A/N: Here it is! Thanks for the reviews and emails! Keep them coming! I
hope this was worth the wait! I was busy with the other tale and got a bit
sidetracked! Please forgive and Review!!
Disclaimer: JKR owns it.
The Future Looks Bright
Lily stifled a yawn and turned to the window. It was very hard for her pay attention to Professor McGonagall with the sun shining so brightly. The entire classroom had that end of year feeling of laziness and most were having a hard time keeping focus. Professor McGonagall was not unsympathetic. There would be one more transfiguration lesson after this so she tried to keep this lesson light. Reviewing some of the more fun things to transfigure; a chair into a larger cushioned seat, a bowl of fruit into a pitcher of pumpkin juice. She did try to impress the importance of their final examination, but like the youngsters in her class, the day was just too beautiful to maintain focus. Most of her students had that glazed over look in their eyes as if they were imagining how cool the lake would feel. As she looked over her class, she noticed one had actually dozed off.
"Ms. Lennox?" Lily looked behind her to see Jen snap her head to attention, trying to look as if she been awake the whole time.
"Yes?" She was failing miserably at trying to look innocent.
"I realize it may be difficult to focus so near to end of term, but I must insist you remain conscience."
Jen looked at her desk, a bit ashamed "yes professor."
McGonagall smiled inwardly. "Perhaps you could share with us why transfiguration might be helpful in a survival situation."
Lily watched Jen stand. She caught Sirius and James shuffling at the table behind Jen and Remus and noticed Remus, sitting next to Jen had trained his eyes on the back of Peter's head in front of him. She had an irrepressible feeling of foreboding. Jen sighed, oblivious to the Marauders, and dove into how one could transfigure plants and shrubs into survival equipment and why that would be important.
When she came to the end of her speech she smiled at McGonagall, and then added "but as long as I got one final look at James arse I would die happy."
Most of the class erupted into snickers. Lily saw Peter bury his head in his arms beside her, Remus eyes were still transfixed in front of him but his lips were pursed tight, fighting a smile. She looked at Jen and shook her head almost imperceptivity.
Jen looked at Lily and shook her head, confused. She obviously had no idea what she'd just said.
"Ms Lennox," McGonagall had composed herself back to her usual sternness, "I do not appreciate your fondness for Mr. Potters arse."
"His-" she looked back at Sirius and James who both had their hands folded firmly in front of their mouths stifling laughter. She turned back to McGonagall, "I'm sorry, I'd never comment on James arse." She shook head in apology, "Especially when it's Sirius's arse I fancy."
She could hear Sirius and James loosing control of their laughter behind her. Had she just that OUT LOUD? She looked at Remus who had tuned to the window and could see his back shaking. She felt her face start to heat with embarrassment.
"Was there anything else you'd like to add, Ms Lennox?" McGonagall crossed her arms over her chest.
"No Ma'am." She shook her head "except to say that Peter is just about the most adorable person in the world." Now she knew that was out loud. Lily had dropped her head onto her desk and Peter was out right laughing along with the rest of the class. Jen clamped her mouth shut and dropped back into her seat.
McGonagall suppressed a grin. These six had been playing jokes on each other all year. She didn't feel detention so close to the end of their time here was appropriate so she let it go. "Very well." She then walked back to her desk and sat behind it. "Perhaps our remaining time would best be spent reviewing our books?"
Jen slammed her heel into Remus' shin with all she had. "Ow!" He yelped and jerked his knee up, whacking it on the underside of the table, "Oh!" he rubbed his knee as Jen snapped her book open. Several students were still looking at her snickering. She was fuming.
Sirius leaned forward across his desk so his was just inches behind Jens head, "I could set up a private viewing of my arse, if you like." He said just loud enough for her, Remus and James to hear.
She only folded her lips into her mouth, biting them to keep from tearing his hair from his scalp. She wanted to say something, but feared something she didn't intend would come out. Remus was almost crying as her fought back laughter. And she knew James was in the same state.
For the remainder of the class, Jen stayed very focused on the page in front of her. She didn't actually read any of it; indeed, her eyes were blurred with rage. But she tried to keep her attention from any of the marauders, at least until this class was over.
After what seemed an eternity, McGonagall dismissed the class, "Ms, Lennox, Mr. Lupin, if I may have a word?"
They looked at each other then to the Professor. "Yes, Ma'am." Remus said, Jen only nodded. Remus turned back to Sirius, "Don't worry." Jen knew he meant don't worry about Jen, I'll be her babysitter. Jen shook her head. She couldn't believe how the four of them had taken to escorting her about the school. At first she was flattered they cared so much, but it was turning into a nuisance. She shook her head and walked with Remus to McGonagall's desk.
"Mr. Lupin," she started, "Madam Pomfrey would like to see you before you retire for the evening." Remus's face grew excited. McGonagall smiled, "Yes, I believe she's found that potion you've been looking for."
His face broke out into the largest smile Jen had ever seen cross his face. "Will it work?"
"I'm sure Madam Pomfrey will be able to answer all your questions." She smiled at him knowing how he anticipated the possibility of a wolfsbane potion actually working. She then tuned to Jennifer.
"Now, Ms. Lennox. You're application to St. Mungoes has been approved."
"What?" She shouted, "Really?"
McGonagall smiled. "Don't be too excited. That's two years of field training and then another two as an apprentice."
"Yes, I know, I know!" She knew St. Mungoes accepted very few students straight out of school, but with McGonagall and Pomfrey both helping her she stood a better than average chance. She just didn't really believe it would happen. "Oh thank-you professor! I don't know what to do! Except tell you how amazing I think Remus looks today!" She snapped her mouth shut and looked at Remus.
McGonagall looked between the two, "Would you like me to take care of this case of turret's you seem to have developed?"
Jen shook her head and took her quill and started to write on parchment, "no, I'd like to handle this myself." As she started to lift her hand, it involuntarily continued to write, "Because I do so love to handle Sirius." She dropped the quill and again looked at Remus who was smiling at the parchment.
"Huh." He said. "Didn't figure on that happening."
"Yes, well." McGonagall recomposed herself. "I'll leave you to work this out. Just make sure it doesn't happen in this room again."
They both nodded and walked out of the classroom.
Once in the hall, Jen smacked Remus chest. He smiled and feigned cringing away, "what? I wasn't my idea!" She shook her head. She couldn't stay angry, she was just too happy about her acceptance. Without speaking she jerked her head towards the main hall.
Remus nodded, "Ya, I think they're waiting by the lake."
As they rounded a corner, Malfoy and two of his cronies cut them off. Jen rolled her head with impatience. She looked at Remus eyes hard trying to say, 'lift the curse so I can speak!'
Remus shook his head, "It has to be all four of us."
"So," Malfoy said smoothly, looking directly at Jennifer "You'd let four Gryffindor's gang up on you, but not us?"
"Sod it, Malfoy." Remus said.
He smiled a wicked smile. "No, don't worry. My time left here is full." Then stepped closer to Jen, Remus shifted in front of her. Malfoy looked at Remus "In five days she won't have the protection of Hogwarts," he paused, "Or you and your mates. I just wanted to remind her of that."
"Walk away, Malfoy." Remus said in a low voice, "and let us worry about her protection."
Lucius looked at Jen with something almost threatening. "Were I you," he said to Jen, "I'd find better protection."
Jen looked at him straight. Not wanting to show any of the fear she was feeling. But somehow, she knew he felt it.
"Malfoy," Remus growled, "Walk away, now."
"As you wish." He shrugged a shoulder and smiled dismissively, "It matters not." Then turned with his cronies and walked towards the dungeons.
Taking Jens shoulders in his hands Remus tried to look reassuring, "don't let him get to you. Its not as if you'll be spending a lot of time in the same circles once you leave here."
Jen smiled and nodded, trying to look confidant.
"Let's go take care of your, what did McGonagall call it, turret's?"
####### #####
James had leaned up against the tree with Lily nestled under his arm. Peter sat next to them and Sirius was leaning on his elbows looking quite smug.
"You're lucky we've only a few days left," Lily said to them all, "Jen won't have enough time to come up with something for you."
Sirius smiled. "I know. We should really be focusing on our final blow to Hogwarts."
"Your not still planning some 'ultimate' prank, are you?"
"Of course!" James tried to sound insulted, "How else are we going to leave our mark here?"
"I wouldn't worry about that!" Lily giggled, "I think they'll remember you for years to come."
"I don't want to 'think', I want to know." Sirius raised an eyebrow. "You know, with you and Jen helping we could come up with something colossal."
"Mmm." Lily looked away.
"Here she comes, Sirius." Peter pointed towards the school at Jen and Remus jogging across the grass, "Should we run?"
"Not yet." Sirius smiled and stood. James and Lily turned to see their friends approach. When she was close enough, Sirius saw a look of glee on her face, and she flung herself into his arms kissing his cheeks and neck, and then planted a firm, wet kiss on his lips.
James looked at Lily. "That's not what I expected."
"Me neither." The two rose. "Are you okay, Jen?"
Jen dropped from Sirius's arms and nodded her head vigorously, then looked at Remus, who almost looked as happy. "She got St. Mungoes."
They all looked at Jen for confirmation, her smile spread almost to the back of her head.
"Really?" Sirius asked.
Jen snapped her hands out, looking at each of the boys.
Remus had already pulled his wand, "We have to let her talk, Mates."
The other three pulled their wands. "If we have too." Sirius pouted, then the four said together, "Finite Incantatum"
"Thank-you!" Jen said and took a deep breath. "That was pretty nasty, you know!"
Sirius nodded and grabbed her shoulders, "what about Mungoes?"
"Well Pomfrey and McGonagall have been helping me all year, and they both have a few friends, so they kind of pushed for me. I can't believe it!" She grabbed his waist, "I got in!"
"Congratulations, Jenny!" Lily had pulled her from Sirius and was giving her a great hug, "I know how much you wanted this!"
"Well that makes five of us now," James said, smiling, "What about you Peter? Figured what you'll be doing once you're free of Hogwarts?"
"Oh, you know." He looked around, shifting from one foot to the other, "I've still got time. I'd never make through Auror training, so I'm just going to wait and see what happens."
Jen wondered if she was the only one to notice he didn't make eye contact with any of them. Surely he can't be that ashamed of not having picked a career yet. She shook it off, relishing her own joy.
"Don't take too much time, Peter." Remus warned jokingly, "Before you know it you'll be fifty with no job and no life!"
"I think this calls for a celebration." Sirius said wrapping his arms around Jens waist and pulling her into a slow kiss.
"I think we still have some of that butterbeer in our dorm, " James suggested.
Sirius pulled Jens legs around his waist, holding her, he looked at James, "Who invited you?" He went back to kissing Jen, walking off toward the forbidden forest.
######## #######
Sorry this one took so long! There should be one more chapter coming in the next few weeks, this story was originally supposed to just tell the story of how Jen came to be in Sirius life, but the story just sort of took over!! Please, R/R!!
Disclaimer: JKR owns it.
The Future Looks Bright
Lily stifled a yawn and turned to the window. It was very hard for her pay attention to Professor McGonagall with the sun shining so brightly. The entire classroom had that end of year feeling of laziness and most were having a hard time keeping focus. Professor McGonagall was not unsympathetic. There would be one more transfiguration lesson after this so she tried to keep this lesson light. Reviewing some of the more fun things to transfigure; a chair into a larger cushioned seat, a bowl of fruit into a pitcher of pumpkin juice. She did try to impress the importance of their final examination, but like the youngsters in her class, the day was just too beautiful to maintain focus. Most of her students had that glazed over look in their eyes as if they were imagining how cool the lake would feel. As she looked over her class, she noticed one had actually dozed off.
"Ms. Lennox?" Lily looked behind her to see Jen snap her head to attention, trying to look as if she been awake the whole time.
"Yes?" She was failing miserably at trying to look innocent.
"I realize it may be difficult to focus so near to end of term, but I must insist you remain conscience."
Jen looked at her desk, a bit ashamed "yes professor."
McGonagall smiled inwardly. "Perhaps you could share with us why transfiguration might be helpful in a survival situation."
Lily watched Jen stand. She caught Sirius and James shuffling at the table behind Jen and Remus and noticed Remus, sitting next to Jen had trained his eyes on the back of Peter's head in front of him. She had an irrepressible feeling of foreboding. Jen sighed, oblivious to the Marauders, and dove into how one could transfigure plants and shrubs into survival equipment and why that would be important.
When she came to the end of her speech she smiled at McGonagall, and then added "but as long as I got one final look at James arse I would die happy."
Most of the class erupted into snickers. Lily saw Peter bury his head in his arms beside her, Remus eyes were still transfixed in front of him but his lips were pursed tight, fighting a smile. She looked at Jen and shook her head almost imperceptivity.
Jen looked at Lily and shook her head, confused. She obviously had no idea what she'd just said.
"Ms Lennox," McGonagall had composed herself back to her usual sternness, "I do not appreciate your fondness for Mr. Potters arse."
"His-" she looked back at Sirius and James who both had their hands folded firmly in front of their mouths stifling laughter. She turned back to McGonagall, "I'm sorry, I'd never comment on James arse." She shook head in apology, "Especially when it's Sirius's arse I fancy."
She could hear Sirius and James loosing control of their laughter behind her. Had she just that OUT LOUD? She looked at Remus who had tuned to the window and could see his back shaking. She felt her face start to heat with embarrassment.
"Was there anything else you'd like to add, Ms Lennox?" McGonagall crossed her arms over her chest.
"No Ma'am." She shook her head "except to say that Peter is just about the most adorable person in the world." Now she knew that was out loud. Lily had dropped her head onto her desk and Peter was out right laughing along with the rest of the class. Jen clamped her mouth shut and dropped back into her seat.
McGonagall suppressed a grin. These six had been playing jokes on each other all year. She didn't feel detention so close to the end of their time here was appropriate so she let it go. "Very well." She then walked back to her desk and sat behind it. "Perhaps our remaining time would best be spent reviewing our books?"
Jen slammed her heel into Remus' shin with all she had. "Ow!" He yelped and jerked his knee up, whacking it on the underside of the table, "Oh!" he rubbed his knee as Jen snapped her book open. Several students were still looking at her snickering. She was fuming.
Sirius leaned forward across his desk so his was just inches behind Jens head, "I could set up a private viewing of my arse, if you like." He said just loud enough for her, Remus and James to hear.
She only folded her lips into her mouth, biting them to keep from tearing his hair from his scalp. She wanted to say something, but feared something she didn't intend would come out. Remus was almost crying as her fought back laughter. And she knew James was in the same state.
For the remainder of the class, Jen stayed very focused on the page in front of her. She didn't actually read any of it; indeed, her eyes were blurred with rage. But she tried to keep her attention from any of the marauders, at least until this class was over.
After what seemed an eternity, McGonagall dismissed the class, "Ms, Lennox, Mr. Lupin, if I may have a word?"
They looked at each other then to the Professor. "Yes, Ma'am." Remus said, Jen only nodded. Remus turned back to Sirius, "Don't worry." Jen knew he meant don't worry about Jen, I'll be her babysitter. Jen shook her head. She couldn't believe how the four of them had taken to escorting her about the school. At first she was flattered they cared so much, but it was turning into a nuisance. She shook her head and walked with Remus to McGonagall's desk.
"Mr. Lupin," she started, "Madam Pomfrey would like to see you before you retire for the evening." Remus's face grew excited. McGonagall smiled, "Yes, I believe she's found that potion you've been looking for."
His face broke out into the largest smile Jen had ever seen cross his face. "Will it work?"
"I'm sure Madam Pomfrey will be able to answer all your questions." She smiled at him knowing how he anticipated the possibility of a wolfsbane potion actually working. She then tuned to Jennifer.
"Now, Ms. Lennox. You're application to St. Mungoes has been approved."
"What?" She shouted, "Really?"
McGonagall smiled. "Don't be too excited. That's two years of field training and then another two as an apprentice."
"Yes, I know, I know!" She knew St. Mungoes accepted very few students straight out of school, but with McGonagall and Pomfrey both helping her she stood a better than average chance. She just didn't really believe it would happen. "Oh thank-you professor! I don't know what to do! Except tell you how amazing I think Remus looks today!" She snapped her mouth shut and looked at Remus.
McGonagall looked between the two, "Would you like me to take care of this case of turret's you seem to have developed?"
Jen shook her head and took her quill and started to write on parchment, "no, I'd like to handle this myself." As she started to lift her hand, it involuntarily continued to write, "Because I do so love to handle Sirius." She dropped the quill and again looked at Remus who was smiling at the parchment.
"Huh." He said. "Didn't figure on that happening."
"Yes, well." McGonagall recomposed herself. "I'll leave you to work this out. Just make sure it doesn't happen in this room again."
They both nodded and walked out of the classroom.
Once in the hall, Jen smacked Remus chest. He smiled and feigned cringing away, "what? I wasn't my idea!" She shook her head. She couldn't stay angry, she was just too happy about her acceptance. Without speaking she jerked her head towards the main hall.
Remus nodded, "Ya, I think they're waiting by the lake."
As they rounded a corner, Malfoy and two of his cronies cut them off. Jen rolled her head with impatience. She looked at Remus eyes hard trying to say, 'lift the curse so I can speak!'
Remus shook his head, "It has to be all four of us."
"So," Malfoy said smoothly, looking directly at Jennifer "You'd let four Gryffindor's gang up on you, but not us?"
"Sod it, Malfoy." Remus said.
He smiled a wicked smile. "No, don't worry. My time left here is full." Then stepped closer to Jen, Remus shifted in front of her. Malfoy looked at Remus "In five days she won't have the protection of Hogwarts," he paused, "Or you and your mates. I just wanted to remind her of that."
"Walk away, Malfoy." Remus said in a low voice, "and let us worry about her protection."
Lucius looked at Jen with something almost threatening. "Were I you," he said to Jen, "I'd find better protection."
Jen looked at him straight. Not wanting to show any of the fear she was feeling. But somehow, she knew he felt it.
"Malfoy," Remus growled, "Walk away, now."
"As you wish." He shrugged a shoulder and smiled dismissively, "It matters not." Then turned with his cronies and walked towards the dungeons.
Taking Jens shoulders in his hands Remus tried to look reassuring, "don't let him get to you. Its not as if you'll be spending a lot of time in the same circles once you leave here."
Jen smiled and nodded, trying to look confidant.
"Let's go take care of your, what did McGonagall call it, turret's?"
####### #####
James had leaned up against the tree with Lily nestled under his arm. Peter sat next to them and Sirius was leaning on his elbows looking quite smug.
"You're lucky we've only a few days left," Lily said to them all, "Jen won't have enough time to come up with something for you."
Sirius smiled. "I know. We should really be focusing on our final blow to Hogwarts."
"Your not still planning some 'ultimate' prank, are you?"
"Of course!" James tried to sound insulted, "How else are we going to leave our mark here?"
"I wouldn't worry about that!" Lily giggled, "I think they'll remember you for years to come."
"I don't want to 'think', I want to know." Sirius raised an eyebrow. "You know, with you and Jen helping we could come up with something colossal."
"Mmm." Lily looked away.
"Here she comes, Sirius." Peter pointed towards the school at Jen and Remus jogging across the grass, "Should we run?"
"Not yet." Sirius smiled and stood. James and Lily turned to see their friends approach. When she was close enough, Sirius saw a look of glee on her face, and she flung herself into his arms kissing his cheeks and neck, and then planted a firm, wet kiss on his lips.
James looked at Lily. "That's not what I expected."
"Me neither." The two rose. "Are you okay, Jen?"
Jen dropped from Sirius's arms and nodded her head vigorously, then looked at Remus, who almost looked as happy. "She got St. Mungoes."
They all looked at Jen for confirmation, her smile spread almost to the back of her head.
"Really?" Sirius asked.
Jen snapped her hands out, looking at each of the boys.
Remus had already pulled his wand, "We have to let her talk, Mates."
The other three pulled their wands. "If we have too." Sirius pouted, then the four said together, "Finite Incantatum"
"Thank-you!" Jen said and took a deep breath. "That was pretty nasty, you know!"
Sirius nodded and grabbed her shoulders, "what about Mungoes?"
"Well Pomfrey and McGonagall have been helping me all year, and they both have a few friends, so they kind of pushed for me. I can't believe it!" She grabbed his waist, "I got in!"
"Congratulations, Jenny!" Lily had pulled her from Sirius and was giving her a great hug, "I know how much you wanted this!"
"Well that makes five of us now," James said, smiling, "What about you Peter? Figured what you'll be doing once you're free of Hogwarts?"
"Oh, you know." He looked around, shifting from one foot to the other, "I've still got time. I'd never make through Auror training, so I'm just going to wait and see what happens."
Jen wondered if she was the only one to notice he didn't make eye contact with any of them. Surely he can't be that ashamed of not having picked a career yet. She shook it off, relishing her own joy.
"Don't take too much time, Peter." Remus warned jokingly, "Before you know it you'll be fifty with no job and no life!"
"I think this calls for a celebration." Sirius said wrapping his arms around Jens waist and pulling her into a slow kiss.
"I think we still have some of that butterbeer in our dorm, " James suggested.
Sirius pulled Jens legs around his waist, holding her, he looked at James, "Who invited you?" He went back to kissing Jen, walking off toward the forbidden forest.
######## #######
Sorry this one took so long! There should be one more chapter coming in the next few weeks, this story was originally supposed to just tell the story of how Jen came to be in Sirius life, but the story just sort of took over!! Please, R/R!!