Disclaimer: I own nothing that you recognize from any Harry Potter book. If you don't recognize it: Hey it's mine!
Added a few small sentences, one of Lily talking with Mel the morning after the meeting. That's about the only substantial extra stuff.
Hey people! I'm updating a helluva lot faster than I usually would, and therefore need to get my ass crackin on writing a new chapter if I want it up by the weekend sometime! This is my longest yet, and is filled with many a thing. You get into some pitiful feelings for poor Remus, Jen's mind while she watches people converse, and we delve deeper than anyone ever thought possible into Sirius' mind. Also we see Genie again near the end, and more with Lily and her thoughts... Am I done spoiling? Yes I am.
I hope you enjoy this chapter! It took a lot out of me.
Moe23: I guess you didn't get my e-mail fast enough. :( Well, your name is Dakota. My friend figured that since she has a funky name, as would you! ;) Hope you enjoy it – even though it's not much so far. Sorry bout that.
Here it is! Chapter 26!
* * *
The next day, well, that morning to be exact was very tense between everyone. No one spoke to each other on their way to breakfast, except for brief hellos between the girls and guys. Ara and Mel were nearly clueless as to what went down the night before. All they knew were certain key words: Remus, Sirius, Snape, James, Willow, and shut up when you're around everybody this morning. So they did. Remus was in the Hospital Wing, completely unaware of the meeting coming up at noon.
Remus slept peacefully in the Infirmary through breakfast and his first couple classes. At about 11:20, M. Vocher woke him up.
"Rise and shine, M. Lupin." Vocher said, shaking him lightly.
Remus yawned and stretched. He opened his eyes and shut them quickly, the bright light of the Hospital Wing burning the back of his eyes. "Whatta you wan?" He murmured, rolling over to face the nurse.
M. Vocher sat on the side of Remus' bed. "Jus' to tell you dat d'ere is a meeting with Professor Dumbledore at noon, aujourd'hui." He said, trying not to sound to upset.
"Pour quoi?" Remus yawned, covering his mouth with the back of his hand as he stretched again. M. Vocher looked back and forth uneasily, unsure what to say. "Jean? What is it?" He asked, sitting up and staring intently at the young nurse before him.
"C'est ne pas my place to tell you, Remus." He sighed. "Mais, I 'ave udder news pour toi." Remus waited patiently for him to continue. "You know la femme dat I have been dating de last deux annes?" He asked, brightening up.
"Yes…" Remus said slowly.
"Well, we are getting married!" M. Vocher said happily.
"Oh, well, congratulations!" Remus said happily. He was worried at first by the previous look on Vocher's face.
"Yes, merci… but, de ting is… we are moving to and living in England… so I will be transferred dis summer." M. Vocher continued slowly.
Remus stared at him, slowly processing the information. "So… you won't… be here next year?" M. Vocher nodded. Remus didn't know whether he should be upset or angry. He settled on being happy for his friend. "What about Madam Wong?"
"Well, she looked after Madam Kensington, oui?" Remus nodded. "She is more specialized avec les werewolves and just stayed on to de end of de year. She never really looked after des étudiants avec moi, unless it was to help me. She hasn't de training. She will be gone come next year, Remus." The nurse said quietly.
"So you're leaving me?" Remus said loudly. "Who… what's the new nurses name?"
"I do not know… Ask Dumbledore at noon… which is soon." M. Vocher added, realizing Remus had to eat and freshen up. "So eat ton petit déjeuner, and get dressed, and I'll walk you to 'im."
Remus did as told, and was soon ready to leave. '10 minutes,' he thought as he brushed his hair and looked in the mirror at the paleness of his skin, and the dark circles under his eyes. '10 minutes till I find out what the hell's going on…'
M. Vocher led Remus to the gargoyle, trying to avoid any halls that may have students in them. Remus was supposed to be sick in Hospital.
"Remus," He said, "I want you to come right back to me once you're done 'ere, ok? Straight back, no matter what mood or state you may be in. Comprendre?" M. Vocher said, holding Remus by the shoulders, and levelling Remus' eyes to his own.
"I - I understand." Remus stuttered. Now he was worried. 'What happened last night…'
"Ok… Droobles Best Blowing Gum." The nurse said to the gargoyle before leaving. Remus watched him leave, and stared at the moving staircase ahead of him, rotating slowly. The gargoyle made an impatient noise, and Remus hesitantly stepped on the first step.
On his way up, his mind was racing. What did happened last night? Did someone find out about him? Or his friends' animagus abilities? What about the Map? Remus paled as he reached the massive door. Did he bite someone?
He wasn't sure whether he should knock or not… But surely Dumbledore is expecting him? Remus closed his eyes, took a shuddering breath, and opened the door.
Remus stepped in and immediately everyone stopped talking and looked at him. He seemed so shocked. 'He has no idea what occurred last night.' Jen thought. She watched him look at everybody there. First Dumbledore. Then McGonagall, who was right in front of him. Sirius, Peter, herself, James, Lily, all on one big couch in front of Dumbledore's desk. Prof. Estacle (Potions Mistress, and Head of Slytherin) behind a high backed chair. In that chair sat Snape. He looked at me once more.
"What's going on?" He asked, hand still on the doorknob.
"It would be best of you took a seat, Mr. Lupin." Dumbledore told him, gesturing to the couch, which still held room for him even though there were already five of us on it.
I moved aside, and let him sit beside me on the couch Dumbledore put there to accommodate everyone. All of us students sat upon it – except Snape – we don't like him, so he sat on a chair to the side of Lily. Perhaps the only one who can stand him. Estacle stands behind him, jewelled hand resting on the top of its high back, soft chair. McGonagall stands beside Sirius, who sits at the end of the couch, her arms crossed.
Our order, from the door, went: McGonagall, Sirius, Peter, Remus, me, James, Lily, Snape, than Estacle. My we look happy. Dumbledore has started talking, but I block him out as I stare at Remus and pick out how worn out he really is. He doesn't need this. Oh – I heard my name.
"Yes Professor?" I say.
"Ms. Black, can you tell us what happened the day before yesterday, when this all really began?" Dumbledore asked me.
The day before yesterday? Oh yes – simple question. "Well," I begin, pacing myself, "Sirius and I were going to get Remus something to drink. He looked so awful. On our way, we met Snape, and we exchanged some… cool words with each other. Snape baited Sirius with some remark on Remus' mum -"
"I did n-" Snape began to say, but Dumbledore held up a hand, and gestured me to continue.
"About Remus' mum. Sirius stood close to him and they talked quietly for a couple of minutes. I called Sirius back, and he finally came. He looked sour, and Snape seemed… I dunno, glad? I guess that's what it could be called." I nearly laughed. Here I was, a key witness to something that could get my brother expelled and I'm mocking the victim. If Snape really is the victim… It could be Remus.
"Thank you, Ms. Black." I nodded, and took Remus' cold hands in mine. "Mr. Snape, what happened in that meeting?"
Snape nodded, and began his story. I hated the first few words out of his mouth. "I did encounter the Blacks, as they were bickering like 5-year-olds, it was rather annoying. Black came up to my face and started threatening me -"
"What?" Sirius yelled. I admit I would have yelled worse, if not slapped Snape, if no one said anything.
Dumbledore held up a hand to Sirius, and turned to Snape. "Mr. Snape, please use their first names, as there are two of the Blacks here with us today. Continue." Ha. The look on Snape's face…
Snape nodded, although he looked murderous. Go ahead, kill one of us and see how far you get before you're thrown into Azkaban.
"We talked, and I mentioned Lupin, and Bl- Sirius got temperamental." God Sirius' name sounded bad coming out of the slime ball's mouth. "He told me to find out all I'd need to know about Lupin by pressing the knot in the Willow," Remus' grip tightened on my hand, "And go in the next evening. Jennifer called him back and he left like a trained puppy -"
"Mr. Snape." Dumbledore intervened. "Thank you. Mr. Black, if you would."
Remus' head whipped around to face Sirius. I couldn't see his face, but could feel his hands begin to sweat. They were still cold.
Sirius avoided his eyes, and began his side. "When Snape mentioned Mrs. Lupin's death, something inside of me exploded. No one says anything cruel about my mate, whether they know it's being said or not. We talked a bit, both of us riling up the other. I really wanted Snape to leave my friends and I alone. He's always been wondering about Remus, so what I told him was the first thing that came to my mind that made sense. I thought a good scare would get him off our backs for good – especially Remus'." Remus' hands were now getting warm. From behind I saw his jaw set firm
"Thank you, Mr. Black." Dumbledore said, than he turned to look at Remus. "Mr. Lupin," but Remus didn't move. "Mr. Lupin, look this way." He still stared at Sirius, and Sirius, with all his might, avoided his gaze still. I tugged his hand slightly, and he spun around and stared at my sympathetic face. He looked as thought someone just slapped him… or hurt him somehow. Well, someone did.
"Mr. Lupin," Remus looked at Dumbledore, "It is with a heavy heart that I force you to listen to this. Remember that you are completely innocent." Remus didn't move. "You are completely innocent." Dumbledore repeated, and this time Remus nodded. "Go on, Ms. Black. What happened the next day, before you got Ms. Evans and Mr. Potter?"
Right, back to me. What did I do? Breath… ok, Remus is looking back at me now. "The day before I had decided to beat out the conversation from Sirius. So I did." Someone gave a short laugh. Peter. The bastard – I'm trying to talk. "Later in the evening I caught Sirius watching the fire, and I talked it out of him."
"I thought you said you beat it out of him?" Estacle said, sneering at me.
"Well, I beat him… then later got it out of him. I realized what he had done by decoding his speech and face. I've always been able to do that with him, and him me. Twin thing. He seemed… what's the word? It was like he forgot I was there, and mumbled something's. I learned that it was to happen that evening, so I ran to get you, Dumbledore. I realized I didn't know the password, so I made a beeline for the library where I knew Lily and James'd be. I told them, and Lily went to get you, while James went for Snape in the Willow. That's all I know." I finished and looked into Remus' face. He seemed relieved. At what? That I had no larger part? That I'm safe and unharmed? Aw, I'm touched – cute of him to be worried –
"I know about Ms. Evans getting me straight away, and us heading to the Willow. What about you, Mr. Black? Where were you during the next events?" Every head swivelled to look at him. He seemed to have paled. He glanced around nervously, and swallowed.
"Well, on my way following Jen after she left our Common Room, I ran into Peter here -" he nodded to Peter who nodded his agreement, although he didn't look up, "-and we went to a secret room that we know of. I talked to him about it. He knew that Lily and James'd do something, get you Dumbledore, so we thought it best to stay out of the way." He raked a hand through his hair, and I noticed that he didn't call Dumbledore Albus. "I didn't feel like being maimed by James that evening, so Peter and I stayed over night in the room. That's it." He looked away, and I could now feel anger and heat reverberating off of Remus.
"Very well. Mr. Snape, please tell us what happened with you that evening." Dumbledore said both softly and calmly.
"I waited until later in the evening to leave, hoping none of Lupin's friends would be there. I left my dorm and made my way to the Willow. I used Black – Sirius' tip, and prodded the knot. I had faintly heard Potter calling my name but thought he was merely attempting to stop me from finding their hide-out and secrets that would surely get them expelled." James made a snort of a laugh. God bless him. And curse Snape while You're at it. "I followed the tunnel and came to a dead end. Potter caught up with me and we talked. After much cajoling on my part, scratching and growling above us, he finally told me about Lupin. Hoping to save his own hide, he tied me up and brought me back out." Snape finished, and I could now feel James' heat coming off of him beside me. God I'm hot…
Dumbledore nodded his understanding and looked at James. "Mr. Potter, if you will please end this now."
James nodded and instigated his nighttime escapade. "After I left the library, I ran straight through each corridor, down every staircase and left the school grounds. I – oh, I apologize if I hurt Mrs. Norris." Sirius, Peter, and I stifled a laugh. Yea right he's sorry… Go James! James looked at us before continuing, a small spark of humour in his eyes. "I called Snape's name telling him to stop. I slipped, and slid my way to the centre of the tree, nearly losing my head. I pressed the knot, and entered. I ran the tunnel length before I met up with Snape, yelling for him the whole time." Ok, so the stories are congruent so far… "We argued, I tried to sway him from getting in the Shack but he kept persisting that me and my friends – the 'lazy, slack-jawed imbeciles' – were hiding something up there worthy of expulsion." I glared at Snape, but I doubt her took notice. I'll show him slack-jawed…
"He pushed upon the floor boards, but couldn't lift them high. I think Remus was right above us the whole time. We argued some more, and I thought of stunning him. Remus left us, and we both heard him go up the stairs. Snape got this gleam in his eye, and announced that he could now take a look to see if you, Dumbledore, needed to search the place out. He surprised me by throwing me down, pushing the trap door up again, knowing full well there was a werewolf up there." Remus' hands were now shaking in mine. He looked at Sirius, who was staring intently at James. James continued, and Remus looked back over at him, swallowing hard. "I yelled and pulled him back down just before Remus reached the trap door." Remus paled some more. His breathing was quiet and shallow.
"I didn't trust Snape to follow me out after that, so I bound him and levitated him back to Hogwarts grounds."
Well, that is certainly different from Snape's tale, isn't it? This should be interesting…
"Thank you, Mr. Potter." Dumbledore said, than sighed. Is that a Quick Notes Quill that's writing? Oh good… Dumbledore looked at Snape. "Is what he said true?"
Snape seemed to ponder this. The two rivals Heads stared impatiently.
"Mr. Snape, it is either true or not." McGonagall said sharply. We all jumped, especially Snape.
"Somewhat. It doesn't change the fact that Black tried to get me killed!" Snape yelled.
Oh, if Sirius doesn't kill that idiot, I will.
"Indeed it doesn't." Estacle said, looking to Dumbledore. "Expulsion. That child should not be able to learn anymore-advanced magic. This is preposterous, why even think of about it?"
"Carolina," Dumbledore said calmly, and firmly, "I will look over today's dialogue -"
"What is the point? Send the little bugger packing right now!"
All right – make that a double murder. Sirius has paled considerably. Lily and James seem to want to intervene but know it's not their place. Peter's rubbing his left arm again, staring at his lap. Snape seems proud. The little bloody bastard of a git… And Remus. Oh my heart goes out to you love. His emotions are heavily conflicting. Does he hate Sirius for exploiting him? Or does he pity the stupid ass, and ask for him to stay? Please let him stay Dumbledore… Sure, I'm angry with the bugger… but in the long run… what'll happen to Dad if Sirius is expelled? He's ranked so high among the Unspeakables…
"Thank you all for coming." Dumbledore said to us. Everyone's getting up, why? Oh we're going… must've zoned out again…
We (the students) all slowly trudge to the door and leave.
"Hey love." I say as we walk past the gargoyle. Remus turns to me. "Let's get you some rest. Come on." I try to steer him to where our friends are going, but he doesn't move.
"I'm supposed to go back to M. Vocher." He croaks. My heart breaks for him. He's so full of suppressed emotion. Rage. Guilt. Anger. Sadness. Confusion. Pain.
"I'll walk you there, love." I say, and lead him back to the Hospital Wing.
"We'll find out tomorrow." He says as we near the doors to the Infirmary. "We'll know if Sirius stays or not." I nod. Really I had no idea Dumbledore said that. Was I really gone that long?
I open one of the doors, and seat him on the bed that he previously occupied. Well his stuff's here – so it's his, right?
"What do you want, Remus?" I ask quietly. I don't want him to feel any guilt because I'm Sirius' sister. I sit beside him.
"I don't know. Part of me hates him. He sold me out, put on display my darkest secret." I nod, and hold him as he talks. Keep way Vocher while we talk… "But some small part of me loves him for sticking up for me earlier… and… I don't think expulsion is the answer. He didn't abuse magic." I nodded again. I feel like those bouncy head dogs… "He abused our trust, and expulsion won't help that."
I bit my lip. What do I say to that? M. Vocher is coming – good. He tells Remus to rest. I kiss him softly on the lips and tell him goodbye. I'll be in later to see him, and in the next morning to pick him up like usual.
Today has been a long day… and it's only 3pm or so.
~ * ~
"What the hell was that all about Sirius?" James hissed at Sirius, once they entered the Common Room. Classes were still in session, and Sirius, true to his tale, had not returned that morning to his bed. Sirius closed his eyes and turned away. "Sirius." James repeated, grabbing his best friends elbow and turning the other boy to face him.
"Let me go James." Sirius said quietly. James made no motion to do so. "James…" He gripped tighter. "James please just let me go." Sirius' voice was pleading.
Lily came up to them from where her and Peter were standing on the sidelines. "James," she said, lightly putting her hand on his arm that held Sirius' like a vice. "Just let him go."
James grudgingly let go. "Sirius, why did you do that? Did you not think -"
"No." Sirius said, keeping his voice soft. "I really didn't, James. And now I'm facing expulsion." He looked ready to cry, but they all knew he wouldn't. "And for your answer as to why – I wanted him to leave us alone." James wanted to comment but Sirius held up his hand. "I wanted him to know about Remus. I didn't just want to tell him. I wanted him to see, so that there could be no doubt in his mind that all he has ever said to Remus had hurt him. Every joke and jest that was hurled his way before and after the full moon dampened him every time. I never wanted him to get hurt – it didn't cross my mind. I only started to realize what might happen only an hour or so before."
James sighed. "But you made no move to stop it." He told Sirius, closing his eyes briefly. "You and Jen both said that he commented on Remus' mum. What did he say?"
Every feature, crevice, and contour on Sirius' face darkened. "He remarked on how Mrs. Lupin finally died. Called it euthanasia after all her times of sickness. Then he had the audacity to sneer on about how he started to think that Remus lied to everyone. Said he joined Voldemort. Became a follower." Sirius was shaking somewhat now, and gave a short, humourless laugh. "Oh and he decided to bring up a character flaw or two on each of us." He wrapped his arms around himself. "I just couldn't take it, James. I needed him to feel pain, to understand what Remus goes through and know why Remus says what he says, and feels the way that only Remus can feel. And I wanted that knowledge to harm him. I wanted it so much that it just took over my very self." Sirius breath was coming out shakily as well. "And that type of power surge frightened me. I wanted it out and I never want to feel that way again. I really don't James." Sirius put one hand over his eyes and took some deep breaths. "I would have chased him down if he left me standing there. No one hurts my friends and gets away with it. I don't care the reason."
"It's ok, Padfoot." James said, putting a hand on Sirius' shoulder. "I think I can see what you mean, although I can never fully comprehend without experience, and I really don't believe I want full comprehension." James pulled Sirius into a 'manly' hug.
Lily shook her head. 'No matter how close they are or how terrible a circumstance may be – it's not groovy to hug.' They released each other, looked at Lily smiling, and pulled her into the hug as well, fake sobbing. Lily joined in.
"Come on, Peter." James said, sniffling and waving their friend over. Peter looked around, made sure the Common Room was empty, then joined.
"Aw! It's a moment!" Jen cried as she spotted her friends. She ran over goofily, and joined them. "So what have we deduced from mental man over here?" Jen asked once they were done wiping their 'tears' away.
"That he is, in fact, mental." Lily said. Sirius laughed.
"I call dibbs on bringing him to St. Mungos." James said, raising his hand.
"No way, I'm his sister. And thereby am first and foremost the one to take responsibility of the daft mule unless I feel someone else is better suited for the task which may arise." Silence. They all stared at Jen, none knowing what to make of her little speech. "So Lily, it's your birthday soon." That worked.
"The big one-seven!" –Sirius
"Oh is it?" –Peter
"Woo! Another party!" –James
"Party?" –Sirius
"Party!" –Sirius/James
"Yes… uh thanks. And it better be a good party." Lily said, laughing as James and Sirius started going over the finer details that were to be Lily's bash.
~ * ~
By the next day, Ara and Mel were filled in with all the information that Lily and Jen knew. They were, of course, furious at Sirius for what he had done, but after Lily explained Sirius' small glimpse into his mind, most (not all) of their anger sub-sided.
"Well, the Slytherin fool had it coming to him." Ara said in the morning, brushing her hair.
"Yes, and we know it probably would have happened sooner of later." Mel agreed. "But for Sirius to just come out and say it like that…"
"I just hope he stays." Lily said. "Who would Remus tame, James be stupid with, and Peter follow if he left?" The other two girls smiled. Peter did follow him, didn't he? Ara walked into the bathroom. "And who would Ara have a secret crush on?" Lily said quietly. Mel gave Lily a side-wards grin, and continued getting ready for class.
That was the morning in the Temple. Over in the Ranch…
"Sirius, you're going to see Moony today, and I don't know how he's going to react. He may stay perfectly silent, and ignore you; or he may punch you the second he gets within range." James said, brushing his teeth, thus, effectively getting toothpaste on the bathroom mirror while he spoke.
"I'm opting for a good ol' beating." Sirius replied, putting on some cologne. "God this stuff smells…"
"Then why put it on?" Peter asked.
James and Sirius looked at each other. James gave Sirius the 'it's Remus' turn to explain it to him, but seeing as he's not here, and you're after him, you're doing it' look.
Sirius sighed. "Because my manly odour is none too attractive to the opposite sex, Pete. And I'll be hanging out with Genie a tad more until Remus is ok to put up with me."
"Won't she question why Remus isn't talking to you?" Peter asked.
Sirius nudged James.
James sighed. 'Damn, my turn.' He turned to Peter, after spitting out the water he was swishing around in his mouth, who was at the moment, trying to figure out how to properly apply the cologne. "She's probably read about it in her tea leaves." Him and Peter laughed.
Sirius scowled. "I hate you both." He turned to James. "And that doesn't count as your turn." He stalked off and went to the Common Room to wait for the girls.
Peter looked at James, a perplexed look on his boyish face. James shrugged in response and they both headed down to meet the others; James deciding to question Remus on whether it counted as his turn or not over breakfast. And to tell Remus that he was two up on him if that be the case.
~ * ~
As they guessed, Remus was deadly quiet and sombre when Sirius was around. Sirius stayed unusually reserved when Remus was near him as well. Therefore, Sirius respected Remus' space, and kept out of his way so that they both could talk more. Sirius guarded his every comment he made when near his friend, and rarely joked in classes.
During dinner, McGonagall approached her House table, and made her way to Sirius.
"Mr. Black, Potter, and Lupin, please follow me." She turned, and walked back towards the Head table. The boys followed, an odd feeling of déja vu settled over each of them as they walked behind her on their way to the front. But no compliments or love sonnets came out of their mouths when they reached it.
Murmurs arose on the Hall: "What did they do this time?" "Who go pranked?" "I didn't even hear of anything…" "Matty, you're taller – look over to the Slytherin table – anything funny?"
The boys ignored them, and stopped behind McGonagall, none of them looking at each other. They saw Estacle and Snape already there.
Dumbledore stood up. "Follow me." He walked behind the teachers and went off to a room behind the staff table.
Once they congregated there, the four boys stood and waited for their announcements.
"First off, I would like to tell you, Mr. Snape, how incredibly lucky you are to survive such a thing, and thank you for not speaking of the incident to anyone to date." Snape nodded to Dumbledore's words.
"Mr. Potter, I would like to award you with this." Dumbledore took out an award and handed it to James. James stood dumbfounded. "It is an award for special services to the school, and that includes its inhabitants. You saved Mr. Snape's life that night. I feel he would not have stooped at the trap door had you not have gotten there."
Everyone was speechless. Snape looked horrified. Surely this wasn't right?
"Headmaster, how can you… This is impossible. He can Black scheme together -"
"James had nothing to do with it!" Sirius yelled, cutting off Snape's accusations.
"Mr. Snape, would you or would you not have gone into the Shack if Mr. Potter was not there to impose on your actions?" Dumbledore asked him. Snape made not reply, but glared menacingly at the floor. "Then he saved your life. Now, Mr. Lupin, it is not entirely up to you, but you may discuss any feelings you have regarding the possible expulsion of Mr. Black."
Remus stood, unmoving, and looked directly into the Headmasters eyes as he spoke. "I have thought about it, and although what he has done had greatly hindered our relationship and trust, I feel that expulsion is not the answer. He did not abuse magic." He looked at Sirius. "Only friendship."
Sirius couldn't look Remus in the eye, so he looked at the Portrait that hung beside him of a wizened witch. She ran through a couple of frames and ended up behind Dumbledore, where a painting of a wizard with a walrus moustache hung.
"Mr. Black," Sirius looked at Dumbledore's face, "it is now that I tell you where you stand." Sirius fought the urge to tell him that he stood before him, beside James, and a now empty portrait. "You are not to be expelled from Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Him, James and Remus all let out a breath. "But any more careless action, or prank that may harm or have any serious side affects may impinge upon that. Do not take lightly what you have done. You will receive an owl tomorrow morning, telling you your punishments.
"All your parents will be notified of certain aspects of this recent event. Good evening to all of you, and hurry back to your Common Rooms, or where ever you are off to now. Dinner is over."
All four boys left. Snape glared at all of them, unable to find words to describe his hatred and severe disappointment. He left them and left the Great Hall way before they even made it to the House tables.
"Thanks Remus… for not, you know, wanting me expelled." Sirius said awkwardly as they too headed to leave.
"Don't mention it." He replied, looking forward.
They arrived back to the Common Room in silence, except for a brief encounter with the Fat Lady and her friend Violet. She commented on Sirius' staying, and congratulated James on his award. ('Sweet talked your way out of that one did you Black? Oh and congratulations dear, for that award. Back when I was first put up…') Upon entering, each of them headed a different direction. Sirius went to Genie. Remus went to Jen (who was a couple of chairs over from her friends who were working on homework), and James to Lily. But Lily wasn't there.
"Hey Ara, where's Lily?" James asked the girl.
Ara looked up from her Potions work and pet Iphigenia, Lily's cat, on the head. "She wanted some time alone. She's upstairs, but don't bother her for a bit, it's hard to get some time by yourself around here." And she went back to her work.
"Thanks." He got his own work from his dorm, and sat on the floor between Ara and Mel, who were on the couch, and put his work on the table in front of him.
"So how'd it go?" Ara asked him as he settled in below her.
"Well, Snape is royally ticked. Remus was asked whether he wanted Sirius to stay, and as you can see, he's not going anywhere." James replied, unscrewing the lid to his ink, and dipping his favourite Eagle quill.
"And you?" Mel asked, on the other side of him.
"And I, what?"
"Well, you were obviously there for a reason. I mean, not just as a friend, cause Peter stayed with us." Ara answered.
"I got an award." James replied loosely.
"For saving that gits life?" Mel asked amazed.
"Seems so."
"Well, slap my face and call me goofy. He's in your debt Potter." Ara said, as her own cat that she brought back from her Aunt's house lazily tried to push Iphigenia off her lap. "Oi there, Bastet – leave the Abyssinian alone."
James sighed. "I don't know if I really want Snape in my debt. Seems… inane to me." Iphigenia scampered off of Ara, and ran onto James' shoulders, escaping Bastet. "Ow – watch it! Where do you lot get these names, any how?"
"I thought you might know, James." Ara said. "Mythology. Iphigenia was the eldest daughter of royalty. She was slain to appease Artemis and aid war."
James tried to look thoughtful but lost that battle when he smirked. "Go on…"
"And Bastet here is of the breed Egyptian Mau. Therefore her name comes from the Cat goddess of Ancient Egypt." She stated as if this was entirely obvious.
"Tell me again why I should know this." He said. Mel laughed and gave him the 'I'm with you' face. Iphigenia clambered off of James and rolled on his open parchment, attacking his quill playfully.
"Well, your bloody owl is named Cupid – I just thought you'd know something about that kind of stuff. Or did you do the: "Cupid has wings and so does my bird" thing?" Ara mockingly questioned him.
"I didn't name him. I told Lily that before this year, and thought you might have known." He told Ara stiffly.
"Oh." Ara replied, than went back to work, petting Bastet absentmindedly.
They were all quiet for a few minutes. "My sister named him." James said. "A few months before… before she died." He told them, tickling the cat atop his essay. Ara bit her lip and looked over James' head at Mel, but she wore a similar expression. James never spoke of his mum or sister. Never.
"So he was her owl?" Mel asked quietly.
"Ours. But I apparently wanted to name him Mama, so they went with Cupid." They heard Jen laugh from a couple of chairs over where she was with Remus.
"I remember your mum telling us that! You were so upset and repeated 'Mama, Mama, Mama, Mama…' over and over again, trying to get the owl to respond to that name." They all laughed, picturing a baby James banging his little chubby fists on the table, shouting 'Mama' at a perturbed owl.
"Yes well… Jen, may I talk to you for a moment?" James asked, getting up, and leaving his quill with the Abyssinian, who happily took it with her paws.
"Sure, whereto?" Jen asked, smiling as Iphigenia set at work to destroy the Eagle feather.
"My dorm." James replied, "just for a minute." He added hastily, seeing the look on his friends' faces, especially Remus'.
"What's going on?" Jen asked as they went into the boys' dorm.
James made sure no on was there. "It's about Lily."
"Ok, I figured so."
"Dumbledore knows you know, and he's ok with that. He asked me to look after Lily. Now, seeing as there are times I can't be there for her, ex. Quidditch practice/games, bathroom things, night time, and certain classes, I asked if you could aid me in it."
"So you want me to give you feedback on any changes that may occur and anything substantial that happens while you're not there?" Jen asked.
"Yes, and for you to be there for her. Keep her busy, as Dumbledore says. He's offered to be there if Lily decides to tell anyone else, so she's thinking of it now."
"Alright then."
Down in the Common Room…
Sirius left to go the library just before James and Jen went upstairs. He needed to get a book for DADA before it closed. Genie watched Remus' friends for a minute before getting up herself.
"Where are you going?" Genie's friend Dakota asked, narrowing her pale green eyes.
"To ask Rem over there a question." She answered, shrugging her shoulders.
"Rem? Since when is it Rem? And since when are you friends with his friends?" Dakota asked, pointing a Sugar quill to Sirius' stuff, laying strewn about them.
"Since we started dating." Genie winked and went over to Remus who was immersed in his Transfiguration essay. "Hello."
Remus looked up startled. Mel, Gus, and Ara looked up as well, confused as to why Genie would be talking to them. "Yes?" Remus asked. "I don't know where Sirius is-"
"I know where Sirius is. Listen Rem – can I call you Rem?"
Remus shook his head as she sat on the arm of his chair. "No." He replied firmly.
"Ok Rem -"
"I said no!" Remus interrupted.
"Did I ask for you opinion?" She asked him haughtily.
"Yes!"
Genie waved her hand dismissively. "Temporary brain lapse. Now Rem, I want to know why you two aren't talking." She asked him, poking his chest with her quill.
"That's none of your business." Remus answered, brushing her quill from him. He eyed her mouth warily as she played with her tongue ring.
Genie tutted. "Did he go after your girl?" She asked.
Remus' friends laughed. Remus furrowed his brow, and blinked multiple times. "Oh God – she's his sister -"
"You never know." Genie pointed out.
"Oh God!" Remus exclaimed, looking horrified as if mental images sprung into his head.
"Look Rem, are you going to answer me or not? Because frankly – an unhappy Sirius makes for a very un-attractive Sirius." Genie asked him impatiently as if he was taking up her time. She gazed at him with her aqua-blue eyes, tapping her tongue ring against the back of her teeth, making inane clicking sounds.
"It's none of your business." Remus replied. "Now if you don't mind -"
"His girlfriend would like to sit there." Jen said from behind them.
"Then I'll leave." Genie said sweetly, looking over her shoulder at Jen who had her hands on her hips. "Thank you for your time, Rem." She got up, smiled to his other friends, and went back to her own. Dakota shook her head and reprimanded her for getting in the way of the sixth years. Genie merely shrugged and laughed at another one of her friends comments.
"Rem?" Jen asked, sitting on his lap, and watching Genie from the corner of her eye.
"Oh bloody hell, don't you start." Remus said, hitting his head on her shoulder.
"And aren't you supposed to be on the arm rest?" Ara inquired.
Jen opened her mouth to reply, but two things happened at once that took her attention away: Sirius came through the Portrait Hole and looked at her sadly as he made his way to Genie. That was just seconds away, though, from James exclaiming: "My quill!" as he saw its ruins, some still flitting over his essay lazily. Iphigenia chewing on the tip, whiskers and snout covered in black ink.
~ * ~
Lily sat up in her bed; her books, parchment, quill and ink piled in front of her. She had asked to do her homework alone tonight. Instead she read over the letter she had received from James, that Dumbledore had written.
Does she want to tell her friends and cause another rift in everyone's life?
She thought of each of her friends' reaction:
Mel. Oh God – her parents were killed deliberately. She had received a letter from Voldemort that day, but hadn't read it. She'd know right away what it was about. She may take more time to accept it.
Ara. She wasn't solely targeted by Lily's 'relationship' with the Dark Lord. They had a good friendship and Lily guessed Ara would stick by her easily.
Peter. Ha- Peter. His Grandfather was something completely different. Lily received no letter from Voldemort that day. No, Peter would go along with James and Sirius.
Sirius. She wasn't completely sure. She guessed he'd stay by her. Jen is and James. If they stay – but no, Sirius isn't a follower of them. But he knows what it's like to be singled out by friends. Yes, Sirius would be ok.
Oh no – Remus. So much happens to the poor boy when nothing bad comes to pass. His parents died, leaving him with a brother who doesn't understand him. M. Vocher is leaving this summer – Jen told her that today during dinner. And now with Sirius' unstopping mouth… Remus, it seems, may take a bit longer to convince, like Mel. Or maybe he'll be sympathetic? He received letters earlier, and knew of Donna's…
Lily sighed. Well, one and a half out of seven is pretty good. All right, so she's made up her mind. But when? They're still in the eye of the storm with Sirius and Remus. Everything got hectic, now everything is calm, only to get hectic once more. After the final blow, maybe?
And then what does she do when everyone's fine? Bam. 'Here's another problem to drown ourselves in!' That's great Lily – you do that. And exams are a month or so away. Damn this time of year.
No. No she'll do it soon. Maybe it'll help bring everyone together. They're all generally on the same side here, all against Voldemort. Yes, this may help strengthen their friendships.
Lily smiled. Each and every one of them is against Voldemort.
* * *
Woo! Done Chapter 26! You know that took me over 5 hours to type up? My neck hurts from looking to my book to the screen, and every now and then to my keyboards. Fanfiction has greatly upped my typing skills!
Well, here are my thanks for Chapter 25!!
Musicizdbest: Thank you! I always look forward to getting reviews from my regulars! ;) Thanks!
Sugarquill: Thank you!! :):) What is up with Lily? All will be answered… if I didn't already. No – I don't think I did… :)
Lily Smith: OH I THANK YOU! *smirks* Who did think he could move that fast? I recall Harry chasing after Dumbledore to get to Crouch and wondering how the old man moved so quickly. And I won't reveal your true name! ;) But I will tell you that it's the name of my best friend! Thanks so much!
VoldemortsIllegitimateChild: It was fun decoding your review! Lol. It's ok you didn't review the last chapter *grabs hankie and starts crying again* I think I'll live. Thanks so much for the review!
Moe23: Honestly. Do you not check your e-mail everyday? Lol- I;m kidding. Tell me if you like the name, and if not, I can easily change it. Done and done if you want it so. I have to tell you, my friend was deeply flattered that you choose her. Anywho – thanks so much!! :):) And what do you want to look like? I didn't put your features on there yet… so we can wing it from there!!
Jess: Thanks for the review! I love having new people read it!! Makes me so happy. I'm trying to add more detail about the story… although sometimes I get carried away with certain dialogues… and then certain chapters *cough*this one*cough* get really long. Thanks!
SlytherinQueen87: Yes – caught up!! When I read about the 'prank' in PoA with the Willow, I didn't think much of it either… but really – it is a pretty big deal. But I'm not one for depressing stuff (although you may think otherwise when reading my story lately!), so I tend to throw in some (ok lots) humour in between perils. Hope you liked this chapter as well! And Lily's letter… you'll see. Although I pretty much told you guys, eh? Thanks for your review! I missed them! :(
KeeperOfTheMoon: I think everyone loves Sirius. And if not – than that person is obviously not a person. Damn clones. Anywho. (Where did the clone thing come from?) I do wish I could have killed Snape off. And Petunia. And Voldemort. But *sighs dejectedly* something's just can't be helped… Thank you so much for the review! Love your story too! Took me a while to find the sequel, eh?
Nessie: Get ready for the longest thank you in the history of man! Did you know that here in Ottawa there is a Museum of Man? It is the mustiest, old, boring building in the WORLD. It hasn't changed since the 60's. Or 70's. I kid you not. See how we get off topic? Ok, so not really memorized the MWPP parts… but nearly! I can recall every point, but not memorized word for word. And I've only fully read it 3x. I know! I really did have fun with the sex thing. And I told one of my friends all about it and she's all jealous that I didn't tell her about the class! HA! And she's the one Genie is modeled after. I hope you guys don't think she's evil… Old people with tattoos are the funniest! You're on the beach going: "Dude… you really shouldn't have…" So you lost your keys… therefore being punished by not being allowed on the net? So what you're saying is that you're making feel like the bestest person in the world by having you leaving such long reviews? Aw… I'm touched. *sighs* Now I'm just rambling to make this a long thank you. So thank you very, very, very much! I really do love getting reviews from you – although I've mentioned it before!! :)
MicRen8: Hey Michelle! Thank you very much! I like my story, too. Lol. (tooting my horn: do do do doooo) Texas? Is everything actually big in Texas… I've always wanted to know that. Thanks for the review!
Amethyst: Wow – you said my story is cool! You know my story used to be called Why So Cool? Show Me The Coolness Ways! But then I dropped it. It was really just an inside joke with a friend of mine… so when someone says my story is cool – it's the epitome of any review! :) Thanks for it!
~sundust~: I absolutely LOVED your review. No one has ever bowed to me. Not without my putting a plague on both their houses before hand. Lol. I don't know if I would say it's the best out there… oh screw modesty! IT IS! Lol – joking… ok no really – I'm not. I should get my egocentricness looked at. And that isn't even a word. Thank you so much for your amazing review! I read it like… 5 times before I deleted it from my inbox! Lol. Thanks so much! I can't say it enough!
All right – there you go! And for the people who reviewed other chapters! Prairie_Flower617, SlytherinQueen87 (cause you reviewed the other 2 chapters you missed!), and Sunnycool16 (whenever you make it this far – thanks!!)
Alright! I hope I can get the next chapter up by Sunday at the latest. (oh God – I haven't even started it!!!) Although I have a good idea. Ok, no I don't. Not one bloody idea where to start! Lol. Thanks for sticking with me!
And for anyone who wants an e-mail update, and didn't catch the notice before: just tell me. Be blunt. I really am quite dim when you take away my lack of modesty. *laughs* At least I'm forward, eh? See you on Sunday! (hopefully!!) And please review!
