Harry woke up with a refreshed feeling. He rolled over and got out of bed
to see that everyone was still asleep. He decided to go take a shower. When
he had gotten out and changed his clothes, he saw that Ron was about to go
downstairs to eat breakfast and joined him. When they got there,
practically the whole school, including Hermione, was sitting down to eat.
"Finally, you two decided to come down," said Hermione.
"Good morning to you too," said Ron as he and Harry sat down.
Just then, the owls flew inn with their mail and schedules.
"Oh no," said Harry, looking over his schedule, "Double Potions with the Slytherins."
Harry groaned, Neville slumped forward, and Dean put his face in his hands.
"Too bad for you, I'm not taking N.E.W.T.S. potions," said Ron.
"Lucky for you," said Harry.
"Oh Harry, it shouldn't be too bad," said Hermione.
Nearly everyone at the Gryffindor table stopped moving.
"Hermione, are you ok?" asked Ron.
"Are you sure you REMEMBER who teaches Potions?" asked Seamus.
Everything was back to normal until Dumbledore spoke.
"I have an announcement to make. I would like to introduce our new and RETURNING Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin."
Cheering and applause was heard throughout the Great Hall.
"Yes, I can see that you are all excited. Well, eat up and have a good day."
Dumbledore stepped down and started to leave. Harry looked up at Remus and grinned. At least he had something good to look forward to today.
"Harry, may I talk to you for a moment?" asked Dumbledore.
Harry followed him into his office and stepped in. sitting there was Moody, Tonks, Mr. Weasley, Kingsley Shaklebolt, and soon came in Remus.
"What's going on?" asked Harry.
"We want to know what happened on the train Harry," said Kinsley.
"Ok," said Harry.
He was just about to start when Dumbledore said, "And Harry, please tell us what else happened that you left out when you told me yesterday."
Just then Harry got nervous. He hadn't told anyone what had happened with Bellatrix and he didn't want to. So he started he told them about how the train stopped he was the dark mark, then got his invisibility cloak. Then he stunned the three death eaters. "Then-"
"What about Bellatrix, Harry?" said Moody.
He looked down.
"Harry, we need to know what happened," said Dumbledore.
"Well, I was about to stun her and then she shielded herself. So.so then I used the Crutacious Curse on her," said Harry.
"Harry, Bellatrix was in pain when she woke up. Exactly how many times did you do it?" asked Moody.
"Umm.mumble." said Harry.
"What?" asked Kingsley.
"Four times," said Harry.
"Harry how could you?" yelled Remus.
"SHE KILLED SIRIUS, I THOUGHT YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND!" screamed Harry.
"Good thing we came when we did or else you probably would have done it ten more times," said Remus, calming down.
".mumble." said Harry.
"What?" asked Remus.
"I said, I'm glad you did too because, because I almost killed her," said Harry.
For five minutes, no one spoke and Remus sat there confused. Finally, he spoke.
"Albus, do you think I could take Harry for about an hour," said Remus.
"Of course," said Dumbledore and they all got up to leave.
"Harry, I think you need a day of rest. And some of Mrs. Weasley's food," said Remus grinning, "We'll be back after lunch."
"Ok," said Harry, not bothering to argue.
~*~
After lunch, Harry had asked to be left alone for an hour. He wanted to look at Sirius's pensieve. He went downstairs into the secret room.. he walked over to the pensieve and looked in.
"Savannah!!!" Lily squealed as soon as she saw Savannah step off the plane, the next afternoon. She didn't care that tons of people were staring her way wondering why she was shrieking. Obviously, Savannah didn't either, since she suddenly screamed out Lily's name and ran directly into her arms for a huge, satisfying hug.
"Okay, tell me everything that has happened since the last time I saw you," Lily said.
"Everything? Hmm.that may take a while," she said, and they both laughed. "But, hey, I was finally able to stick with a good agent and when I go back to Montreal in two weeks I'm touring Canada with the Silver Snitches for the months of June, July and August!"
"Oooooh, that is so exciting!!! I'm so proud of you, hon!" Lily squealed, giving her another hug.
"What about you? What's up with your internship at the Daily Prophet?"
Lily sighed. "Not as great as I was hoping it would be."
"What do you mean? What happened?"
Lily sighed again. "Well, I need to get a job so I can keep on paying for the internship but the only job I can get right now to put money forth towards my internship is supposed to be with a newspaper or a magazine or in publishing or in any kind of journalism. So I sent in a bunch of applications in the beginning of January, to a bunch of places, like Random House for Wizardry, and the London Ledger, and the Queen Elizabeth Inc., etc., but I've only gotten back five letters in four months out of about a thousand places. And to top it all off, they were all rejections! And I'm trying to get more applications for more jobs now but no one ever seems to be open!!! I don't know what I'm going to do if I don't keep this internship! I have to be able to uphold it another year, or I can't get my journalism degree or my Daily Prophet editor rights. Which means that I won't be able to become the journalist I've always wanted to become working for the Daily Prophet. Have I told you that life sucks, yet? Because if I haven't, life sucks."
Savannah gave Lily a pitying and sympathetic puppy-dog look and squeezed her elbow. "Don't worry about it. Everything's going to be fine. You still have a hundred letters awaiting you."
"Hey, now that I think about it, I never actually fully checked my mail yesterday. James kind of surprised me with a visit, considering I didn't know he was back, and I never had a chance to look at the mail again considering I was out pretty late last night."
Savannah laughed. "See? Don't worry about it, Lily. I'm telling you, everything's going to work out just fine."
"I hope so. Because everyone else in this stupid world seems to be getting along just fine.except for me. And maybe Peter, but no one is exactly sure what he does considering he's always on business and he never tells us where he's going or what he's doing or why he's doing it."
"Lily, I know this is a crazy idea, but have you ever thought about asking your sister for some money?" Savannah asked.
Lily laughed. "Please, I tried that when I was trying to find an apartment and she laughed in my face. She won't even give me some of her inheritance money from our parents. And unfortunately, when my parents died she sold the house through her Real Estate Company, and only gave me a third of it. From then on I decided that I would never speak to her again." Lily's parents died when she was eighteen, and unfortunately Petunia sold the house, which put Lily basically on the streets, with tons of money inherited from her parents and the third of the money from the sold house. Unfortunately, it basically all went towards the non- expensive, small but cute and cozy home and her internship. Luckily, Sirius agreed to move in with her when she asked him and he paid for half of the rent. Unfortunately, her money is running out because she hasn't been able to find a job to pay for her internship, though she did work as a waitress at a local bar every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night which was the money that helped pay for the rent and the bills. It wasn't a lot of money but when she saved it all up each month it was enough.
"I figured it was going to be a crazy idea," Savannah said, sighing.
*~*~*~*~* Lily walked through the front door, yelling out, "Sirius!? Are you here!?"
"I'm in the kitchen!" a deep voice cried out.
Lily laughed. "Where else?" she muttered. "Savannah's here!"
Immediately, Sirius ran into the living room and into the entranceway. "VANNIE!" he cried with her special nickname that only he called her and no one knew why, running towards her to give her a huge hug.
"SI-SI!" she cried back using his special nickname that no one understood, running into his arms. Sirius swung her around and put her down while still keeping a good grip on her. They eventually let go, after Lily rolled her eyes at them. They were always together at Hogwarts- inseparable, actually. They dated five times in their Hogwarts years, once for a month, once for two weeks, once for a month and a week, once for three months and their last relationship, in their seventh year, lasted seven months! Unfortunately, they went their separate ways after graduation and decided not to hold onto a long-term relationship and broke it off to become friends. Ever since then, they haven't dated at all. They have a weird bond. The first four break-ups ended in complete failure, anger and frustration with them yelling at each other that they never want to speak to each other again. About a week later they ended up talking to each other again and about a week after that, they ended up best friends again. Unfortunately for Savannah, Sirius always seemed to hurt her unintentionally. Savannah has always been afraid of falling for him again, but because Sirius has a certain charm it always seems to bring them back together.
"God, it's been so long," Sirius said breathlessly.
"Too long, Si," Savannah said, grinning. "How many months? Eight?"
"Yeah," Sirius said with a sympathetic look on his face.
"That is never allowed to happen again," she said, laughing.
"Right on, sister!" Sirius said grinning. He gave her another quick huge before Lily interrupted.
"Sorry to interrupt your hug-fest here, but can we please let Lily join in?" Lily said with a grin. They all laughed. "I don't get to see much of Savannah either!"
"Yeah, but you saw her on Valentine's Day last!" Sirius accused, and they all laughed again.
"Okay, I'm just going to drop my stuff off in the guest room. Thanks for letting me stay here for the next two weeks, guys," Savannah said with a wink.
"No problem," Lily said, picking up the mail that was on the floor as Savannah walked up the mini-stairs up to the bedrooms. Lily started rummaging through the mail, hoping for some good news, as Sirius walked towards the kitchen again. Bills, bills, magazine, ads, more bills, Random House for Wizardry, more bills, mag-- Lily thought. Wait, Random House!? She immediately tore open the letter and read its contents quickly. April 7, 1981
Lily M. Evans
16 Ripley Blvd.
Alphamstone, England
Dear Miss Lily Marie Evans,
I am pleased to inform you that there is a job opening on our publishing court if you'd agree to fill that position. It was a tough choice and after narrowing it down to three top publishers, I decided that you were qualified enough and dedicated enough and after analyzing your work, which I thought was absolutely magnificent, I thought that you would be the best person for this job. Thanks for applying for this job and I hope that you will accept this offer. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Douglas Cowing
CEO of Random House for Wizardry
"OH MY GOD!!!!!!!" Lily cried jumping up and down.
"What, what?" Sirius said with a look of shock and confusion on his face.
"I GOT A JOB OFFER AT RANDOM HOUSE!!!" Lily cried, jumping towards Sirius where she literally jumped into his arms.
"That's great!!! I'm so proud of you, Lily!" Sirius said, swinging Lily around.
"Whoa, what's happening down here?" Savannah asked, completely confused.
"I got a job at Random House!!" Lily cried, running towards Savannah who squealed and gave Lily a huge, and smothering, hug.
"Lily, that's excellent!! I told you not to worry!" she cried. "I knew everything was going to work out!"
"I have to go tell James!" she cried.
"Tell me what?" a voice said from the fireplace. They all turned to it and there stood James' floating head in their fireplace.
"James, I got a job at Random House!! I don't have to give up my internship!" she cried excitedly.
In a millisecond, there stood James in their living room wrapping his arms around Lily and giving her a loving kiss. "I knew you'd make it!! I'm so happy for you! Come on, let's go celebrate!" James cried, pulling Lily's arm towards the front door.
"A-A-hem!" Savannah said with her arms crossed.
James turned her way. "Savannah! Hey, sweetie!" he said, going over to her and giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "You made it!"
"Oh, really? And all this time I thought I was still on the plane," she teased.
"It might be better for the rest of us if you were there," Sirius teased.
"Fine, I'll leave, Si-Si. Just for you," Savannah said with a grin on her face.
"It's good to know you still listen to me," Sirius joked.
Savannah pretended to space out. "Oh, what? Huh? Sorry, Si- Si, I was too busy not listening." They all laughed and Sirius turned towards James.
"James, aren't you supposed to be at the Ministry Offices working with Sir Sephilia?" Sirius asked.
James cringed. He hadn't told Lily yet because he didn't want to make a big deal out of it. "I told him I'd be there at six in the evening and it's only five."
Lily stared at James in amazement. "Sir Sephilia? As in, the Head Auror?" Lily asked.
"Um.yeah," he said uncomfortably.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, a little hurt.
"I.I didn't want to make a big deal out of it just in case I don't get the job at his London Offices."
"You could have at least told me," Lily accused.
"I know, and I know I should have, but I'm so nervous that I'm going to screw something up and I didn't want to get both of our hopes up so that in the end they both are suffered."
"Yes, but I expect this to be something important in your life and it would be nice if I knew about it, honey," Lily explained.
"You're right. That's stupidity on my part," he said with a goofy grin. "But today is not about me! It's about you!"
"It could be about you too," Lily explained.
"Nah uh, this is sooo your day!" James exclaimed.
"But you have exciting news too!" Lily pointed out.
"You know what? Why don't we compromise and make this day about me?" said Sirius.
A week later, on Tuesday morning, a knock at the door of Lily and Sirius' house came.
"Hold on James!" Sirius cried, running to the door as fast as he could.
"Why is James here so early in the morning?" Lily asked groggily, still sipping her coffee and reading the Daily Prophet.
"We're meeting Remus at the train station in half an hour," he explained as he opened the door to let James in.
"Hey, sweetie," James said going over to Lily and kissing her on the cheek.
"Oh, I see how it is. No 'Hey, sweetie' for Sirius," Sirius joked, faking a sniffle and pretending to be crying.
"Do you really want me to kiss you on the cheek?" James asked.
"It would just be nice if you showed some affection towards me once and a while," Sirius said in a girly voice teasingly. They all laughed.
"Are you coming with us, Lily?" James asked, grabbing a chocolate donut on the table.
"I can't. I'm meeting Mr. Cowing to talk about the Random House for Wizardry job," Lily explained.
"Okay, good luck," James said. She stood up and started heading for the stairs, but James grabbed her arm and pulled her in for a warm, soft morning kiss.
"Oh, get a room," Sirius said rolling his eyes.
"Sounds okay with me!" James said, and they all laughed.
"Hey, James did Sir Sephilia ever call you back or write you or whatnot?" Lily asked James.
He shook his head. "Nope, but he told me not to expect anything for another week or two."
"I'm sure it's going to be good news," she said, winking at him, as she started to trudge up the stairs to go take a quick shower. "Don't get into any trouble today! I love you, James!"
"What? I don't get an 'I love you?'" Sirius asked.
"I love you, too, Sirius," Lily said, laughing. "And don't get into trouble!!" "Me? I would never do a thing!" Sirius cried.
Lily popped her head down from the stairway. "May I remind you of the time you made three stewardesses quit at London Airlines asking them too many questions about how those.how'd you phrase it 'those huge flying thingys with propellers that make too much damn noise and take up too much damn space' worked?"
"You may remind me, but I may laugh!" Sirius cried up the stairs, bursting into laughter. "Oh, look, I just did."
"I have finally decided that I am scared that you two live in the same house," James said, and all three of them laughed. "I swear I won't be surprised if I find one of you dead in the next two weeks."
"And I swear to it that it will be Sirius," Lily cried laughing, as she trampled up the stairs once again.
*~*~*~*~* "Thank you for meeting me here today, Miss Evans," Mr. Cowing said.
"Oh, no, it's my pleasure," Lily said grinning.
"We don't exactly have a journalist job opening at the moment, but there is a young woman retiring at her publishing job at the Random House for Wizardry in Los Angeles, California in America that I would love to offer you at the moment," he continued. "I took-" "Wait, in California?" Lily asked, surprised.
"Yes, it's the best Random House for Wizardry in the world and I know it will suit your standards."
"But.I'd have to move to California?"
"Yes, that's a slight disadvantage but I took the liberty of calling up Ginger Hutchinson at the Daily Prophet, your intern manager, and she and I have both agreed that you could still finish up your internship at the Daily Prophet headquarters in San Diego. Your plane ticket is already paid for and everything is settled for you in Los Angeles. Your flight leaves late Monday night of May 24 if you will accept this job. This is a huge opportunity for you, Miss Evans and I hope you know that. I hope nothing stands in your way of accepting this."
Move to America!? But everyone and everything I know is in England!! Lily thought in shock, but she hesitated to think about the positives. Yes, but your future is in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is where you belong, Lily!! This is huge!!!! This is what you've always wanted! You can't let anything stand in your way! She suddenly knew what she had to do. She knew that it would be hard telling everyone, but this was her future she was talking about. California, here I come!!!
"Oh, no," thought Harry, "She wouldn't move to California, would she?"
He heard Remus's voice calling him. He quickly stepped out of the pensieve and was about to go upstairs when he thought of something. He decided to bring it with him. The pensieve. Then he could look at it whenever he wanted to. He wrapped his invisibility cloak around it and ran up the stairs.
"We're going to be leaving soon Harry," said Remus.
Just then, an owl flew in and landed with a brightly colored parchment attached to its leg. Remus opened it and started to read.
"Oh my goodness, there is going to be a Marauder's reunion on the 31st," said Remus excitingly.
Suddenly, another one came in except it had Sirius's name on it. They obviously didn't know about him.
"Well, anyways, lets get going," said Remus.
They stepped into the fireplace, said Dumbledore's office, and left. They arrived in his office and Harry went towards the door when Remus spoke.
"Harry, I'm sorry if."
"No, it's ok, really I needed to be by myself," said Harry and walked over to Remus and gave him a hug.
"See you in class Harry," said Remus.
~*~
Harry walked down to lunch and found Ron and Hermione, anxiously waiting for him.
"Harry, where have you been? You weren't in any classes!" said Hermione
Harry was about to explain to them when he saw others looking at him and told them he would tell them later. Dean decided to change the subject.
"So Harry, when are we going to start having DA meetings again?" asked Dean.
"Well, I'll try to get to everyone by next week. We need to recruit new members too. A lot of them left last year," said Harry
"We have to start again soon," said Seamus.
"Yea, even though we have Remus again, we still need all the practice we can get," said Ron.
"I agree," replied Hermione.
"I'm, um, going to get my stuff for class," said Harry, motioning for Ron and Hermione to follow.
When they reached the common rooms, Harry started to explain.
"Dumbledore wanted to ask me what happened on the train," said Harry.
"So you told him you stunned all three right?" asked Ron.
"Well, that's not exactly what happened, and I couldn't lie because Remus, Moody, Tonks, and Kingsley Shaklebolt were there too"," said Harry.
"Oh my god Harry I knew that wasn't it. What else happened?" asked Hermione
so he started to tell them about how he stunned the two and then what he did and almost did to Bellatrix.
Hermione gasped. "Harry, that's awful."
"I know, but I didn't do it because I know Sirius wouldn't have wanted me too," said Harry sighing.
Then he told them about going back to Sirius's house and relaxing for a bit.
"Well, we better get going," said Hermione, and they all got up to go to class.
"But I've got to go post Quid ditch tryouts first," said Harry.
"Well, when are they?" asked Ron as they walked down the hall.
"Next week, on the eight," said Harry and they headed off to their Defense Against Darks Arts class.
~*~
They all walked into class and took a seat at the front, because all of the other seats were taken.
After about five minutes, Remus walked in.
"Sorry I am late class, but I was gone somewhere and just got back," said Remus, looking over at Harry and they both smiled.
"First we will be starting off reviewing some things you already know. Gradually, we will go up to learning some of the most complex spells that some wizards cannot even perform."
That started some chatter between all of the students and Hermione got excited.
"So lets begin. Everyone get partnered up. Fist we will be practicing the Retrieving Charm."
He pointed to the book on his desk and said, " Accio!" and it flew into his hands.
"Has anyone ever used this charm before," and of course, Hermione raised her hand.
"Yes Her-Ms. Granger?"
"Well, during the Tri-Wizard Tournament, I helped Harry practice using the Charm," she said proudly, " and so has Harry."
"Yes, Harry, I'm sure you did during the maze event so-"
"Well actually, when I had to fight the dragons, I used it to get my Firebolt," said Harry.
"Thank you, now everyone-"
"And after I had broken the connection with Voldemort and was running away, he almost got me and I used it to bring the cup to me so we could be transported back to Hogwarts," said Harry.
The room was deathly quiet. No one moved or said a word for about a minute.
"Now everyone, lets get going. Start practicing the charm," said Remus, still shaken by what Harry had just said.
Everyone got up to practice and they were whispering quietly.
"Harry," said Ron as he got up, "I never knew that," said Ron.
"Yea, well, we should start practicing, I guess," said Harry.
They practiced a little while longer, mastering the spell until Remus told them to stop.
"Nest, we will be going over the Disarming Charm."
Some of the Hufflepuffs snickered. One of them spoke up.
"When are we going to need to use that? It's not like anyone in here has," said the boy with dark brown hair and blue eyes.
"Though none of you have ever had to use it, it-"
"I have," said Harry, once again.
"Yea right," said the boy, " and exactly when was this? When you were practicing in your room?" and they started to laugh again.
"No," said Dean and Seamus standing up.
"Somewhere more important than that," said Neville also standing up.
"Against someone very important," said Ron standing up as well.
"Yea," said some of the other Gryffindors for they knew what he was talking about.
"Oh yea, who?" asked the boy intensively.
"Voldemort," said Harry very quietly, "it saved my life, along with the Retrieving Charm."
"So if you don't think what Professor Lupin is teaching us is worth listening to, then you should just leave," said Hermione.
For the rest of the class, they kept practicing those two charms, everyone glancing at Harry.
Finally, class was over and Harry was the first to walk out the door when Remus stopped him.
"Harry, could I talk to you for a second," said Remus.
Harry turned around and waited for the other students to leave.
"I never knew any of this happened to you. Did you ever tell anyone about this?" asked Remus.
"Yes, Dumbledore made me tell him and Sirius was there too," said Harry sadly.
"Do you want to tell me what happened?" asked Remus.
"Ok, but not now, I have to go. Maybe some other time?" said Harry.
"Ok, see you later" said Remus.
~*~
Later when Harry was sitting in the common rooms, Hermione came up with an idea.
"Harry, who are we going to ask to join DA?" said Hermione.
"I don't know. Everyone else had joined. I was thinking maybe some of the Slytherins," Harry whispered.
"Slytherins! Are you kidding me!" said Ron.
"Well Ron, not all of them are like Malfoy," said Harry.
"True, but then who?" asked Ron.
"I'm not sure yet," said Harry.
~*~
The rest of the week went by quickly. Harry had classes, lots of homework, and was thinking about DA. He was engrossed in Quidditch as he was constantly hoping that he had a good team and that everything was ok. Hermione was starting to get a little worried.
On Sunday, the day before tryouts, Hermione decided to talk to Harry about it. She went up to the common room to find him sitting on the floor with books and papers everywhere, his broomstick at his side, as he had dozed off and was leaning against the chair. Hermione went over to wake him up.
"Harry, Harry, wake up!" said Hermione, shaking Harry.
"Huh, HUH? Where am I?" said Harry, still dazed.
Hermione started laughing.
"Oh Hermione, I was doing my Charms homework and then I went through my Quidditch books for some more tactics and then I polished my broom twice and then I had nothing to do so I went over everything and I guess I fell asleep," said Harry, all in one breath.
"But Harry, you don't even have a team yet and you're already forming strategies. You've been working too hard. I think you should come down and eat some dinner," said Hermione.
"Yea, ok, in ten minutes I'll be down," said Harry and started reading again furiously.
Hermione sighed, gave up, and went down to find Ron. She sat down abruptly and everyone at the Gryffindor table sitting by her stared.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" asked Ron, eating a piece of chicken.
"Harry has gone mad. I'm telling you, he's going to become the next Oliver Wood," said Hermione.
"Oh, Hermione, I don't think anyone could be as crazy and Quidditch determined as Wood, ever if they tried," said Ginny.
"You should see him. He was lying against the armchair, on the ground, broomstick in one hand, book in the other, surrounded by papers and things." said Hermione.
"I don't know Hermione. Wood was MUCH worse. He would eat, sleep, and dream Quidditch. And anyways, he turned out just fine," said Dean.
"Well, I just hope you're right," she said and started eating.
~*~
The next day, Harry was up bright and early at 4:00 am pacing around the room. At 4:30, he decided to go down to the Quidditch fields and practice. He was flying around until 8:00 when he went back to the dormitories to find Ron was downstairs. What could he do now? He wasn't hungry. He decided that looking through his plans on e more time couldn't hurt. So he got his things and sat on his bed, rereading the same thing over and over again. He slowly drifted off to sleep.
At first, it was all blackness. He could make out some figures moving in the trees. They were attacking a building of some sort. There were beams of light everywhere. He could hear the killing curse being said. People were falling to the ground. Then he heard the worst sound of all. That laugh. The one that was heard where there was evil. The laugh that haunted his dreams. Voldemort's laugh. Suddenly, another taller form appeared. It had something in it's hands, a torch. A torch with green flames flickering wildly through the wind. The figure was suddenly very close to him, it's back still turn. Then, all of a sudden it turned around and Harry saw those horrifying red slits and started screaming.
He opened his eyes, gasping for breath.
Voldemort had just taken over Azkaban.
~*~
"Finally, you two decided to come down," said Hermione.
"Good morning to you too," said Ron as he and Harry sat down.
Just then, the owls flew inn with their mail and schedules.
"Oh no," said Harry, looking over his schedule, "Double Potions with the Slytherins."
Harry groaned, Neville slumped forward, and Dean put his face in his hands.
"Too bad for you, I'm not taking N.E.W.T.S. potions," said Ron.
"Lucky for you," said Harry.
"Oh Harry, it shouldn't be too bad," said Hermione.
Nearly everyone at the Gryffindor table stopped moving.
"Hermione, are you ok?" asked Ron.
"Are you sure you REMEMBER who teaches Potions?" asked Seamus.
Everything was back to normal until Dumbledore spoke.
"I have an announcement to make. I would like to introduce our new and RETURNING Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin."
Cheering and applause was heard throughout the Great Hall.
"Yes, I can see that you are all excited. Well, eat up and have a good day."
Dumbledore stepped down and started to leave. Harry looked up at Remus and grinned. At least he had something good to look forward to today.
"Harry, may I talk to you for a moment?" asked Dumbledore.
Harry followed him into his office and stepped in. sitting there was Moody, Tonks, Mr. Weasley, Kingsley Shaklebolt, and soon came in Remus.
"What's going on?" asked Harry.
"We want to know what happened on the train Harry," said Kinsley.
"Ok," said Harry.
He was just about to start when Dumbledore said, "And Harry, please tell us what else happened that you left out when you told me yesterday."
Just then Harry got nervous. He hadn't told anyone what had happened with Bellatrix and he didn't want to. So he started he told them about how the train stopped he was the dark mark, then got his invisibility cloak. Then he stunned the three death eaters. "Then-"
"What about Bellatrix, Harry?" said Moody.
He looked down.
"Harry, we need to know what happened," said Dumbledore.
"Well, I was about to stun her and then she shielded herself. So.so then I used the Crutacious Curse on her," said Harry.
"Harry, Bellatrix was in pain when she woke up. Exactly how many times did you do it?" asked Moody.
"Umm.mumble." said Harry.
"What?" asked Kingsley.
"Four times," said Harry.
"Harry how could you?" yelled Remus.
"SHE KILLED SIRIUS, I THOUGHT YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND!" screamed Harry.
"Good thing we came when we did or else you probably would have done it ten more times," said Remus, calming down.
".mumble." said Harry.
"What?" asked Remus.
"I said, I'm glad you did too because, because I almost killed her," said Harry.
For five minutes, no one spoke and Remus sat there confused. Finally, he spoke.
"Albus, do you think I could take Harry for about an hour," said Remus.
"Of course," said Dumbledore and they all got up to leave.
"Harry, I think you need a day of rest. And some of Mrs. Weasley's food," said Remus grinning, "We'll be back after lunch."
"Ok," said Harry, not bothering to argue.
~*~
After lunch, Harry had asked to be left alone for an hour. He wanted to look at Sirius's pensieve. He went downstairs into the secret room.. he walked over to the pensieve and looked in.
"Savannah!!!" Lily squealed as soon as she saw Savannah step off the plane, the next afternoon. She didn't care that tons of people were staring her way wondering why she was shrieking. Obviously, Savannah didn't either, since she suddenly screamed out Lily's name and ran directly into her arms for a huge, satisfying hug.
"Okay, tell me everything that has happened since the last time I saw you," Lily said.
"Everything? Hmm.that may take a while," she said, and they both laughed. "But, hey, I was finally able to stick with a good agent and when I go back to Montreal in two weeks I'm touring Canada with the Silver Snitches for the months of June, July and August!"
"Oooooh, that is so exciting!!! I'm so proud of you, hon!" Lily squealed, giving her another hug.
"What about you? What's up with your internship at the Daily Prophet?"
Lily sighed. "Not as great as I was hoping it would be."
"What do you mean? What happened?"
Lily sighed again. "Well, I need to get a job so I can keep on paying for the internship but the only job I can get right now to put money forth towards my internship is supposed to be with a newspaper or a magazine or in publishing or in any kind of journalism. So I sent in a bunch of applications in the beginning of January, to a bunch of places, like Random House for Wizardry, and the London Ledger, and the Queen Elizabeth Inc., etc., but I've only gotten back five letters in four months out of about a thousand places. And to top it all off, they were all rejections! And I'm trying to get more applications for more jobs now but no one ever seems to be open!!! I don't know what I'm going to do if I don't keep this internship! I have to be able to uphold it another year, or I can't get my journalism degree or my Daily Prophet editor rights. Which means that I won't be able to become the journalist I've always wanted to become working for the Daily Prophet. Have I told you that life sucks, yet? Because if I haven't, life sucks."
Savannah gave Lily a pitying and sympathetic puppy-dog look and squeezed her elbow. "Don't worry about it. Everything's going to be fine. You still have a hundred letters awaiting you."
"Hey, now that I think about it, I never actually fully checked my mail yesterday. James kind of surprised me with a visit, considering I didn't know he was back, and I never had a chance to look at the mail again considering I was out pretty late last night."
Savannah laughed. "See? Don't worry about it, Lily. I'm telling you, everything's going to work out just fine."
"I hope so. Because everyone else in this stupid world seems to be getting along just fine.except for me. And maybe Peter, but no one is exactly sure what he does considering he's always on business and he never tells us where he's going or what he's doing or why he's doing it."
"Lily, I know this is a crazy idea, but have you ever thought about asking your sister for some money?" Savannah asked.
Lily laughed. "Please, I tried that when I was trying to find an apartment and she laughed in my face. She won't even give me some of her inheritance money from our parents. And unfortunately, when my parents died she sold the house through her Real Estate Company, and only gave me a third of it. From then on I decided that I would never speak to her again." Lily's parents died when she was eighteen, and unfortunately Petunia sold the house, which put Lily basically on the streets, with tons of money inherited from her parents and the third of the money from the sold house. Unfortunately, it basically all went towards the non- expensive, small but cute and cozy home and her internship. Luckily, Sirius agreed to move in with her when she asked him and he paid for half of the rent. Unfortunately, her money is running out because she hasn't been able to find a job to pay for her internship, though she did work as a waitress at a local bar every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night which was the money that helped pay for the rent and the bills. It wasn't a lot of money but when she saved it all up each month it was enough.
"I figured it was going to be a crazy idea," Savannah said, sighing.
*~*~*~*~* Lily walked through the front door, yelling out, "Sirius!? Are you here!?"
"I'm in the kitchen!" a deep voice cried out.
Lily laughed. "Where else?" she muttered. "Savannah's here!"
Immediately, Sirius ran into the living room and into the entranceway. "VANNIE!" he cried with her special nickname that only he called her and no one knew why, running towards her to give her a huge hug.
"SI-SI!" she cried back using his special nickname that no one understood, running into his arms. Sirius swung her around and put her down while still keeping a good grip on her. They eventually let go, after Lily rolled her eyes at them. They were always together at Hogwarts- inseparable, actually. They dated five times in their Hogwarts years, once for a month, once for two weeks, once for a month and a week, once for three months and their last relationship, in their seventh year, lasted seven months! Unfortunately, they went their separate ways after graduation and decided not to hold onto a long-term relationship and broke it off to become friends. Ever since then, they haven't dated at all. They have a weird bond. The first four break-ups ended in complete failure, anger and frustration with them yelling at each other that they never want to speak to each other again. About a week later they ended up talking to each other again and about a week after that, they ended up best friends again. Unfortunately for Savannah, Sirius always seemed to hurt her unintentionally. Savannah has always been afraid of falling for him again, but because Sirius has a certain charm it always seems to bring them back together.
"God, it's been so long," Sirius said breathlessly.
"Too long, Si," Savannah said, grinning. "How many months? Eight?"
"Yeah," Sirius said with a sympathetic look on his face.
"That is never allowed to happen again," she said, laughing.
"Right on, sister!" Sirius said grinning. He gave her another quick huge before Lily interrupted.
"Sorry to interrupt your hug-fest here, but can we please let Lily join in?" Lily said with a grin. They all laughed. "I don't get to see much of Savannah either!"
"Yeah, but you saw her on Valentine's Day last!" Sirius accused, and they all laughed again.
"Okay, I'm just going to drop my stuff off in the guest room. Thanks for letting me stay here for the next two weeks, guys," Savannah said with a wink.
"No problem," Lily said, picking up the mail that was on the floor as Savannah walked up the mini-stairs up to the bedrooms. Lily started rummaging through the mail, hoping for some good news, as Sirius walked towards the kitchen again. Bills, bills, magazine, ads, more bills, Random House for Wizardry, more bills, mag-- Lily thought. Wait, Random House!? She immediately tore open the letter and read its contents quickly. April 7, 1981
Lily M. Evans
16 Ripley Blvd.
Alphamstone, England
Dear Miss Lily Marie Evans,
I am pleased to inform you that there is a job opening on our publishing court if you'd agree to fill that position. It was a tough choice and after narrowing it down to three top publishers, I decided that you were qualified enough and dedicated enough and after analyzing your work, which I thought was absolutely magnificent, I thought that you would be the best person for this job. Thanks for applying for this job and I hope that you will accept this offer. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Douglas Cowing
CEO of Random House for Wizardry
"OH MY GOD!!!!!!!" Lily cried jumping up and down.
"What, what?" Sirius said with a look of shock and confusion on his face.
"I GOT A JOB OFFER AT RANDOM HOUSE!!!" Lily cried, jumping towards Sirius where she literally jumped into his arms.
"That's great!!! I'm so proud of you, Lily!" Sirius said, swinging Lily around.
"Whoa, what's happening down here?" Savannah asked, completely confused.
"I got a job at Random House!!" Lily cried, running towards Savannah who squealed and gave Lily a huge, and smothering, hug.
"Lily, that's excellent!! I told you not to worry!" she cried. "I knew everything was going to work out!"
"I have to go tell James!" she cried.
"Tell me what?" a voice said from the fireplace. They all turned to it and there stood James' floating head in their fireplace.
"James, I got a job at Random House!! I don't have to give up my internship!" she cried excitedly.
In a millisecond, there stood James in their living room wrapping his arms around Lily and giving her a loving kiss. "I knew you'd make it!! I'm so happy for you! Come on, let's go celebrate!" James cried, pulling Lily's arm towards the front door.
"A-A-hem!" Savannah said with her arms crossed.
James turned her way. "Savannah! Hey, sweetie!" he said, going over to her and giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "You made it!"
"Oh, really? And all this time I thought I was still on the plane," she teased.
"It might be better for the rest of us if you were there," Sirius teased.
"Fine, I'll leave, Si-Si. Just for you," Savannah said with a grin on her face.
"It's good to know you still listen to me," Sirius joked.
Savannah pretended to space out. "Oh, what? Huh? Sorry, Si- Si, I was too busy not listening." They all laughed and Sirius turned towards James.
"James, aren't you supposed to be at the Ministry Offices working with Sir Sephilia?" Sirius asked.
James cringed. He hadn't told Lily yet because he didn't want to make a big deal out of it. "I told him I'd be there at six in the evening and it's only five."
Lily stared at James in amazement. "Sir Sephilia? As in, the Head Auror?" Lily asked.
"Um.yeah," he said uncomfortably.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, a little hurt.
"I.I didn't want to make a big deal out of it just in case I don't get the job at his London Offices."
"You could have at least told me," Lily accused.
"I know, and I know I should have, but I'm so nervous that I'm going to screw something up and I didn't want to get both of our hopes up so that in the end they both are suffered."
"Yes, but I expect this to be something important in your life and it would be nice if I knew about it, honey," Lily explained.
"You're right. That's stupidity on my part," he said with a goofy grin. "But today is not about me! It's about you!"
"It could be about you too," Lily explained.
"Nah uh, this is sooo your day!" James exclaimed.
"But you have exciting news too!" Lily pointed out.
"You know what? Why don't we compromise and make this day about me?" said Sirius.
A week later, on Tuesday morning, a knock at the door of Lily and Sirius' house came.
"Hold on James!" Sirius cried, running to the door as fast as he could.
"Why is James here so early in the morning?" Lily asked groggily, still sipping her coffee and reading the Daily Prophet.
"We're meeting Remus at the train station in half an hour," he explained as he opened the door to let James in.
"Hey, sweetie," James said going over to Lily and kissing her on the cheek.
"Oh, I see how it is. No 'Hey, sweetie' for Sirius," Sirius joked, faking a sniffle and pretending to be crying.
"Do you really want me to kiss you on the cheek?" James asked.
"It would just be nice if you showed some affection towards me once and a while," Sirius said in a girly voice teasingly. They all laughed.
"Are you coming with us, Lily?" James asked, grabbing a chocolate donut on the table.
"I can't. I'm meeting Mr. Cowing to talk about the Random House for Wizardry job," Lily explained.
"Okay, good luck," James said. She stood up and started heading for the stairs, but James grabbed her arm and pulled her in for a warm, soft morning kiss.
"Oh, get a room," Sirius said rolling his eyes.
"Sounds okay with me!" James said, and they all laughed.
"Hey, James did Sir Sephilia ever call you back or write you or whatnot?" Lily asked James.
He shook his head. "Nope, but he told me not to expect anything for another week or two."
"I'm sure it's going to be good news," she said, winking at him, as she started to trudge up the stairs to go take a quick shower. "Don't get into any trouble today! I love you, James!"
"What? I don't get an 'I love you?'" Sirius asked.
"I love you, too, Sirius," Lily said, laughing. "And don't get into trouble!!" "Me? I would never do a thing!" Sirius cried.
Lily popped her head down from the stairway. "May I remind you of the time you made three stewardesses quit at London Airlines asking them too many questions about how those.how'd you phrase it 'those huge flying thingys with propellers that make too much damn noise and take up too much damn space' worked?"
"You may remind me, but I may laugh!" Sirius cried up the stairs, bursting into laughter. "Oh, look, I just did."
"I have finally decided that I am scared that you two live in the same house," James said, and all three of them laughed. "I swear I won't be surprised if I find one of you dead in the next two weeks."
"And I swear to it that it will be Sirius," Lily cried laughing, as she trampled up the stairs once again.
*~*~*~*~* "Thank you for meeting me here today, Miss Evans," Mr. Cowing said.
"Oh, no, it's my pleasure," Lily said grinning.
"We don't exactly have a journalist job opening at the moment, but there is a young woman retiring at her publishing job at the Random House for Wizardry in Los Angeles, California in America that I would love to offer you at the moment," he continued. "I took-" "Wait, in California?" Lily asked, surprised.
"Yes, it's the best Random House for Wizardry in the world and I know it will suit your standards."
"But.I'd have to move to California?"
"Yes, that's a slight disadvantage but I took the liberty of calling up Ginger Hutchinson at the Daily Prophet, your intern manager, and she and I have both agreed that you could still finish up your internship at the Daily Prophet headquarters in San Diego. Your plane ticket is already paid for and everything is settled for you in Los Angeles. Your flight leaves late Monday night of May 24 if you will accept this job. This is a huge opportunity for you, Miss Evans and I hope you know that. I hope nothing stands in your way of accepting this."
Move to America!? But everyone and everything I know is in England!! Lily thought in shock, but she hesitated to think about the positives. Yes, but your future is in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is where you belong, Lily!! This is huge!!!! This is what you've always wanted! You can't let anything stand in your way! She suddenly knew what she had to do. She knew that it would be hard telling everyone, but this was her future she was talking about. California, here I come!!!
"Oh, no," thought Harry, "She wouldn't move to California, would she?"
He heard Remus's voice calling him. He quickly stepped out of the pensieve and was about to go upstairs when he thought of something. He decided to bring it with him. The pensieve. Then he could look at it whenever he wanted to. He wrapped his invisibility cloak around it and ran up the stairs.
"We're going to be leaving soon Harry," said Remus.
Just then, an owl flew in and landed with a brightly colored parchment attached to its leg. Remus opened it and started to read.
"Oh my goodness, there is going to be a Marauder's reunion on the 31st," said Remus excitingly.
Suddenly, another one came in except it had Sirius's name on it. They obviously didn't know about him.
"Well, anyways, lets get going," said Remus.
They stepped into the fireplace, said Dumbledore's office, and left. They arrived in his office and Harry went towards the door when Remus spoke.
"Harry, I'm sorry if."
"No, it's ok, really I needed to be by myself," said Harry and walked over to Remus and gave him a hug.
"See you in class Harry," said Remus.
~*~
Harry walked down to lunch and found Ron and Hermione, anxiously waiting for him.
"Harry, where have you been? You weren't in any classes!" said Hermione
Harry was about to explain to them when he saw others looking at him and told them he would tell them later. Dean decided to change the subject.
"So Harry, when are we going to start having DA meetings again?" asked Dean.
"Well, I'll try to get to everyone by next week. We need to recruit new members too. A lot of them left last year," said Harry
"We have to start again soon," said Seamus.
"Yea, even though we have Remus again, we still need all the practice we can get," said Ron.
"I agree," replied Hermione.
"I'm, um, going to get my stuff for class," said Harry, motioning for Ron and Hermione to follow.
When they reached the common rooms, Harry started to explain.
"Dumbledore wanted to ask me what happened on the train," said Harry.
"So you told him you stunned all three right?" asked Ron.
"Well, that's not exactly what happened, and I couldn't lie because Remus, Moody, Tonks, and Kingsley Shaklebolt were there too"," said Harry.
"Oh my god Harry I knew that wasn't it. What else happened?" asked Hermione
so he started to tell them about how he stunned the two and then what he did and almost did to Bellatrix.
Hermione gasped. "Harry, that's awful."
"I know, but I didn't do it because I know Sirius wouldn't have wanted me too," said Harry sighing.
Then he told them about going back to Sirius's house and relaxing for a bit.
"Well, we better get going," said Hermione, and they all got up to go to class.
"But I've got to go post Quid ditch tryouts first," said Harry.
"Well, when are they?" asked Ron as they walked down the hall.
"Next week, on the eight," said Harry and they headed off to their Defense Against Darks Arts class.
~*~
They all walked into class and took a seat at the front, because all of the other seats were taken.
After about five minutes, Remus walked in.
"Sorry I am late class, but I was gone somewhere and just got back," said Remus, looking over at Harry and they both smiled.
"First we will be starting off reviewing some things you already know. Gradually, we will go up to learning some of the most complex spells that some wizards cannot even perform."
That started some chatter between all of the students and Hermione got excited.
"So lets begin. Everyone get partnered up. Fist we will be practicing the Retrieving Charm."
He pointed to the book on his desk and said, " Accio!" and it flew into his hands.
"Has anyone ever used this charm before," and of course, Hermione raised her hand.
"Yes Her-Ms. Granger?"
"Well, during the Tri-Wizard Tournament, I helped Harry practice using the Charm," she said proudly, " and so has Harry."
"Yes, Harry, I'm sure you did during the maze event so-"
"Well actually, when I had to fight the dragons, I used it to get my Firebolt," said Harry.
"Thank you, now everyone-"
"And after I had broken the connection with Voldemort and was running away, he almost got me and I used it to bring the cup to me so we could be transported back to Hogwarts," said Harry.
The room was deathly quiet. No one moved or said a word for about a minute.
"Now everyone, lets get going. Start practicing the charm," said Remus, still shaken by what Harry had just said.
Everyone got up to practice and they were whispering quietly.
"Harry," said Ron as he got up, "I never knew that," said Ron.
"Yea, well, we should start practicing, I guess," said Harry.
They practiced a little while longer, mastering the spell until Remus told them to stop.
"Nest, we will be going over the Disarming Charm."
Some of the Hufflepuffs snickered. One of them spoke up.
"When are we going to need to use that? It's not like anyone in here has," said the boy with dark brown hair and blue eyes.
"Though none of you have ever had to use it, it-"
"I have," said Harry, once again.
"Yea right," said the boy, " and exactly when was this? When you were practicing in your room?" and they started to laugh again.
"No," said Dean and Seamus standing up.
"Somewhere more important than that," said Neville also standing up.
"Against someone very important," said Ron standing up as well.
"Yea," said some of the other Gryffindors for they knew what he was talking about.
"Oh yea, who?" asked the boy intensively.
"Voldemort," said Harry very quietly, "it saved my life, along with the Retrieving Charm."
"So if you don't think what Professor Lupin is teaching us is worth listening to, then you should just leave," said Hermione.
For the rest of the class, they kept practicing those two charms, everyone glancing at Harry.
Finally, class was over and Harry was the first to walk out the door when Remus stopped him.
"Harry, could I talk to you for a second," said Remus.
Harry turned around and waited for the other students to leave.
"I never knew any of this happened to you. Did you ever tell anyone about this?" asked Remus.
"Yes, Dumbledore made me tell him and Sirius was there too," said Harry sadly.
"Do you want to tell me what happened?" asked Remus.
"Ok, but not now, I have to go. Maybe some other time?" said Harry.
"Ok, see you later" said Remus.
~*~
Later when Harry was sitting in the common rooms, Hermione came up with an idea.
"Harry, who are we going to ask to join DA?" said Hermione.
"I don't know. Everyone else had joined. I was thinking maybe some of the Slytherins," Harry whispered.
"Slytherins! Are you kidding me!" said Ron.
"Well Ron, not all of them are like Malfoy," said Harry.
"True, but then who?" asked Ron.
"I'm not sure yet," said Harry.
~*~
The rest of the week went by quickly. Harry had classes, lots of homework, and was thinking about DA. He was engrossed in Quidditch as he was constantly hoping that he had a good team and that everything was ok. Hermione was starting to get a little worried.
On Sunday, the day before tryouts, Hermione decided to talk to Harry about it. She went up to the common room to find him sitting on the floor with books and papers everywhere, his broomstick at his side, as he had dozed off and was leaning against the chair. Hermione went over to wake him up.
"Harry, Harry, wake up!" said Hermione, shaking Harry.
"Huh, HUH? Where am I?" said Harry, still dazed.
Hermione started laughing.
"Oh Hermione, I was doing my Charms homework and then I went through my Quidditch books for some more tactics and then I polished my broom twice and then I had nothing to do so I went over everything and I guess I fell asleep," said Harry, all in one breath.
"But Harry, you don't even have a team yet and you're already forming strategies. You've been working too hard. I think you should come down and eat some dinner," said Hermione.
"Yea, ok, in ten minutes I'll be down," said Harry and started reading again furiously.
Hermione sighed, gave up, and went down to find Ron. She sat down abruptly and everyone at the Gryffindor table sitting by her stared.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" asked Ron, eating a piece of chicken.
"Harry has gone mad. I'm telling you, he's going to become the next Oliver Wood," said Hermione.
"Oh, Hermione, I don't think anyone could be as crazy and Quidditch determined as Wood, ever if they tried," said Ginny.
"You should see him. He was lying against the armchair, on the ground, broomstick in one hand, book in the other, surrounded by papers and things." said Hermione.
"I don't know Hermione. Wood was MUCH worse. He would eat, sleep, and dream Quidditch. And anyways, he turned out just fine," said Dean.
"Well, I just hope you're right," she said and started eating.
~*~
The next day, Harry was up bright and early at 4:00 am pacing around the room. At 4:30, he decided to go down to the Quidditch fields and practice. He was flying around until 8:00 when he went back to the dormitories to find Ron was downstairs. What could he do now? He wasn't hungry. He decided that looking through his plans on e more time couldn't hurt. So he got his things and sat on his bed, rereading the same thing over and over again. He slowly drifted off to sleep.
At first, it was all blackness. He could make out some figures moving in the trees. They were attacking a building of some sort. There were beams of light everywhere. He could hear the killing curse being said. People were falling to the ground. Then he heard the worst sound of all. That laugh. The one that was heard where there was evil. The laugh that haunted his dreams. Voldemort's laugh. Suddenly, another taller form appeared. It had something in it's hands, a torch. A torch with green flames flickering wildly through the wind. The figure was suddenly very close to him, it's back still turn. Then, all of a sudden it turned around and Harry saw those horrifying red slits and started screaming.
He opened his eyes, gasping for breath.
Voldemort had just taken over Azkaban.
~*~
