"So Wormtail... what's up?" It sounded lame, but James couldn't think of anything else to say.
Peter looked absolutely delighted that James was talking to him. It wasn't often they had private conversations. Usual Peter just added one or two lame comments to conversations the other three Marauders were having.
"Nothing much James," he said in a very squeaky voice. "How about you? What do you think of the new exchange students? They look like trouble to me."
"I think they look nice." James said, glancing at Hermoine.
Peter nodded. "Of course James that's just what I said! They look like wonderful people!"
James rolled his eyes and decided that this wasn't a good idea after all. "You know what Peter I've just forgotten that I've left my... wand in my dorm. I'm going to need that today aren't I?"
Then he left before Peter could offer to go with him or something equally annoying. He of course didn't forget his wand, but he had to get out of there. He didn't know why he had been so stupid...
Deciding he better do something for the extra quarter of an hour he'd just given himself he choose to go to get to the Defense room early. It was their first class of the day and their first class with Professor Craley.
When he arrived he found he wasn't the first with this idea. Harry and Ron were already there talking in low voices with the professor.
"Um.. hello?" He said making all three of them jump. "Sorry to interrupt, I just decided I'd get here early for once..."
Harry smiled weakly. "No problem, we were just talking about the curriculum."
"Oh really," James said feigning interest. "What's planed for this year?"
The professor cleared his throat. "Have you ever heard of the patronus charm? It's very complicated to learn, but can be a great service, especially in these dark times." His face became shadowed for a moment as if remembering some dark secret. Then he looked... almost frightened.
"Nope," was James' answer. What else are we doing?
The professor thought about this. "I think we are going to concentrate on spells this year to protect you from dark forces and even harm them. Though we'll mainly be working on the patronus, as I said it's very complicated. Very hard to learn as well. I'd be surprised if even half of you got it by the end of the year. Not very many witches and wizards can."
"Oh..." James said, not at all interested, he wanted class to begin already. He would have liked the chance to talk to Harry and Ron, but not in front of the teacher. Luckily the bell rung a moment later and he had the excuse of taking his seat and arranging his things.
After the seventh time of reading the same page in Dark Arts for Dummies by Simon Schwartz the rest of the class began filing in. Unfortunately they had this class with the Slythrins, but he was happy to see people anyway.
Remus was the first of his friends to come in, with Hermoine he noted. both were chatting away happily and ignored waves from James and Harry. On their part James and Harry exchanged knowing glances and Harry winked.
Sirius ran in the room just as the bell rang once more and Craley began to shut the door. The Marauder smiled mischievously at the professor before taking his seat next to James.
"As many of you now know I am you replacement Defense teacher, Professor Craley. Now just to set a few ground rules," the class groaned, but he ignored them. "I'm not one for much homework," cheers," but I do expect you all to put your best efforts into this class. What you are learning now may not seem like much, but one day it could save your life or even another's.
"As I understand it, you haven't covered many spells concerning Defense before, so that is what I have chosen to concentrate on this year. You shall be learning many difficult spells that I do not expect all of you to master. As I said before I only want you to put your forth your best efforts.
"We will be beginning with the patronus charm. Does anybody know what that is?"
Five hands shot up into the air. Hermoine, Harry, Ron, a Slythrin James didn't know, and know it all Evans.
"Lily Evans," Craley called without hesitation, something James found strange.
Evans too looked a little bewildered, but went ahead any how. "It's a repellant charm sir. That works best against dementors. While dementors are filled with misery and darkness, a patronus is pure joy and love. They counteract one another."
Craley nodded. "Very good, does anybody else have anything to add? Go ahead." He said to Hermoine who was waving her hand furiously.
"A patronus takes the form of what you most feel protected by, something you trust with all your heart. They are also very difficult to produce. It takes a lot of hard practice and concentration to manage one and there are many witches and wizards who can not. In order to summon a patronus you must think of a very happy thought, that makes you feel content. Which means some suffering from depression find it very hard to conjure one. Though when summoned a patronus will protect from most forms of evil, though as Lily said the dementor is the easiest to drive away as it is it's direct opposite."
James was astounded. Hermoine had said it all very quickly without stopping for breath once. Besides she had rattled off more information that even Evans, who was usually long winded. Looked like Evans had some competition...
"Very good Hermoine." Craley nodded. "Now as she said the patronus is a very difficult charm and I won't be expecting you all to take to it immediately. Most of you won't even be able to conjure one by the end of the year, though I expect you to know the theory."
He clapped his hands together happily. "Now I'm going to partner everyone up for this project and then we'll have a demonstration to give you all an idea of what a patronus looks like."
Pulling a very crumpled list for his pocket the professor smiled. "James Potter and Harry Grancer... Remus Lupin and Hermoine Grancer... Ron Westley and Anna Creet... Sirius Black and Emily Norton... Peter Pettigrew and Severus Snape... Lily Evans and Arabella Figg..." James dozed off as Craley read off the rest of the names, though he was pleased with the groupings. It all worked out quite nicely. Besides, he was hoping to get a chance to talk with Harry, now that they were partners.
He smiled at his new partner as he exchanged seats with Sirius. "Hey, hope your good at this stuff," he said as Harry pulled out his books.
"I'm alright," Harry said with an inner smile. "I heard your prefect though."
James flashed a smile. "Yup, I'm going for Head Boy as well."
"I'm sure you'll get it..." Harry sounded very confidant.
Craley cleared his throat. "Alright everyone, now that you've your new partners and new seats... and no, no switching now, these are permanent...we have a demonstration. Harry if you will."
James was just as surprised as everyone else when Harry strode to the front of the room and pulled out his wand. He'd thought that Craley was going to do a demonstration, not a student! Especially after going on about how he didn't expect them to be so good at it.
Surprisingly Harry was looking at James. There was a sort of worried look on his face James couldn't figure out. Then Harry sighed and muttered the spell almost lazily. "Expecto Patronum."
A brilliant white light filled the room and a silver stag erupted from the tip of Harry's wand. A stag identical to that of James' Animungi form.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed my work, it means so much to me and I'm so glad you like my writing. From your enthusiasm I thought you might like this next chapter early instead of being mean and posting it tomorrow, even if it is very late. Oh well, thanks especially to:
~Mel
~starkitty
~SArah
and
~KittyKat
again
and too:
~Jivanna
~vmr
~Athena Black (whoa you must have really lllllllllllliiiiiiiiiiiikkkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeeedddddddddd it)
~Lady FoxFire
~Riauna
Thank you so much again! And if you want me to E-Mail you when I post a new chapter then just say so in your review and I'd be happy too!