Well it is time I disclose my secret..this is my first fan fic, but I wrote
it a couple of months ago, meaning it is already prewritten. I wanted to
comment of few of my reviews.
PotterLover: Don't worry I'm not upset with your comment, but I knew it was a mistake before I published the story. When I began writing this story me and my computer had a war over the word deadeater. I guess it my "I'm always right nature" but I thought it was dead not death . When I was re- reading a part of OotP I discovered I was wrong..After all I'm only human. Anyways to make a long story short, I didn't change it, call it my only little quirk..I apologize I am a stickler for details normally, but this is just one I don't have the heart to change.
Katman: Your right I miswrote The Ravenclaws Victory, and I can't believe I didn't catch it. I meant to write that the Ravenclaw seeker had to catch the snitch when the Gryffindors were fifty points down. I guess I got in a hurry since this wasn't one of my favorite chapters to write. I'm not a sports fan, even if it is Quidditch.
To everyone else...thank-you thank-you, thank-you...I will warn you there are going to be mistakes, and sometimes the story is going to be slow..but in the end it will all make sense. I just finished it today..the last and final chapter ..It is long close to forty chapters in its entirely..Having these reviews helps me grow as a writer...I'm a journalist by trade, so I'm use to working with tons of editors...I'm not a perfect grammatical writer...I get so tired of having to follow the strictness of AP style whenever I can I wander away from it. Anyways...I edit as I go, so I'm constantly going though the editorial process.
I'm glad you guys like my story..please continue to give me your comments and reviews..I appreciate all the comments even the constructive criticism. Anyway, here is the next chapter...
Remember nothing is my own:
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Chapter thirteen: The Black Brother
James sat in the Gryffindor common room thinking about his day, his terrible day. First Sirius, then Lily, now he felt like Peter was mad at him to. He had just called James a prat and stormed out. He really hadn't done anything to James. Peter Pettigrew enjoyed watching James showoff, he always had. James usual enjoyed the attention, but today it just annoyed him.
James had been playing with his snitch trying to figure out a way of approaching Sirius without getting another week's detention. Peter was awing from the opposite side of the room, and when he applauded one of James more difficult catch, James snapped.
"Why don't you get a life Peter!"
Peter apparently didn't like comment, he had called James a stupid prat and stormed out of the common room. It wasn't like it mattered to James all that much. It was going to be much more difficult to make up with Sirius than either Lily or Peter. Sirius Black had been James best friend for as long as he could remember. He knew Sirius before the Marauder and even before Hogwarts.
They shared a similar history, and a similar goal. While Sirius parents were slightly obsessed with their sons only hanging around pureblood families, James family was always supportive of Sirius difference of opinions. What the Black didn't realize, while they were encouraging Sirius to befriend the pure blood Potters. The Potters eventually would steal him away from them.
The problem really began Sirius and James first year. Sirius's family had always been Slytherins or Ravenclaws. They were proud of their pureblood history, and thought themselves somewhat better than the rest of their peers. Sirius was branded a disappointment when he became the first Black to be sorted into Gryffindor. Even his disowned family members were Ravenclaws. Sirius mother had been the worst, she called him a shame on her blood. Sirius was only eleven years old. Hearing such comments from his mother at such a young age drove him even further away. He began to hate them, he swore he'd never become them.
It took Sirius 16 years before he finally left. James wasn't sure what had pushed Sirius over the edge, and he never asked. He just remembered one day Sirius showed up on Potters front door. If Sirius hadn't been a brother before that moment, he definitely was now. He even almost disowned his family name and changed his to Potter, but he didn't.
Sirius only regret was leaving his younger brother Regulus who was now a fifth year. He always referred to him as the better Black. Regulus was weaker than Sirius, and always afraid of disappointing his parents. He had been sorted into Slytherin, but he wasn't one deep in his heart. He really hadn't turned against Sirius until Sirius left. Regulus wouldn't even acknowledge Sirius now.
He actually tried to make things right with his brother, but it was hopeless. When Regulus turned his back on Sirius, then Sirius started making Regulus the target of all his Slytherin pranks. Sirius swore he didn't care, that Regulus was no better than the rest of them, but James knew better.
Sirius had been very upset the day he saw Regulus hanging out with Bellatrix and Severus. Sirius had been so upset he had punched a wall until his hand bled.
Sirius had said his only brothers were the Marauders, and he had been the most important person in James' life.
James wasn't sure how long he had been staring into the fire, but kind arm on his shoulder made him look up.
"How is it going Prongs," Lily smiled.
James was startled at first, but then asked, " what did you call me."
"I know," she said softly.
James wanted to get mad, but it was such a relief. Lily knew, and he didn't have to betray the Marauders. If it was possible, he hated and respected the fact Remus had told Lily the Marauder secret.
Lily kissed James sweetly, "so it was you who visited me in the hospital wing. I always wondered what a stag was doing in the school."
James scooped Lily into a hug, "I wanted to tell you."
"I know," she said sympathetically, "don't worry your secrets safe with me."
James felt part of him that was missing come crashing back into him. He knew Remus was right, he loved Lily. "Did he tell you everything?" James suddenly getting concerned.
"What do you mean everything?" Lily laughed.
"Nevermind," he said nervously. He'll just ask Remus later.
Lily stroked James hair carefully. She was glad he was being kind to her again. James suddenly turned ridged.
Sirius flashed James and Lily a cold look as he walked past them. He was obviously upset to see James so cuddly with Lily. James wanted to talk to him, but he knew it was pointless talking to him until he had calmed down. One of Sirius biggest faults was his temper.
The night was ending on a much better note than James had expected. He was on his way up to his bed, Peter slapped him on the back and gave his an understanding nod. Now he had only one person left to make things right with, and he knew that wasn't going to be nearly as easy.
The last fight that James and Sirius had been in caused them to ignore each other close to a month. It took a full moon to get them to make up. That fight hadn't been nearly as serious, it was about a stupid quiditch practice. James didn't see Sirius go to bed, and the next morning he didn't see Sirius leave. In fact he didn't even see Sirius until their first class, and Sirius was obviously giving him a very cold shoulder.
It seemed hopeless, James started wondering if he should just break down and apologize, although he felt he didn't do anything wrong. The Marauders weren't sitting together at lunch. Sirius actually was sitting with a group of Ravenclaw girls. James was barely noticing the girls chatter, he was staring a Sirius, trying to contemplate his next move. He hated these games Sirius enjoyed playing.
"I wonder who's getting an owl?" Beth voice suddenly registering with James.
James was on his feet, " that's the Black family owl."
James watched the owl fly over to Sirius, who was in full flirt mode. Sirius's face dropped when his parent's owl landed on his shoulder. James wondered if Sirius would even read the letter, if he'd even acknowledge the owl. James felt the world had stopped. Sirius took the letter, James saw Sirius thinking about ignoring the letter, but he didn't want to act peculiar in front of his lady friends.
James jumped when he saw Sirius slam his fist on the table, he locked eyes with James. There was so much pain in Sirius's eyes, and for the first time he saw tears. Sirius looked like he was about to kill somebody, anybody, and James made a dash towards him before he could unleash his fury.
James barely made it to him in time, he already had his wand drawn and he was eyeing the Slytherin table. James grabbed Sirius by the wrist, and to James's surprise, Sirius didn't pull away.
"Come on let's get out of here," James urged Sirius out of the Great Hall.
He saw Lily with a worried expression on her face. He motioned that everything was okay. Sirius was only moments away from completely losing it.
The two boys were barely out of the Great Hall when Sirius finally lost it, "he's dead, they killed him!" Sirius punched the wall with all his might, and fell onto the cold castle floor in tears.
James tried to comfort Sirius, he had never seen him like this, "Regulus?" James asked quietly.
Sirius finally caught a slight grip, "he was my brother James."
Sirius's worst fear had come true, Regulus Black was dead. James felt his heart drop into his stomach. James wanted to ask what the letter had said, to ask what had happened to Regulus, but James didn't. He sat with Sirius on the floor, offering his silent comfort. Sirius seemed immobile, he stared blankly at the wall, his head tucked into his hands. He was angry, he was hurt, he wanted revenge. The silence was too much and Sirius finally made his move. An unlucky Slytherin second year was coming out the Great Hall when Sirius threw some of the worst curses and jinxes at him he knew. James threw a disarming charm at Sirius hoping to catch him off guard.
He flew back awkwardly about fifteen feet. The unlucky Slytherin was on the floor covered in painful looking boils. James glanced to make sure Sirius was okay. Sirius was unconscious and bleeding where his head had smashed against the floor. James felt his mind swirl with confusion. He didn't know what to say or what to do.
"Oh my God," Beth screamed as the girls and the remaining Marauders made their appearance.
Remus ran over to the Slytherin and attempted to pick him up, it was obvious he was going to need medical attention. James was over by Sirius trying to revive him. Peter and the girls looked like they were shocked . December was the first one to come out of it. She rushed over to Remus and helped carry the injured second year to hospital ward. "Come on let's get him to Madame Pomfrey," she told Remus.
Lily rushed over to James and tried to comfort him. He looked like he was about to become hysterical.
"What happened?" she asked with a concerned tone.
James didn't have time to answer, Sirius started to wake up. Sirius looked up and James with a very hurt expression.
"Oh, my head," Sirius moaned.
"We need to get you to Madame Pomfrey," James tried.
Sirius shook his head, "I just need to be alone."
"I'm not leaving you," James informed him.
James pulled Sirius off the floor. "You still have one brother left."
Sirius tried to smile, but failed.
"Come on, lets go talk," James urged.Lily looked worriedly at James, but she took the hint from James and rushed over to Beth.
Peter walked over to James and Sirius, and Lily lead Beth back into the Great Hall.
Peter looked speechless. He wasn't sure what to say or do. James had Sirius on his feet. One thing Peter was very good at was healing charms. He softly muttered one in the Sirius directions and the bleeding subsided.
Sirius gave Peter an appreciative nod. The three Marauders made there way to the astronomy tower.
"He was only fifteen years old," Sirius repeated over and over again.
Peter placed his hand on Sirius shoulder. Neither him nor James knew what to say or do. This was one of those times they really needed Remus. He was better at dealing with these kind of tragic situations. Why Remus had not joined them was a mystery. He surely knew that he was needed in this delicate time.
Remus Lupin and December O'Riley were leaving the hospital ward. Madame Pomfrey said it was going to be several days before the second year would be able to be released. Remus knew where the Marauders were, he was almost positive they would be comforting Sirius in the astronomy tower. He wasn't sure why Sirius was so upset, but he had a good guess. Remus looked over at a concerned looking December.
"He'll be okay," Remus comforted.
He knew that she was very close to Sirius, but he didn't want to know how close. Seeing Sirius flirt with other girls, then make out with December crawled under Remus skin. Although he cared sincerely for Sirius, he was angry with him. December was something very special to him, and he didn't want to see her done wrong. Instead of going to the astronomy tower, he went back to the Gryffindor common room.
In the Great Hall, Professor Dumbledore announced that three students had been found murdered in Hogmeade last night. Two Slytherins and one Ravenclaw. In respect for the fallen students, Dumbledore cancelled classes for the rest of the day. It finally dawned on Lily why Sirius had been so upset. His brother was one of the students killed. Lily, Beth, December and Remus waited up in the common room for the other three Marauders. They all ended up skipping dinner that evening.
It was close to ten that evening before Peter, James and Sirius finally returned.
Lily rushed up to them and threw her arms around Sirius, "I'm so sorry."
He loosely returned her hug.
Beth had her hands over her mouth at the sight of the boys. She had tears sliding down her face, you could always count on her to be the emotional one. December slowly stood up. Remus looked up at her, the look in his eyes begging her not to go.
She walked over to Sirius, she wrapped her arms around his waist, " it's okay," She seemed to know exactly what to say.
He wrapped his arms around her, and buried his head into her shoulder. She lead him over to the couch. The rest of the group left them alone and went up their dormitory to turn in for the evening.
PotterLover: Don't worry I'm not upset with your comment, but I knew it was a mistake before I published the story. When I began writing this story me and my computer had a war over the word deadeater. I guess it my "I'm always right nature" but I thought it was dead not death . When I was re- reading a part of OotP I discovered I was wrong..After all I'm only human. Anyways to make a long story short, I didn't change it, call it my only little quirk..I apologize I am a stickler for details normally, but this is just one I don't have the heart to change.
Katman: Your right I miswrote The Ravenclaws Victory, and I can't believe I didn't catch it. I meant to write that the Ravenclaw seeker had to catch the snitch when the Gryffindors were fifty points down. I guess I got in a hurry since this wasn't one of my favorite chapters to write. I'm not a sports fan, even if it is Quidditch.
To everyone else...thank-you thank-you, thank-you...I will warn you there are going to be mistakes, and sometimes the story is going to be slow..but in the end it will all make sense. I just finished it today..the last and final chapter ..It is long close to forty chapters in its entirely..Having these reviews helps me grow as a writer...I'm a journalist by trade, so I'm use to working with tons of editors...I'm not a perfect grammatical writer...I get so tired of having to follow the strictness of AP style whenever I can I wander away from it. Anyways...I edit as I go, so I'm constantly going though the editorial process.
I'm glad you guys like my story..please continue to give me your comments and reviews..I appreciate all the comments even the constructive criticism. Anyway, here is the next chapter...
Remember nothing is my own:
**********************************************************
Chapter thirteen: The Black Brother
James sat in the Gryffindor common room thinking about his day, his terrible day. First Sirius, then Lily, now he felt like Peter was mad at him to. He had just called James a prat and stormed out. He really hadn't done anything to James. Peter Pettigrew enjoyed watching James showoff, he always had. James usual enjoyed the attention, but today it just annoyed him.
James had been playing with his snitch trying to figure out a way of approaching Sirius without getting another week's detention. Peter was awing from the opposite side of the room, and when he applauded one of James more difficult catch, James snapped.
"Why don't you get a life Peter!"
Peter apparently didn't like comment, he had called James a stupid prat and stormed out of the common room. It wasn't like it mattered to James all that much. It was going to be much more difficult to make up with Sirius than either Lily or Peter. Sirius Black had been James best friend for as long as he could remember. He knew Sirius before the Marauder and even before Hogwarts.
They shared a similar history, and a similar goal. While Sirius parents were slightly obsessed with their sons only hanging around pureblood families, James family was always supportive of Sirius difference of opinions. What the Black didn't realize, while they were encouraging Sirius to befriend the pure blood Potters. The Potters eventually would steal him away from them.
The problem really began Sirius and James first year. Sirius's family had always been Slytherins or Ravenclaws. They were proud of their pureblood history, and thought themselves somewhat better than the rest of their peers. Sirius was branded a disappointment when he became the first Black to be sorted into Gryffindor. Even his disowned family members were Ravenclaws. Sirius mother had been the worst, she called him a shame on her blood. Sirius was only eleven years old. Hearing such comments from his mother at such a young age drove him even further away. He began to hate them, he swore he'd never become them.
It took Sirius 16 years before he finally left. James wasn't sure what had pushed Sirius over the edge, and he never asked. He just remembered one day Sirius showed up on Potters front door. If Sirius hadn't been a brother before that moment, he definitely was now. He even almost disowned his family name and changed his to Potter, but he didn't.
Sirius only regret was leaving his younger brother Regulus who was now a fifth year. He always referred to him as the better Black. Regulus was weaker than Sirius, and always afraid of disappointing his parents. He had been sorted into Slytherin, but he wasn't one deep in his heart. He really hadn't turned against Sirius until Sirius left. Regulus wouldn't even acknowledge Sirius now.
He actually tried to make things right with his brother, but it was hopeless. When Regulus turned his back on Sirius, then Sirius started making Regulus the target of all his Slytherin pranks. Sirius swore he didn't care, that Regulus was no better than the rest of them, but James knew better.
Sirius had been very upset the day he saw Regulus hanging out with Bellatrix and Severus. Sirius had been so upset he had punched a wall until his hand bled.
Sirius had said his only brothers were the Marauders, and he had been the most important person in James' life.
James wasn't sure how long he had been staring into the fire, but kind arm on his shoulder made him look up.
"How is it going Prongs," Lily smiled.
James was startled at first, but then asked, " what did you call me."
"I know," she said softly.
James wanted to get mad, but it was such a relief. Lily knew, and he didn't have to betray the Marauders. If it was possible, he hated and respected the fact Remus had told Lily the Marauder secret.
Lily kissed James sweetly, "so it was you who visited me in the hospital wing. I always wondered what a stag was doing in the school."
James scooped Lily into a hug, "I wanted to tell you."
"I know," she said sympathetically, "don't worry your secrets safe with me."
James felt part of him that was missing come crashing back into him. He knew Remus was right, he loved Lily. "Did he tell you everything?" James suddenly getting concerned.
"What do you mean everything?" Lily laughed.
"Nevermind," he said nervously. He'll just ask Remus later.
Lily stroked James hair carefully. She was glad he was being kind to her again. James suddenly turned ridged.
Sirius flashed James and Lily a cold look as he walked past them. He was obviously upset to see James so cuddly with Lily. James wanted to talk to him, but he knew it was pointless talking to him until he had calmed down. One of Sirius biggest faults was his temper.
The night was ending on a much better note than James had expected. He was on his way up to his bed, Peter slapped him on the back and gave his an understanding nod. Now he had only one person left to make things right with, and he knew that wasn't going to be nearly as easy.
The last fight that James and Sirius had been in caused them to ignore each other close to a month. It took a full moon to get them to make up. That fight hadn't been nearly as serious, it was about a stupid quiditch practice. James didn't see Sirius go to bed, and the next morning he didn't see Sirius leave. In fact he didn't even see Sirius until their first class, and Sirius was obviously giving him a very cold shoulder.
It seemed hopeless, James started wondering if he should just break down and apologize, although he felt he didn't do anything wrong. The Marauders weren't sitting together at lunch. Sirius actually was sitting with a group of Ravenclaw girls. James was barely noticing the girls chatter, he was staring a Sirius, trying to contemplate his next move. He hated these games Sirius enjoyed playing.
"I wonder who's getting an owl?" Beth voice suddenly registering with James.
James was on his feet, " that's the Black family owl."
James watched the owl fly over to Sirius, who was in full flirt mode. Sirius's face dropped when his parent's owl landed on his shoulder. James wondered if Sirius would even read the letter, if he'd even acknowledge the owl. James felt the world had stopped. Sirius took the letter, James saw Sirius thinking about ignoring the letter, but he didn't want to act peculiar in front of his lady friends.
James jumped when he saw Sirius slam his fist on the table, he locked eyes with James. There was so much pain in Sirius's eyes, and for the first time he saw tears. Sirius looked like he was about to kill somebody, anybody, and James made a dash towards him before he could unleash his fury.
James barely made it to him in time, he already had his wand drawn and he was eyeing the Slytherin table. James grabbed Sirius by the wrist, and to James's surprise, Sirius didn't pull away.
"Come on let's get out of here," James urged Sirius out of the Great Hall.
He saw Lily with a worried expression on her face. He motioned that everything was okay. Sirius was only moments away from completely losing it.
The two boys were barely out of the Great Hall when Sirius finally lost it, "he's dead, they killed him!" Sirius punched the wall with all his might, and fell onto the cold castle floor in tears.
James tried to comfort Sirius, he had never seen him like this, "Regulus?" James asked quietly.
Sirius finally caught a slight grip, "he was my brother James."
Sirius's worst fear had come true, Regulus Black was dead. James felt his heart drop into his stomach. James wanted to ask what the letter had said, to ask what had happened to Regulus, but James didn't. He sat with Sirius on the floor, offering his silent comfort. Sirius seemed immobile, he stared blankly at the wall, his head tucked into his hands. He was angry, he was hurt, he wanted revenge. The silence was too much and Sirius finally made his move. An unlucky Slytherin second year was coming out the Great Hall when Sirius threw some of the worst curses and jinxes at him he knew. James threw a disarming charm at Sirius hoping to catch him off guard.
He flew back awkwardly about fifteen feet. The unlucky Slytherin was on the floor covered in painful looking boils. James glanced to make sure Sirius was okay. Sirius was unconscious and bleeding where his head had smashed against the floor. James felt his mind swirl with confusion. He didn't know what to say or what to do.
"Oh my God," Beth screamed as the girls and the remaining Marauders made their appearance.
Remus ran over to the Slytherin and attempted to pick him up, it was obvious he was going to need medical attention. James was over by Sirius trying to revive him. Peter and the girls looked like they were shocked . December was the first one to come out of it. She rushed over to Remus and helped carry the injured second year to hospital ward. "Come on let's get him to Madame Pomfrey," she told Remus.
Lily rushed over to James and tried to comfort him. He looked like he was about to become hysterical.
"What happened?" she asked with a concerned tone.
James didn't have time to answer, Sirius started to wake up. Sirius looked up and James with a very hurt expression.
"Oh, my head," Sirius moaned.
"We need to get you to Madame Pomfrey," James tried.
Sirius shook his head, "I just need to be alone."
"I'm not leaving you," James informed him.
James pulled Sirius off the floor. "You still have one brother left."
Sirius tried to smile, but failed.
"Come on, lets go talk," James urged.Lily looked worriedly at James, but she took the hint from James and rushed over to Beth.
Peter walked over to James and Sirius, and Lily lead Beth back into the Great Hall.
Peter looked speechless. He wasn't sure what to say or do. James had Sirius on his feet. One thing Peter was very good at was healing charms. He softly muttered one in the Sirius directions and the bleeding subsided.
Sirius gave Peter an appreciative nod. The three Marauders made there way to the astronomy tower.
"He was only fifteen years old," Sirius repeated over and over again.
Peter placed his hand on Sirius shoulder. Neither him nor James knew what to say or do. This was one of those times they really needed Remus. He was better at dealing with these kind of tragic situations. Why Remus had not joined them was a mystery. He surely knew that he was needed in this delicate time.
Remus Lupin and December O'Riley were leaving the hospital ward. Madame Pomfrey said it was going to be several days before the second year would be able to be released. Remus knew where the Marauders were, he was almost positive they would be comforting Sirius in the astronomy tower. He wasn't sure why Sirius was so upset, but he had a good guess. Remus looked over at a concerned looking December.
"He'll be okay," Remus comforted.
He knew that she was very close to Sirius, but he didn't want to know how close. Seeing Sirius flirt with other girls, then make out with December crawled under Remus skin. Although he cared sincerely for Sirius, he was angry with him. December was something very special to him, and he didn't want to see her done wrong. Instead of going to the astronomy tower, he went back to the Gryffindor common room.
In the Great Hall, Professor Dumbledore announced that three students had been found murdered in Hogmeade last night. Two Slytherins and one Ravenclaw. In respect for the fallen students, Dumbledore cancelled classes for the rest of the day. It finally dawned on Lily why Sirius had been so upset. His brother was one of the students killed. Lily, Beth, December and Remus waited up in the common room for the other three Marauders. They all ended up skipping dinner that evening.
It was close to ten that evening before Peter, James and Sirius finally returned.
Lily rushed up to them and threw her arms around Sirius, "I'm so sorry."
He loosely returned her hug.
Beth had her hands over her mouth at the sight of the boys. She had tears sliding down her face, you could always count on her to be the emotional one. December slowly stood up. Remus looked up at her, the look in his eyes begging her not to go.
She walked over to Sirius, she wrapped her arms around his waist, " it's okay," She seemed to know exactly what to say.
He wrapped his arms around her, and buried his head into her shoulder. She lead him over to the couch. The rest of the group left them alone and went up their dormitory to turn in for the evening.