DISCLAIMER: *roll disclaimer that we've all heard before*
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Those Wicked Eyes
Chapter seven~ The Prank Master's Return
"I have something for you," a cheerful voice greeted him the next morning. Lily handed him a red, cloth-covered book.
"What is it?"
"A journal. A Muggle journal. No magic."
"Why?" he asked, opening it and flipping through the pages.
"Because. My parents got me a journal after Dylan died, and it helped. Writing in it, I mean."
"Okay." He turned back to the first page, where someone had printed, 'When you reach your lowest point, remember. There's nowhere to go but up.'
"I'm going down to breakfast. You coming?"
"Not yet. I'll be down in a minute. Lily?" She turned. "Thanks." She flashed him a smile.
"Any time." He turned back to the journal, thinking about Lily, and how pretty she looked when she smiled, and what Katie would tell him if she knew he was thinking that. He opened it, got out quill and ink, and started to write.
Dear Katie,
You may think I'm crazy, writing this to you as if you were still alive. Well, Midget, maybe I am crazy. I won't deny that. And by the way, wherever you are, I know you're laughing at me. For more reasons than one. Well, stop, okay? Honestly. Some things never change. I get no respect from you, no matter where you are.
But, seriously, sis. It sure wasn't easy for me when I heard you were gone. And, amazingly enough, it was Lily who helped me pull through. Yeah, I know what you're going to say. "You like Lily. Admit it!" Okay, I will. She's a good person. And a good friend. Ha! Tricked you, didn't I? No, probably not. You always were rather difficult to trick. But you are wrong on that count, as I've told you before.
See, first I talked to Remus. He was a great help. He said that only love was going to vanquish Voldemort in the end, and I couldn't close my heart to it. So I guess the hurt I feel means I loved you. Well, that's a relief, at any rate. I was beginning to wonder. A joke, Katie, a joke! Don't send down whatever lightning bolts are in your possession now. Yikes, that's a scary thought. Katie with lightning. I shudder.
Okay, I'll knock out the jokes. For now. Remus helped. But Lily's the one who clinched it. She told me that when you reach your lowest point, there's nowhere to go but up, and you have two choices. You can lay sprawled at the bottom, or you can bounce back. 'Bouncing back may hurt,' she said, 'but staying down kills you.' That really made me think. I'm prepared for it to hurt. If it meant getting you back, I'd endure all the pain of centuries. But I know that's not going to work. Lily also said I'm still alive for a reason. I don't know what that reason is yet, but I'm trying to figure it out. I do know that I will defeat Voldemort, or die in the attempt. I think that's what it boils down to with every person living. If they do the right thing, stand up to him and don't join him, that's the choice in the end. Right?
Right. I'm going to go now, going to 'face the world,' as Lily said. The Marauders, and practically everyone else, haven't seen hide nor hair of me since term began anew. Ugh, the pile of homework that awaits me. Isn't that why I stayed here in the first place? Some things will never change, I suppose. If only you could have seen the note Aunt Connie sent me on Christmas. Lily and I laughed over it, at any rate. Course, she's not around anymore, but I'll bet she'll be standing the gates when my time comes, demanding to know what took me so long!
I'll see you, Midget. That I promise.
James(Prongs)
James sighed and closed the journal, before tucking it into a pocket in his robes.
"Time to face the world," he muttered. Then he grinned. "But first, I think I'll get things back to normal around here." He entered the deserted Gryffindor Common Room. Very carefully, he balanced a bucket of water on the door to the Marauders' dormitory. "Let the pranks begin anew!" he whispered.
He took a deep breath before entering the Great Hall. Heads turned as he came in, but he ignored them. He sat beside Sirius, who, thankfully, did not stare at him.
"Good to see you, James," was all he said.
"You, too, Padfoot. I just decided it was time to face the world." He looked pointedly at lily as he said this, but though she smiled, she did not look up at him.
"Ready for class?" Peter asked.
"Am I ever? It's not like I've been missing class, guys. I've been there. Just in the back."
"You okay, James?" Sirius asked, in a rare serious moment.
"Yeah. Or I will be. Don't worry about it. I'm just glad to be back." Dumbledore dismissed the students and they swarmed out of the hall, towards their first class. James' was Advanced Transfiguration. The day seemed to drag on forever, as he sat through Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, and Herbology. He went to the Gryffindor Common Room immediately after classes to see his prank in action.
Seating himself in a chair that gave him a clear view of the dormitories, but kept him out of sight to those in the dormitories, he waited.
"So, has anyone seen James?" Remus was asking, bounding up the stairs.
"No, but I–Aaurgh!" Sirius had pushed open the door, causing the bucket of water to fall on his head.
"Pitiful," James said, rising from his chair to walk towards a soaked Sirius. "I got you with a five-year-old's trick. There's just no challenge anymore. Padfoot, you disappoint me."
"But-b-but I–no, wait!" Sirius sputtered.
"Yes?" James prompted.
"That's not fair!" he exclaimed.
"All's fair in love, war, and pranking, Sirius. Surely you haven't forgotten." Sirius stared him down, before grinning.
"Okay, but let's give the Slytherins the pranks, shall we?"
"Of course. But not today. I've got homework and a Head meeting. Meet me tomorrow and we'll plan."
"You got it," Sirius agreed, obviously glad to have James back to his old self.
~~~
"So, for our spring event, I had a different idea, but after what happened, I decided to change it. Now I have one even better, but I'll need your help." He and Lily were wrapping up their Head meeting.
"Okay. What did you have in mind?"
"An April First Spring Dance, dedicated to Katie and her pranks." James went silent, thinking. "Unless you don't like it, then we can change it. I just thought it would be a great way to—"
"No, Lily. It's a great idea. I love it. I love it, and Katie would have loved it. How can I help?"
"Well, before we get into that, we need to set some ground rules."
He sighed, teasing her. "Fine. Honestly. Ground rules on April Fools' day? Now I've heard it all." She laughed. "Okay. The first thing we need to establish is that everyone is invited. All years. Since Katie was a first year, her friends should be allowed to come."
"Of course. But that also means no pranks that are inappropriate for that age group. We need to make that clear."
"Right. We could have one corner dedicated to past Prank Masters of Hogwarts and their greatest schemes. Dumbledore could help with that."
"And another corner should be declared the 'Safe Corner.' No pranks played there. Also a time set strictly for events. Maybe at the end. Dancing only and prize giving, but no pranks allowed after that."
"That's a good idea. And we should also have pranking coaches in one area, for younger pranksters who need ideas or a little help."
"That's good, too. To involve everyone. And one last area, which is where I'll need your help the most."
"Okay. What's that?"
"One section dedicated to Katie. I can set that up if you don't want to."
"No, I'll help. But can I ask a favor?"
"What?"
"Will you let me do that section on my own?" He couldn't explain why, but that was something he needed to do.
"Of course." She touched his shoulder understanding in her eyes. But in that instant, something strange happened. When she touched him, a tingle ran up his arm. He knew she felt it too, because she jerked away, staring at him. He caught her emerald eyes briefly, and saw shock combined with a clouded emotion he couldn't name. They both looked away quickly.
"Um . . yeah. So . ."
"So . . that's settled. I'll take our notes to Dumbledore first thing tomorrow, " she said hurriedly.
"Um . . okay. That sounds good. So, I'm going to turn in now. I'll . . see you tomorrow."
"Right. Tomorrow." She smiled at him, and they hurried away to their separate rooms. Still wondering what had just happened, James took out his new journal and started to write.
Dear Katie,
Wow! Have I got news for you! You would love it, were you here. For the school's spring event this year, we're having an April Fool's Dance, dedicated to Prank Masters young and old. That means you, too, Midget. And I have the hard job of coming up with a display to do Kathryn Melissa Potter proud. Of course, the display is about Kathryn Melissa Potter, so maybe it will just embarrass her. No, I wouldn't do that . . .
In all seriousness, or at any rate, as serious as April Fools can get, which isn't very, but you know what I mean, I do have to make a display dedicated to you, your memory, and your pranks. Heaven knows as well as I do that I'm really the only person who is capable of coming up with a suitable memorial. Okay, deflating the ego.
So, I'll know you'll be around when this thing kicks off. Sadly, I cannot claim the idea. It was Lily who came up with it. And boy is Sirius going to have a field day! Maybe I'll draft him to be a prank councilor. Oo, no! On second thought, maybe I'll save that for an April Fools prank. Tell him that day that he's been 'banished' to the counciling squad. Oo, this is priceless! Maybe I'll actually be able to trick Sirius this year. No? Is that what you just sais, Kathryn Potter? No? Well! I am insulted. You just stick around with me until April Fools Day and then we'll see who has the last laugh!
James
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A/N: Yuck! Give me your honest opinion on that chapter. I know I hated it. I don't know why, but it just WOULD NOT write itself. I was having the WORST trouble imaginable. Which is why it's so short. That first little bit took, like, two hours to write, while I"ve written things about 3 times as long in one. I know what it is. That stupid blackout that no one can explain wrecked my concentration. I'm still not happy with this chapter, not happy at all, but I'm not wrestling with it any more. I'm sorry. I'm probably being too self-critical. It's one of my worst faults. I apologize and I'll try to do better. Actually, the last part isn't too bad.
NOw it's time for (drumroll, please) AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION!!!!! See the thing is, I had the great idea for an April Fools Dance, but I have no idea what kind of pranks to show or what prizes to give or anything. That's where you come in. You give me your ideas, and I'll add them to the dance. Sound good? Okay! Roll 'em in!
No M*A*S*H fans? Seems that way. *sigh* It's all right. I'll just eat the chocolate chip cookie myself. So, I suppose a short explanation is in order. M*A*S*H is a television show from the '70's about the Koren War. M*A*S*H stand for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. The show is about M*A*S*H unit 4077, a bunch of crazy doctors. It's a great show. In fact, I hear the theme song as I write. My brother must be watching the show. Hurry to your local library and see if you can check out a few episodes to watch. I think it shows on 57 Fox, too . . . okay, sorry. Enough of my rambling. Anyway. Remus Lupin is based on Dr. Sydney Freedman, a psychiatrist who frequents the unit, and is one of my fave characters. Anyway, on to more important matters.
I have survived my first week of band camp! Yay for me! And that means it's time for . . . SUPER WRITING WEEKEND *said in superhero voice, echoing off into eternity* What that means is, I will be writing as much as possible Saturday and Sunday. I'll be out of town and therefore unable to update Monday, sorry. But I'll see how much I can get done before then, okay? Sound like a plan? I thought so.
On to reviewer replies!
Lalilia: I liked the dream, thought it would be good to add a foreshadowing bit in there somewhere.
Templa Otmena: Lily's family history was originally meant for part of a novel I'm working on, but I decided it worked better here and I had a better idea for the novel. As for the work, all's well that ends well, at any rate.
TaliaAshke: About the blackouts, investigators are 'speculating possible causes' which means they don't have a clue. Just waiting for news and not bothering myself about it because heavens knows I have enough to bother myself about already. But being busy is my life, and, believe it or not, I operate better flying from one thing to another faster than the speed of light, but I do have to remind myself to slow down every once and a while. That's why I wrote fanfics :-)
I think those were the only new reviews I got. If I missed you, you have my humblest apologies and a good luck penny. Until next chapter, I am your author, Realmer06!
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Those Wicked Eyes
Chapter seven~ The Prank Master's Return
"I have something for you," a cheerful voice greeted him the next morning. Lily handed him a red, cloth-covered book.
"What is it?"
"A journal. A Muggle journal. No magic."
"Why?" he asked, opening it and flipping through the pages.
"Because. My parents got me a journal after Dylan died, and it helped. Writing in it, I mean."
"Okay." He turned back to the first page, where someone had printed, 'When you reach your lowest point, remember. There's nowhere to go but up.'
"I'm going down to breakfast. You coming?"
"Not yet. I'll be down in a minute. Lily?" She turned. "Thanks." She flashed him a smile.
"Any time." He turned back to the journal, thinking about Lily, and how pretty she looked when she smiled, and what Katie would tell him if she knew he was thinking that. He opened it, got out quill and ink, and started to write.
Dear Katie,
You may think I'm crazy, writing this to you as if you were still alive. Well, Midget, maybe I am crazy. I won't deny that. And by the way, wherever you are, I know you're laughing at me. For more reasons than one. Well, stop, okay? Honestly. Some things never change. I get no respect from you, no matter where you are.
But, seriously, sis. It sure wasn't easy for me when I heard you were gone. And, amazingly enough, it was Lily who helped me pull through. Yeah, I know what you're going to say. "You like Lily. Admit it!" Okay, I will. She's a good person. And a good friend. Ha! Tricked you, didn't I? No, probably not. You always were rather difficult to trick. But you are wrong on that count, as I've told you before.
See, first I talked to Remus. He was a great help. He said that only love was going to vanquish Voldemort in the end, and I couldn't close my heart to it. So I guess the hurt I feel means I loved you. Well, that's a relief, at any rate. I was beginning to wonder. A joke, Katie, a joke! Don't send down whatever lightning bolts are in your possession now. Yikes, that's a scary thought. Katie with lightning. I shudder.
Okay, I'll knock out the jokes. For now. Remus helped. But Lily's the one who clinched it. She told me that when you reach your lowest point, there's nowhere to go but up, and you have two choices. You can lay sprawled at the bottom, or you can bounce back. 'Bouncing back may hurt,' she said, 'but staying down kills you.' That really made me think. I'm prepared for it to hurt. If it meant getting you back, I'd endure all the pain of centuries. But I know that's not going to work. Lily also said I'm still alive for a reason. I don't know what that reason is yet, but I'm trying to figure it out. I do know that I will defeat Voldemort, or die in the attempt. I think that's what it boils down to with every person living. If they do the right thing, stand up to him and don't join him, that's the choice in the end. Right?
Right. I'm going to go now, going to 'face the world,' as Lily said. The Marauders, and practically everyone else, haven't seen hide nor hair of me since term began anew. Ugh, the pile of homework that awaits me. Isn't that why I stayed here in the first place? Some things will never change, I suppose. If only you could have seen the note Aunt Connie sent me on Christmas. Lily and I laughed over it, at any rate. Course, she's not around anymore, but I'll bet she'll be standing the gates when my time comes, demanding to know what took me so long!
I'll see you, Midget. That I promise.
James(Prongs)
James sighed and closed the journal, before tucking it into a pocket in his robes.
"Time to face the world," he muttered. Then he grinned. "But first, I think I'll get things back to normal around here." He entered the deserted Gryffindor Common Room. Very carefully, he balanced a bucket of water on the door to the Marauders' dormitory. "Let the pranks begin anew!" he whispered.
He took a deep breath before entering the Great Hall. Heads turned as he came in, but he ignored them. He sat beside Sirius, who, thankfully, did not stare at him.
"Good to see you, James," was all he said.
"You, too, Padfoot. I just decided it was time to face the world." He looked pointedly at lily as he said this, but though she smiled, she did not look up at him.
"Ready for class?" Peter asked.
"Am I ever? It's not like I've been missing class, guys. I've been there. Just in the back."
"You okay, James?" Sirius asked, in a rare serious moment.
"Yeah. Or I will be. Don't worry about it. I'm just glad to be back." Dumbledore dismissed the students and they swarmed out of the hall, towards their first class. James' was Advanced Transfiguration. The day seemed to drag on forever, as he sat through Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, and Herbology. He went to the Gryffindor Common Room immediately after classes to see his prank in action.
Seating himself in a chair that gave him a clear view of the dormitories, but kept him out of sight to those in the dormitories, he waited.
"So, has anyone seen James?" Remus was asking, bounding up the stairs.
"No, but I–Aaurgh!" Sirius had pushed open the door, causing the bucket of water to fall on his head.
"Pitiful," James said, rising from his chair to walk towards a soaked Sirius. "I got you with a five-year-old's trick. There's just no challenge anymore. Padfoot, you disappoint me."
"But-b-but I–no, wait!" Sirius sputtered.
"Yes?" James prompted.
"That's not fair!" he exclaimed.
"All's fair in love, war, and pranking, Sirius. Surely you haven't forgotten." Sirius stared him down, before grinning.
"Okay, but let's give the Slytherins the pranks, shall we?"
"Of course. But not today. I've got homework and a Head meeting. Meet me tomorrow and we'll plan."
"You got it," Sirius agreed, obviously glad to have James back to his old self.
~~~
"So, for our spring event, I had a different idea, but after what happened, I decided to change it. Now I have one even better, but I'll need your help." He and Lily were wrapping up their Head meeting.
"Okay. What did you have in mind?"
"An April First Spring Dance, dedicated to Katie and her pranks." James went silent, thinking. "Unless you don't like it, then we can change it. I just thought it would be a great way to—"
"No, Lily. It's a great idea. I love it. I love it, and Katie would have loved it. How can I help?"
"Well, before we get into that, we need to set some ground rules."
He sighed, teasing her. "Fine. Honestly. Ground rules on April Fools' day? Now I've heard it all." She laughed. "Okay. The first thing we need to establish is that everyone is invited. All years. Since Katie was a first year, her friends should be allowed to come."
"Of course. But that also means no pranks that are inappropriate for that age group. We need to make that clear."
"Right. We could have one corner dedicated to past Prank Masters of Hogwarts and their greatest schemes. Dumbledore could help with that."
"And another corner should be declared the 'Safe Corner.' No pranks played there. Also a time set strictly for events. Maybe at the end. Dancing only and prize giving, but no pranks allowed after that."
"That's a good idea. And we should also have pranking coaches in one area, for younger pranksters who need ideas or a little help."
"That's good, too. To involve everyone. And one last area, which is where I'll need your help the most."
"Okay. What's that?"
"One section dedicated to Katie. I can set that up if you don't want to."
"No, I'll help. But can I ask a favor?"
"What?"
"Will you let me do that section on my own?" He couldn't explain why, but that was something he needed to do.
"Of course." She touched his shoulder understanding in her eyes. But in that instant, something strange happened. When she touched him, a tingle ran up his arm. He knew she felt it too, because she jerked away, staring at him. He caught her emerald eyes briefly, and saw shock combined with a clouded emotion he couldn't name. They both looked away quickly.
"Um . . yeah. So . ."
"So . . that's settled. I'll take our notes to Dumbledore first thing tomorrow, " she said hurriedly.
"Um . . okay. That sounds good. So, I'm going to turn in now. I'll . . see you tomorrow."
"Right. Tomorrow." She smiled at him, and they hurried away to their separate rooms. Still wondering what had just happened, James took out his new journal and started to write.
Dear Katie,
Wow! Have I got news for you! You would love it, were you here. For the school's spring event this year, we're having an April Fool's Dance, dedicated to Prank Masters young and old. That means you, too, Midget. And I have the hard job of coming up with a display to do Kathryn Melissa Potter proud. Of course, the display is about Kathryn Melissa Potter, so maybe it will just embarrass her. No, I wouldn't do that . . .
In all seriousness, or at any rate, as serious as April Fools can get, which isn't very, but you know what I mean, I do have to make a display dedicated to you, your memory, and your pranks. Heaven knows as well as I do that I'm really the only person who is capable of coming up with a suitable memorial. Okay, deflating the ego.
So, I'll know you'll be around when this thing kicks off. Sadly, I cannot claim the idea. It was Lily who came up with it. And boy is Sirius going to have a field day! Maybe I'll draft him to be a prank councilor. Oo, no! On second thought, maybe I'll save that for an April Fools prank. Tell him that day that he's been 'banished' to the counciling squad. Oo, this is priceless! Maybe I'll actually be able to trick Sirius this year. No? Is that what you just sais, Kathryn Potter? No? Well! I am insulted. You just stick around with me until April Fools Day and then we'll see who has the last laugh!
James
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A/N: Yuck! Give me your honest opinion on that chapter. I know I hated it. I don't know why, but it just WOULD NOT write itself. I was having the WORST trouble imaginable. Which is why it's so short. That first little bit took, like, two hours to write, while I"ve written things about 3 times as long in one. I know what it is. That stupid blackout that no one can explain wrecked my concentration. I'm still not happy with this chapter, not happy at all, but I'm not wrestling with it any more. I'm sorry. I'm probably being too self-critical. It's one of my worst faults. I apologize and I'll try to do better. Actually, the last part isn't too bad.
NOw it's time for (drumroll, please) AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION!!!!! See the thing is, I had the great idea for an April Fools Dance, but I have no idea what kind of pranks to show or what prizes to give or anything. That's where you come in. You give me your ideas, and I'll add them to the dance. Sound good? Okay! Roll 'em in!
No M*A*S*H fans? Seems that way. *sigh* It's all right. I'll just eat the chocolate chip cookie myself. So, I suppose a short explanation is in order. M*A*S*H is a television show from the '70's about the Koren War. M*A*S*H stand for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. The show is about M*A*S*H unit 4077, a bunch of crazy doctors. It's a great show. In fact, I hear the theme song as I write. My brother must be watching the show. Hurry to your local library and see if you can check out a few episodes to watch. I think it shows on 57 Fox, too . . . okay, sorry. Enough of my rambling. Anyway. Remus Lupin is based on Dr. Sydney Freedman, a psychiatrist who frequents the unit, and is one of my fave characters. Anyway, on to more important matters.
I have survived my first week of band camp! Yay for me! And that means it's time for . . . SUPER WRITING WEEKEND *said in superhero voice, echoing off into eternity* What that means is, I will be writing as much as possible Saturday and Sunday. I'll be out of town and therefore unable to update Monday, sorry. But I'll see how much I can get done before then, okay? Sound like a plan? I thought so.
On to reviewer replies!
Lalilia: I liked the dream, thought it would be good to add a foreshadowing bit in there somewhere.
Templa Otmena: Lily's family history was originally meant for part of a novel I'm working on, but I decided it worked better here and I had a better idea for the novel. As for the work, all's well that ends well, at any rate.
TaliaAshke: About the blackouts, investigators are 'speculating possible causes' which means they don't have a clue. Just waiting for news and not bothering myself about it because heavens knows I have enough to bother myself about already. But being busy is my life, and, believe it or not, I operate better flying from one thing to another faster than the speed of light, but I do have to remind myself to slow down every once and a while. That's why I wrote fanfics :-)
I think those were the only new reviews I got. If I missed you, you have my humblest apologies and a good luck penny. Until next chapter, I am your author, Realmer06!