Wow I got loads of reviews!!! Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed
the last chapter! I love you all:
LogicalRaven- thanks for reading! I was so sad when Dumbledore (the actor who played him) died. I do hope they keep the rest of the actors the same- that would be great. I am disappointed that Oliver Wood's not in the rest of them, I hope that's just a rumor!!!
Ti- thanks. but I got serious writers block on this chapter. sorry for taking so long!!!
J.E.A.R.Potter- thanks for reviewing, I'll check out your stories!
PadFootCc- thanks for reading, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Now here for the apologies. I KNOW!!!! I'm such a bad writer! It's taken me 4ever to update. 1st I had the flu, then I got Tamora Pierce's new book (it was great!!!) and then I was lazy and had writers block. But now I finally updated, I hope I get reviews! I'm also sorry for the crappy chapter name. I was at a loss. I'm not sure if this is the end of my story. I'll update later to explain! Noe I hope you enjoy..
Ch. 14 Friends and Enemies
James saw, with a deer's night vision, the problem right away. The knot on the tree that one would push to find the tunnel to the Shrieking Shack was jammed with the end of a long branch. Darting with the same quick agility he had on the Quidditch field, James ran in between the moving tree branches and dislodged the tree limb with the prongs of his antler, and in the same movement pushed the knot in revealing a large tunnel hole. James slid into the passageway with familiarity, and at the bottom of the hole, the beginning of the passage, transformed back into a human, wand in his mouth. It wouldn't do for Snape to find out they we Amingus now!
He listened to see if he could hear Snape, but the tunnel was silent, so he began to run. Luckily for him the path was straight and he knew it well. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him, but he still felt slow- would he make it in time? Finally he saw a glow ahead, and the silhouette of a figure turn- Snape!
"Who's there?" snarled Snape, shinning his wand in James' eyes. James halted, out of breath. "You!" he cried. Using James' moment of blindness and loss of breath to his advantage he shouted: "EXPELLIARMUS!" James flew through the air, landing on the ground, his wand also flew through the air, landing somewhere in the darkness behind him. By the time James was on his feet, searching blindly for his wand, Snape had turned and pointed his wand at the end of the tunnel.
His destination was in sight, and he walked swiftly toward the grimy trapdoor. With some luck in that second James hand curled around a smooth familiar stick. Grasping his wand he turned to find Snape had reached the door. He forgot about wands as Snape reached for the door, human instinct took over and he ran at Snape.
Had James been in any less fit condition it would have been too late, as it was Snape had already pulled open the door, and was frozen in shock, when James tackled him to the floor. James quickly jumped to his feet and glimpsed Remus, a fully transformed werewolf, panting on the threshold of the door, before slamming it shut in his face. He was not an instant to soon, the second after he pulled it shut he heard a thump, as though a large animal had landed on the wood above them.
But James didn't have time to contemplate this the next instant he heard Snape shout something and found himself doing cartwheels down the tunnel. Performing the counter curse he turned to face his rival.
"What the hell," he yelled, dodging curses, "I just saved your life! What is wrong with you?!"
"I don't need help with my life thanks," sneered Snape, his voice dripping with venom. He tried to speak some more but with a word from James, yellow bubbles floated out of his mouth instead. Unable to speak any more hexes he charged at James, who, tired from running and evading spells, tried to move, but tripped and fell on his face. Snape in turn fell over James and soon the two were rolling on the ground exchanging blows. Wands were forgotten until James, victories for the moment decided to end the madness. He pulled out his wand and locked Snape in a full body bind. Then he levitated the body and proceeded to limp down the tunnel.
***
If he had thought the journey into the passage was long, it was nothing compared to the trip out. He hated to admit it, even to himself, but Snape was a better fight than he looked, and James was painfully aware of his bruised body every time he moved. As he walked he took inventory of his cuts. He foot was dragging when he walked and his stomach received an awful beating when a hex brushed it. His arm felt stiff at the elbow and his fingers barely grasped his wand. Worst of all was his head, which felt loaded with bricks. Feeling his left eye he was sure he would have a shiner in the morning. His passage back to the castle was further delayed by Snape. He dared not release Snape from his spell, but the process of levitating him back to the castle was proving a daunting task.
***
When he finally staggered into the castle he was sure it was at least three in the morning. He was at a loss as what to do with Snape. He knew Snape would go to Dumbledore and frankly he wasn't sure if he could stop him. So he left him just inside the door, still in a full body bind, for someone else to deal with. He walked shakily down the hall, just wanting to sleep. He really didn't feel like explaining his numerous bruises to Madam Pomfrey, and made his way to the common room instead, ready to collapse in his bed.
He was nearly to the common room when he heard running footsteps behind him. Soon Sirius was beside him. He had a wild look in his eyes. " Who knocked the stuffing out of you?" was the first thing he asked.
James found he could not reply. The words were stuck in the back of his throat. As he felt anger filling his whole being, he ignored Sirius and continued to the portrait of the fat lady. Sirius stood, frozen on the spot, for a moment, but then followed James up to the dorm. "What's up with you mate?" he asked, as they entered their room.
James spun around to face his so-called 'friend.' He wasn't feeling too friendly now. In fact he was furious. "What's up with me?" he cried in disbelief. "What's up with ME? I just saved your ass!"
Sirius just smirked at him in disbelief. "Prongs, what the hell are you talking about?"
"Have you forgotten already," James started in a dangerous whisper and voice raised to a shout, "about SNAPE!!!"
Sirius' face twisted unpleasantly, "I don't think we have to worry about that bastard any more."
"Oh," said James, once again softly, "I think we have to worry about him a lot more not." Sirius just stared at him blankly. "Unless, of course, you think attempt murder is nothing."
Sirius' mouth dropped open. "What?" asked James scornfully. "You didn't actually think I'd let you kill someone?"
"Where is he?" growled Sirius turning to the door.
"I don't think so," said James, drawing his wand, "I'm not saving your arse again."
"I didn't ask you to the first time," snarled Snape facing James again. He also drew his wand. "Now where is the dirty bastard- tell me before I do something I regret!"
James circled Sirius until he was between Sirius and the door. "Sirius, nothing is worth this. I am stopping you from doing something you'll regret!"
No soon then the words had left his mouth, Sirius shouted "EXPELLIARMUS!" James quickly shielded himself.
"Sirius, think about what you're doing!" James cried pleading with his former friend.
"James I'm warning you," cried Sirius, "I don't want to hurt you!"
James stood stubbornly in place. The next hex Sirius sent at him landed him flat on his back. He groaned in pain and fury.
"You know Sirius," James growled, using the doorknob to pull himself to his feet, "I think I was wrong about you. YOUR AS MUCH OF A BLOODY EVIL BLACK AS THE REST OF THEM!"
At this Sirius lunged for James, but he never hit him. At that moment the door was flung wide hurling James out of the way. A majestic figure stood in the doorway- Dumbledore! He muttered a few words and Sirius fell from the air. Sirius, on the floor, found himself shielding his eyes from the light the headmaster's wand emitted.
"Mr. Black," said Dumbledore in his gentle booming voice, "I trust you can contain yourself. If I suspect otherwise the consequences will be severe." Sirius gave a slight nod. "Now," continued Dumbledore lowering his wand, "Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, please come with me."
The two boys followed Dumbledore out of the dormitory, down the steps and out of the common room. As he led the two boys down corridors and up staircases, James could only guess where they were going. Of course the boys had always known that Dumbledore must have an office like the rest of the teachers, but when they reached the extremely ugly gargoyle that opened to reveal a moving circular staircase they were both amazed. The followed Dumbledore up, and into a large circular filled with all sorts of magical object, a large desk, and big armchairs.
Dumbledore offered them the armchairs and took a seat at his desk. Interlacing his fingers in front of him he looked at James and Sirius. "I would like to know the events that transpired this evening, concerning a Mr. Severus Snape." No one spoke. Finally Dumbledore told them what he knew. "I have learned from Mr. Snape that you Mr. Black and a certain Mr. Peter Pettigrew lured him to the Whomping Willow and a tunnel that exists underneath it. There you abandoned him to meet a certain friend of yours. Mr. Remus Lupin, whom I am sure you know, is a werewolf. I do not need to know how you found this out. All I know is that this was a childish prank that could have resulted in the death of Mr. Snape. I am not sure how far you intended this prank to go, but I assure you that you are lucky it only went this far.
"Now Mr. Potter," Dumbledore continued, facing James, "Mr. Snape was reluctant to tell me how you saved his life. From what I understand it was at great risk to your own life. I commend you on your bravery. In a moment I will send you down to the Hospital Wing to get yourself cleaned up. I there anything else you would like to add. Either of you?" He paused, and when it became apparent that neither boy wished to speak persisted.
"You both must realize that I must forbid you to ever speak of Mr. Lupin's condition to anyone, ever again. I am sure you understand how this could be potentially harmful to your friend. I must also have your word that you will proceed with extreme caution. Mr. Lupin is exceptionally dangerous on a full moon. I would hate for you to again endanger your lives or anyone else's. You are free to go now Mr. Potter, if you will just sign this."
James signed without being certain what he was signing. He just wanted to leave; he wanted the nightmarish evening to be over. He left, unsure of where to go, and finally decided that since he was closest to the Hospital Wing he would go there. He thought he could just make it.
***
He woke up the next morning unsure of where he was. Sitting up, he found himself in the Hospital Wing, with a splitting headache. He had been awake for barely minutes when through the entrance to the room came Lily. Her brow was furrowed and she looked furious. She was still ten feet from the bed when she cried "James Potter- you leave me in the middle of the night with no explanation. Then you never return and I can't find any of your friends, and finally I hear rumors that you're in the hospital wing!" Suddenly she broke into a smile "you sure know how to keep a girl on her feet!"
Before he knew what was happening her head was buried in the chest of his hospital pajamas, and her arms were wrapped around him. When she broke away she looked him up and down. "What happened? Do you want to talk about it?" she asked.
He wasn't sure if he did, but it was a moot point as Dumbledore had forbidden it. Looking into her eyes he shook his head, hoping she would understand. She nodded and reached for his hand. "You must be hungry. Let's go eat."
James just stared at her for a moment, marveling at how well she understood him. /Yes,/ he thought as she took his hand to lead him down to breakfast, /she is the girl for me./
THE END.
Or is it..
Keep checking and you'll see!
PS REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!!
LogicalRaven- thanks for reading! I was so sad when Dumbledore (the actor who played him) died. I do hope they keep the rest of the actors the same- that would be great. I am disappointed that Oliver Wood's not in the rest of them, I hope that's just a rumor!!!
Ti- thanks. but I got serious writers block on this chapter. sorry for taking so long!!!
J.E.A.R.Potter- thanks for reviewing, I'll check out your stories!
PadFootCc- thanks for reading, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Now here for the apologies. I KNOW!!!! I'm such a bad writer! It's taken me 4ever to update. 1st I had the flu, then I got Tamora Pierce's new book (it was great!!!) and then I was lazy and had writers block. But now I finally updated, I hope I get reviews! I'm also sorry for the crappy chapter name. I was at a loss. I'm not sure if this is the end of my story. I'll update later to explain! Noe I hope you enjoy..
Ch. 14 Friends and Enemies
James saw, with a deer's night vision, the problem right away. The knot on the tree that one would push to find the tunnel to the Shrieking Shack was jammed with the end of a long branch. Darting with the same quick agility he had on the Quidditch field, James ran in between the moving tree branches and dislodged the tree limb with the prongs of his antler, and in the same movement pushed the knot in revealing a large tunnel hole. James slid into the passageway with familiarity, and at the bottom of the hole, the beginning of the passage, transformed back into a human, wand in his mouth. It wouldn't do for Snape to find out they we Amingus now!
He listened to see if he could hear Snape, but the tunnel was silent, so he began to run. Luckily for him the path was straight and he knew it well. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him, but he still felt slow- would he make it in time? Finally he saw a glow ahead, and the silhouette of a figure turn- Snape!
"Who's there?" snarled Snape, shinning his wand in James' eyes. James halted, out of breath. "You!" he cried. Using James' moment of blindness and loss of breath to his advantage he shouted: "EXPELLIARMUS!" James flew through the air, landing on the ground, his wand also flew through the air, landing somewhere in the darkness behind him. By the time James was on his feet, searching blindly for his wand, Snape had turned and pointed his wand at the end of the tunnel.
His destination was in sight, and he walked swiftly toward the grimy trapdoor. With some luck in that second James hand curled around a smooth familiar stick. Grasping his wand he turned to find Snape had reached the door. He forgot about wands as Snape reached for the door, human instinct took over and he ran at Snape.
Had James been in any less fit condition it would have been too late, as it was Snape had already pulled open the door, and was frozen in shock, when James tackled him to the floor. James quickly jumped to his feet and glimpsed Remus, a fully transformed werewolf, panting on the threshold of the door, before slamming it shut in his face. He was not an instant to soon, the second after he pulled it shut he heard a thump, as though a large animal had landed on the wood above them.
But James didn't have time to contemplate this the next instant he heard Snape shout something and found himself doing cartwheels down the tunnel. Performing the counter curse he turned to face his rival.
"What the hell," he yelled, dodging curses, "I just saved your life! What is wrong with you?!"
"I don't need help with my life thanks," sneered Snape, his voice dripping with venom. He tried to speak some more but with a word from James, yellow bubbles floated out of his mouth instead. Unable to speak any more hexes he charged at James, who, tired from running and evading spells, tried to move, but tripped and fell on his face. Snape in turn fell over James and soon the two were rolling on the ground exchanging blows. Wands were forgotten until James, victories for the moment decided to end the madness. He pulled out his wand and locked Snape in a full body bind. Then he levitated the body and proceeded to limp down the tunnel.
***
If he had thought the journey into the passage was long, it was nothing compared to the trip out. He hated to admit it, even to himself, but Snape was a better fight than he looked, and James was painfully aware of his bruised body every time he moved. As he walked he took inventory of his cuts. He foot was dragging when he walked and his stomach received an awful beating when a hex brushed it. His arm felt stiff at the elbow and his fingers barely grasped his wand. Worst of all was his head, which felt loaded with bricks. Feeling his left eye he was sure he would have a shiner in the morning. His passage back to the castle was further delayed by Snape. He dared not release Snape from his spell, but the process of levitating him back to the castle was proving a daunting task.
***
When he finally staggered into the castle he was sure it was at least three in the morning. He was at a loss as what to do with Snape. He knew Snape would go to Dumbledore and frankly he wasn't sure if he could stop him. So he left him just inside the door, still in a full body bind, for someone else to deal with. He walked shakily down the hall, just wanting to sleep. He really didn't feel like explaining his numerous bruises to Madam Pomfrey, and made his way to the common room instead, ready to collapse in his bed.
He was nearly to the common room when he heard running footsteps behind him. Soon Sirius was beside him. He had a wild look in his eyes. " Who knocked the stuffing out of you?" was the first thing he asked.
James found he could not reply. The words were stuck in the back of his throat. As he felt anger filling his whole being, he ignored Sirius and continued to the portrait of the fat lady. Sirius stood, frozen on the spot, for a moment, but then followed James up to the dorm. "What's up with you mate?" he asked, as they entered their room.
James spun around to face his so-called 'friend.' He wasn't feeling too friendly now. In fact he was furious. "What's up with me?" he cried in disbelief. "What's up with ME? I just saved your ass!"
Sirius just smirked at him in disbelief. "Prongs, what the hell are you talking about?"
"Have you forgotten already," James started in a dangerous whisper and voice raised to a shout, "about SNAPE!!!"
Sirius' face twisted unpleasantly, "I don't think we have to worry about that bastard any more."
"Oh," said James, once again softly, "I think we have to worry about him a lot more not." Sirius just stared at him blankly. "Unless, of course, you think attempt murder is nothing."
Sirius' mouth dropped open. "What?" asked James scornfully. "You didn't actually think I'd let you kill someone?"
"Where is he?" growled Sirius turning to the door.
"I don't think so," said James, drawing his wand, "I'm not saving your arse again."
"I didn't ask you to the first time," snarled Snape facing James again. He also drew his wand. "Now where is the dirty bastard- tell me before I do something I regret!"
James circled Sirius until he was between Sirius and the door. "Sirius, nothing is worth this. I am stopping you from doing something you'll regret!"
No soon then the words had left his mouth, Sirius shouted "EXPELLIARMUS!" James quickly shielded himself.
"Sirius, think about what you're doing!" James cried pleading with his former friend.
"James I'm warning you," cried Sirius, "I don't want to hurt you!"
James stood stubbornly in place. The next hex Sirius sent at him landed him flat on his back. He groaned in pain and fury.
"You know Sirius," James growled, using the doorknob to pull himself to his feet, "I think I was wrong about you. YOUR AS MUCH OF A BLOODY EVIL BLACK AS THE REST OF THEM!"
At this Sirius lunged for James, but he never hit him. At that moment the door was flung wide hurling James out of the way. A majestic figure stood in the doorway- Dumbledore! He muttered a few words and Sirius fell from the air. Sirius, on the floor, found himself shielding his eyes from the light the headmaster's wand emitted.
"Mr. Black," said Dumbledore in his gentle booming voice, "I trust you can contain yourself. If I suspect otherwise the consequences will be severe." Sirius gave a slight nod. "Now," continued Dumbledore lowering his wand, "Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, please come with me."
The two boys followed Dumbledore out of the dormitory, down the steps and out of the common room. As he led the two boys down corridors and up staircases, James could only guess where they were going. Of course the boys had always known that Dumbledore must have an office like the rest of the teachers, but when they reached the extremely ugly gargoyle that opened to reveal a moving circular staircase they were both amazed. The followed Dumbledore up, and into a large circular filled with all sorts of magical object, a large desk, and big armchairs.
Dumbledore offered them the armchairs and took a seat at his desk. Interlacing his fingers in front of him he looked at James and Sirius. "I would like to know the events that transpired this evening, concerning a Mr. Severus Snape." No one spoke. Finally Dumbledore told them what he knew. "I have learned from Mr. Snape that you Mr. Black and a certain Mr. Peter Pettigrew lured him to the Whomping Willow and a tunnel that exists underneath it. There you abandoned him to meet a certain friend of yours. Mr. Remus Lupin, whom I am sure you know, is a werewolf. I do not need to know how you found this out. All I know is that this was a childish prank that could have resulted in the death of Mr. Snape. I am not sure how far you intended this prank to go, but I assure you that you are lucky it only went this far.
"Now Mr. Potter," Dumbledore continued, facing James, "Mr. Snape was reluctant to tell me how you saved his life. From what I understand it was at great risk to your own life. I commend you on your bravery. In a moment I will send you down to the Hospital Wing to get yourself cleaned up. I there anything else you would like to add. Either of you?" He paused, and when it became apparent that neither boy wished to speak persisted.
"You both must realize that I must forbid you to ever speak of Mr. Lupin's condition to anyone, ever again. I am sure you understand how this could be potentially harmful to your friend. I must also have your word that you will proceed with extreme caution. Mr. Lupin is exceptionally dangerous on a full moon. I would hate for you to again endanger your lives or anyone else's. You are free to go now Mr. Potter, if you will just sign this."
James signed without being certain what he was signing. He just wanted to leave; he wanted the nightmarish evening to be over. He left, unsure of where to go, and finally decided that since he was closest to the Hospital Wing he would go there. He thought he could just make it.
***
He woke up the next morning unsure of where he was. Sitting up, he found himself in the Hospital Wing, with a splitting headache. He had been awake for barely minutes when through the entrance to the room came Lily. Her brow was furrowed and she looked furious. She was still ten feet from the bed when she cried "James Potter- you leave me in the middle of the night with no explanation. Then you never return and I can't find any of your friends, and finally I hear rumors that you're in the hospital wing!" Suddenly she broke into a smile "you sure know how to keep a girl on her feet!"
Before he knew what was happening her head was buried in the chest of his hospital pajamas, and her arms were wrapped around him. When she broke away she looked him up and down. "What happened? Do you want to talk about it?" she asked.
He wasn't sure if he did, but it was a moot point as Dumbledore had forbidden it. Looking into her eyes he shook his head, hoping she would understand. She nodded and reached for his hand. "You must be hungry. Let's go eat."
James just stared at her for a moment, marveling at how well she understood him. /Yes,/ he thought as she took his hand to lead him down to breakfast, /she is the girl for me./
THE END.
Or is it..
Keep checking and you'll see!
PS REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!!