AN: Okay, I'm getting a bit exhausted, so I might wait until the holidays
are over to update again. (the key word being 'might'!!)
Anyhoo, hugs to my reviewers (all two of you *sob*) All right, now for some change of PoV. . .
~~
They get worse every year. . .
Of course, the teachers at Hogwarts were hoping the little brats would eventually die out, but every generation seemed to be making them twice as insanely impossible as before. It had been an enormous relief to all the teachers at Hogwarts when James Potter and Sirius Black had finally graduated, and left for good.
But that meant the worst of them were on their way. Sure enough, the tidal wave of first year students had brought the seemingly innocent Bill Weasley into Hogwarts, and under the watch of very weary professors - still healing from the damage made by last year's graduates.
"Over the years, the fine art of brewing and combining herbs and meticulous combinations of ingredients by specific instruction passed down for thousands of years has, most unfortunately, been simplified to mere 'Potion Making'," the professor began with an attempt to captivate the new class's attention.
"What a shame," Bill Weasley said mournfully, but with a sardonic smile that suggested exactly the opposite. The comment went unnoticed, although the professor's eye twitched slightly before he continued.
"It is an ugly disgrace beyond measure - "
"Kind of like your mustache," Bill muttered with a grin. He looked around innocently as if he had no idea what had happened.
"Your instructions," the professor said, waving his wand carelessly in the direction of the chalkboard behind him. The procedure for brewing a simple color-changing potion appeared, and the class silently went to work.
By the end of the lesson, however, things had gotten out of control. To put it simply, the end result had been the equivalent of a food fight, except instead, potion ingredients were being pelted and flung across the classroom.
Bill had a hand in this, it was true, though no one had a shred of proof against him. (Oddly enough, he later became a Gryffindor Prefect and Head Boy.)
By the end of the week, three professors had announced retirement, leaving far too many teaching posts open all at one time. They agreed to stay the whole year, but they simply refused to stay for the next.
Now, along with so many other things, it was Dumbledore's unhappy task to find a Potions teacher, Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and Divination teacher that, each of them, seemed promising to stay longer than the people before them.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Honestly, Albus," McGonagall said after hearing the news. "Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions, that's understandable, but to find a true Divination teacher before the end of the year? The majority of people up to the job are just idiots who are delirious enough to think they can see the future!"
Dumbledore sighed, ignoring his instincts to agree with her. "I must admit, Divination has rather lost its credibility at this school, but that is no reason to simply dismiss the course entirely."
Despite his own words, he couldn't help but think it was a perfectly good reason to dismiss the course entirely.
Yet, he found himself in the Hog's Head a few days later waiting for the interview to end. There had been only one person up to the job - by the name of Sybil Trelawney - and quite frankly, she was wasting his time.
"I See," she said dramatically, waving her arms around in the smoke she had conjured in an attempt to make them look like spirits. "I See - I See danger. Yes, danger draws near. But, that is beside the matter. And, of course, I knew you were coming before I even saw the ad in the Daily Prophet. You are in need of my skills, are you not? Children cloud my Inner Eye, but, for the sake of bestowing my knowledge upon them," she hesitated dramatically, "I suppose I could try. Divination is not something you can teach, however, you must be born with the gift."
Dumbledore nodded patiently, but couldn't help getting irritated. The witch was arguing with herself - saying she would teach, and then saying it wasn't possible. Even before that, she had been rambling.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I'm afraid you do not reach our requirements. We may not even keep the class going after all."
As swiftly as it came, she lost her air of mystery - having it replaced by irritation and impatience. "Well, I must say I've made much better use of my time," she exclaimed, clearly peeved by not being taken as seriously as she'd hoped.
"Couldn't have said it better myself," Dumbledore replied heartily, standing up to leave.
When he turned his back, however, a voice reached his ears that he had never heard before, yet it was altogether oddly familiar. "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches," the harsh voice droned.
Dumbledore turned around slowly, and saw that the witch's head was back and her eyes were rolling madly. At first, he thought the woman must be incredibly desperate for a job if she went to these lengths, but before he could conclude any further, the entranced witch continued.
"Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies." Indeed, the witch didn't seem aware of the fact that she was actually speaking. It seemed as if some greater force were speaking through her, leaving her body in a state of disarray.
"And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not." Dumbledore tried using means of Legilimency to find out whether this was some elaborate show she had rehearsed. But he found that presently, there was no mind to read - no conscience for lying. It was completely out of her hands what words came from her mouth.
"And either must die at the hands of the other for neither can live while the other survives. . . the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies. . ."
Moments later, the color rushed back into the witch's face, and her eyes came back into focus. She eyed Dumbledore strangely. "If there is nothing left to say to me, then I suggest you leave," she snapped.
That's when it occurred to him that she had no memory of what had just happened only seconds before. *But was it a genuine prophecy?* he asked himself. He would have to wait until the seventh month came around. . .
"I may very well have a place for you," he stopped, his mind whirling. He would need his pensieve when he got back to the school. "I'll send you an owl when I find out."
~~~~~~~~~~
This was the first report he'd gotten that seemed to be of real danger to him. And it wasn't a good feeling at all.
"And?" Voldemort snapped when the death eater had fallen silent. "Born as the seventh month dies. . . what did she say then?" A wave of irritation overtook the Dark Lord when he noticed that the wizard before him was shaking with fear.
"I - I do not know, my lord. I was caught before I could hear the rest - I'm sorry. I'm sorry, my lord. . ." The wizard continued to mumble nervous apologies over and over until Voldemort couldn't stand hearing it anymore.
"You're useless," was all he said before killing the man.
~~~~~~~~~~
Remus looked up from the large dining table the Order was assembled at. His eyes met Rebecca's radiant smile, and he quickly looked away. She really shouldn't be here. This was a meeting for the Order of the Phoenix. Of course, it wasn't his choice at all what she decided to do with her life - but he wouldn't let her throw away her life like he had. Remus had to admit that, despite his silent struggle, Rebecca had actually come up with some good suggestions for the Order.
He didn't even realize the meeting was over until Dumbledore was shaking his hand. He forced a smile, and watched the people leave without much interest until all that remained were Lily, James, Peter, Sirius and Rebecca.
"I really should go," Peter said suddenly, holding his arm tightly. Remus nodded indifferently, but James scowled. With a final glance at everyone, Peter Disapparated.
Lily looked flushed with excitement. "Oh, Rebecca, you really should join the Order!"
Remus shot her a sidelong glance, and fought to stay silent. Rebecca smiled brightly, and opened her mouth as if to agree, but much to Remus's surprise, she hesitated and shook her head.
"I really shouldn't," she said miserably, her eyes out of focus. "At least not now." Lily wasn't one to question people's decisions, and standing by her side, neither was James - but Sirius certainly was.
"Why not?" he asked her. "There's no doubt a Seer would help us a lot." Rebecca didn't answer right away, and it took Remus a while to notice that she was looking directly at him.
"I - " she began nervously. This wasn't something she would like to admit openly, but at least it was only her closest friends - and not the entire Order. Would Remus hate her for this? Would he ask questions? "I'm due to. . . to have a baby."
The silence that followed this statement was so empty, Rebecca was sure everyone could hear her breathing. She glanced at Remus - he didn't seem to be breathing at all.
After slight hesitation, Lily beamed. "That's wonderful! I mean, we can go through this together!"
"I hate to pry," Sirius said coyly. "But, may I ask who the father is?" He shot a suggestive glance towards Remus, who shook his head emphatically.
Rebecca grew increasingly uncomfortable. "I, well, you all know I was forced into marriage, I mean, well. . ." It wasn't exactly easy to say her virginity had been forcibly taken, despite the fact that it was perfectly legal, since it was only her husband. . .
Lily's eyes grew wide, as she began to understand. "I'm so sorry, Becca." She grew quiet due to a loss of words.
For once, Sirius didn't have anything funny (or insulting for that matter) to say. He only smiled weakly, his face humbled and showing immense sympathy.
"Do you want to talk about it?" James asked her. She smiled tremulously when she saw that everyone was so willing to help her. Nevertheless, she found herself shaking her head. "No, it's okay."
"Alright, then," James said, getting the hint. He and Lily stood up, ready to leave. Lily hugged Rebecca, and when she pulled back she said, "Send me an owl, will you?"
Rebecca nodded, watching them Disapparate. "If it's a boy," Sirius said, with his characteristic grin back in place. "Will you name him after me?"
Rebecca let a small laugh escape. "Of course not," she replied facetiously. He glared jokingly before he left. The smile painted on her face gradually fell as the silence eroded it away. She turned around to face Remus, who was still sitting where he'd been before.
He looked up at her, his eyes gray and unreadable. "Malfoy did this to you, eh?" he said, his mouth barely moving, and his face as hard as stone. Rebecca nodded slowly, her eyes brimming with tears.
Remus stood when he saw the state she was in, and his eyes softened with concern. He took her by the shoulders and pulled her close to him protectively. "He didn't hurt you, did he?" He pulled back, and his face grew hard again.
Rebecca started to shake her head, but stopped herself. She couldn't lie to Remus - somehow he always knew the truth, despite what she told him. She bit her lip as a way of saying 'yes'. He stepped forward, his hands holding her arms.
But why was it so much more an issue with him than with James or Sirius or Lily? Why would it matter to Remus if she had a baby? Why was the pain she felt showing clearly in his face?
As if it were an answer to her questions, Remus leaned in to kiss her, his arms extending around her waist. He stopped an inch before her lips, as if waiting for her permission. Closing her eyes, Rebecca closed the distance between them.
All worries were swept away for a small instant, but only until the moment ended, letting everything painful rush back in.
When she pulled back, she looked him in the eyes, willing him to meet her gaze. "Promise me one thing," she said, still in his arms. He nodded.
"Don't go looking for him - Lucius, I mean." He nodded again. "Please," she added when she noticed he was looking away from her.
He met her eyes, and sighed. "As long as you promise me something, too."
"What's that?" she asked, losing herself in his gaze.
"Don't join the Order," he said firmly. She came to herself, and pulled away. Her eyebrows raised and her mouth opened. "Why shouldn't I?" she exclaimed.
"It's not worth it," he said darkly.
"Are you saying it's a lost cause? Remus, I want to fight."
He shook his head. "You can't throw your life away."
"What, like you did?" she asked, slightly amused.
He nodded his head, letting her words emphasize his own point. "Exactly like I did."
Rebecca couldn't help taking his hurt look into consideration, but also couldn't help defending her own determination. This was something she wanted badly, and he wasn't about to stop her.
She shook her head disbelievingly. "What have you got to throw away? Remus, you're only eighteen."
"A little young to die, don't you think?" he replied, raising an eyebrow.
"Sure, but what do you have to lose?" she answered him, searching his face for an answer. What she found told her enough that he didn't need to reply. "You," he said.
Would she give this up for him? Her will, her decision, her spirit for fighting back against what took her family? She pleadingly shook her head, but he cut her off with a firm look. "At least let the baby come first," he said in compromise.
She nodded. She could fight him then. But whatever thoughts of rebellion and fighting were swept away when he kissed her again.
~~
AN: yay! I don't know why, but this made me laugh. Call me weird, but I found it funny how they just kissed and she wasn't shocked or anything. I know that's my doing, being the author and all, but I just don't have the heart to go back and change it because it's so funny! *feeble laugh*
Anyhoo, thanks for reading, I'd love to know what you think. (coughreviewcough)
Anyhoo, hugs to my reviewers (all two of you *sob*) All right, now for some change of PoV. . .
~~
They get worse every year. . .
Of course, the teachers at Hogwarts were hoping the little brats would eventually die out, but every generation seemed to be making them twice as insanely impossible as before. It had been an enormous relief to all the teachers at Hogwarts when James Potter and Sirius Black had finally graduated, and left for good.
But that meant the worst of them were on their way. Sure enough, the tidal wave of first year students had brought the seemingly innocent Bill Weasley into Hogwarts, and under the watch of very weary professors - still healing from the damage made by last year's graduates.
"Over the years, the fine art of brewing and combining herbs and meticulous combinations of ingredients by specific instruction passed down for thousands of years has, most unfortunately, been simplified to mere 'Potion Making'," the professor began with an attempt to captivate the new class's attention.
"What a shame," Bill Weasley said mournfully, but with a sardonic smile that suggested exactly the opposite. The comment went unnoticed, although the professor's eye twitched slightly before he continued.
"It is an ugly disgrace beyond measure - "
"Kind of like your mustache," Bill muttered with a grin. He looked around innocently as if he had no idea what had happened.
"Your instructions," the professor said, waving his wand carelessly in the direction of the chalkboard behind him. The procedure for brewing a simple color-changing potion appeared, and the class silently went to work.
By the end of the lesson, however, things had gotten out of control. To put it simply, the end result had been the equivalent of a food fight, except instead, potion ingredients were being pelted and flung across the classroom.
Bill had a hand in this, it was true, though no one had a shred of proof against him. (Oddly enough, he later became a Gryffindor Prefect and Head Boy.)
By the end of the week, three professors had announced retirement, leaving far too many teaching posts open all at one time. They agreed to stay the whole year, but they simply refused to stay for the next.
Now, along with so many other things, it was Dumbledore's unhappy task to find a Potions teacher, Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and Divination teacher that, each of them, seemed promising to stay longer than the people before them.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Honestly, Albus," McGonagall said after hearing the news. "Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions, that's understandable, but to find a true Divination teacher before the end of the year? The majority of people up to the job are just idiots who are delirious enough to think they can see the future!"
Dumbledore sighed, ignoring his instincts to agree with her. "I must admit, Divination has rather lost its credibility at this school, but that is no reason to simply dismiss the course entirely."
Despite his own words, he couldn't help but think it was a perfectly good reason to dismiss the course entirely.
Yet, he found himself in the Hog's Head a few days later waiting for the interview to end. There had been only one person up to the job - by the name of Sybil Trelawney - and quite frankly, she was wasting his time.
"I See," she said dramatically, waving her arms around in the smoke she had conjured in an attempt to make them look like spirits. "I See - I See danger. Yes, danger draws near. But, that is beside the matter. And, of course, I knew you were coming before I even saw the ad in the Daily Prophet. You are in need of my skills, are you not? Children cloud my Inner Eye, but, for the sake of bestowing my knowledge upon them," she hesitated dramatically, "I suppose I could try. Divination is not something you can teach, however, you must be born with the gift."
Dumbledore nodded patiently, but couldn't help getting irritated. The witch was arguing with herself - saying she would teach, and then saying it wasn't possible. Even before that, she had been rambling.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I'm afraid you do not reach our requirements. We may not even keep the class going after all."
As swiftly as it came, she lost her air of mystery - having it replaced by irritation and impatience. "Well, I must say I've made much better use of my time," she exclaimed, clearly peeved by not being taken as seriously as she'd hoped.
"Couldn't have said it better myself," Dumbledore replied heartily, standing up to leave.
When he turned his back, however, a voice reached his ears that he had never heard before, yet it was altogether oddly familiar. "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches," the harsh voice droned.
Dumbledore turned around slowly, and saw that the witch's head was back and her eyes were rolling madly. At first, he thought the woman must be incredibly desperate for a job if she went to these lengths, but before he could conclude any further, the entranced witch continued.
"Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies." Indeed, the witch didn't seem aware of the fact that she was actually speaking. It seemed as if some greater force were speaking through her, leaving her body in a state of disarray.
"And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not." Dumbledore tried using means of Legilimency to find out whether this was some elaborate show she had rehearsed. But he found that presently, there was no mind to read - no conscience for lying. It was completely out of her hands what words came from her mouth.
"And either must die at the hands of the other for neither can live while the other survives. . . the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies. . ."
Moments later, the color rushed back into the witch's face, and her eyes came back into focus. She eyed Dumbledore strangely. "If there is nothing left to say to me, then I suggest you leave," she snapped.
That's when it occurred to him that she had no memory of what had just happened only seconds before. *But was it a genuine prophecy?* he asked himself. He would have to wait until the seventh month came around. . .
"I may very well have a place for you," he stopped, his mind whirling. He would need his pensieve when he got back to the school. "I'll send you an owl when I find out."
~~~~~~~~~~
This was the first report he'd gotten that seemed to be of real danger to him. And it wasn't a good feeling at all.
"And?" Voldemort snapped when the death eater had fallen silent. "Born as the seventh month dies. . . what did she say then?" A wave of irritation overtook the Dark Lord when he noticed that the wizard before him was shaking with fear.
"I - I do not know, my lord. I was caught before I could hear the rest - I'm sorry. I'm sorry, my lord. . ." The wizard continued to mumble nervous apologies over and over until Voldemort couldn't stand hearing it anymore.
"You're useless," was all he said before killing the man.
~~~~~~~~~~
Remus looked up from the large dining table the Order was assembled at. His eyes met Rebecca's radiant smile, and he quickly looked away. She really shouldn't be here. This was a meeting for the Order of the Phoenix. Of course, it wasn't his choice at all what she decided to do with her life - but he wouldn't let her throw away her life like he had. Remus had to admit that, despite his silent struggle, Rebecca had actually come up with some good suggestions for the Order.
He didn't even realize the meeting was over until Dumbledore was shaking his hand. He forced a smile, and watched the people leave without much interest until all that remained were Lily, James, Peter, Sirius and Rebecca.
"I really should go," Peter said suddenly, holding his arm tightly. Remus nodded indifferently, but James scowled. With a final glance at everyone, Peter Disapparated.
Lily looked flushed with excitement. "Oh, Rebecca, you really should join the Order!"
Remus shot her a sidelong glance, and fought to stay silent. Rebecca smiled brightly, and opened her mouth as if to agree, but much to Remus's surprise, she hesitated and shook her head.
"I really shouldn't," she said miserably, her eyes out of focus. "At least not now." Lily wasn't one to question people's decisions, and standing by her side, neither was James - but Sirius certainly was.
"Why not?" he asked her. "There's no doubt a Seer would help us a lot." Rebecca didn't answer right away, and it took Remus a while to notice that she was looking directly at him.
"I - " she began nervously. This wasn't something she would like to admit openly, but at least it was only her closest friends - and not the entire Order. Would Remus hate her for this? Would he ask questions? "I'm due to. . . to have a baby."
The silence that followed this statement was so empty, Rebecca was sure everyone could hear her breathing. She glanced at Remus - he didn't seem to be breathing at all.
After slight hesitation, Lily beamed. "That's wonderful! I mean, we can go through this together!"
"I hate to pry," Sirius said coyly. "But, may I ask who the father is?" He shot a suggestive glance towards Remus, who shook his head emphatically.
Rebecca grew increasingly uncomfortable. "I, well, you all know I was forced into marriage, I mean, well. . ." It wasn't exactly easy to say her virginity had been forcibly taken, despite the fact that it was perfectly legal, since it was only her husband. . .
Lily's eyes grew wide, as she began to understand. "I'm so sorry, Becca." She grew quiet due to a loss of words.
For once, Sirius didn't have anything funny (or insulting for that matter) to say. He only smiled weakly, his face humbled and showing immense sympathy.
"Do you want to talk about it?" James asked her. She smiled tremulously when she saw that everyone was so willing to help her. Nevertheless, she found herself shaking her head. "No, it's okay."
"Alright, then," James said, getting the hint. He and Lily stood up, ready to leave. Lily hugged Rebecca, and when she pulled back she said, "Send me an owl, will you?"
Rebecca nodded, watching them Disapparate. "If it's a boy," Sirius said, with his characteristic grin back in place. "Will you name him after me?"
Rebecca let a small laugh escape. "Of course not," she replied facetiously. He glared jokingly before he left. The smile painted on her face gradually fell as the silence eroded it away. She turned around to face Remus, who was still sitting where he'd been before.
He looked up at her, his eyes gray and unreadable. "Malfoy did this to you, eh?" he said, his mouth barely moving, and his face as hard as stone. Rebecca nodded slowly, her eyes brimming with tears.
Remus stood when he saw the state she was in, and his eyes softened with concern. He took her by the shoulders and pulled her close to him protectively. "He didn't hurt you, did he?" He pulled back, and his face grew hard again.
Rebecca started to shake her head, but stopped herself. She couldn't lie to Remus - somehow he always knew the truth, despite what she told him. She bit her lip as a way of saying 'yes'. He stepped forward, his hands holding her arms.
But why was it so much more an issue with him than with James or Sirius or Lily? Why would it matter to Remus if she had a baby? Why was the pain she felt showing clearly in his face?
As if it were an answer to her questions, Remus leaned in to kiss her, his arms extending around her waist. He stopped an inch before her lips, as if waiting for her permission. Closing her eyes, Rebecca closed the distance between them.
All worries were swept away for a small instant, but only until the moment ended, letting everything painful rush back in.
When she pulled back, she looked him in the eyes, willing him to meet her gaze. "Promise me one thing," she said, still in his arms. He nodded.
"Don't go looking for him - Lucius, I mean." He nodded again. "Please," she added when she noticed he was looking away from her.
He met her eyes, and sighed. "As long as you promise me something, too."
"What's that?" she asked, losing herself in his gaze.
"Don't join the Order," he said firmly. She came to herself, and pulled away. Her eyebrows raised and her mouth opened. "Why shouldn't I?" she exclaimed.
"It's not worth it," he said darkly.
"Are you saying it's a lost cause? Remus, I want to fight."
He shook his head. "You can't throw your life away."
"What, like you did?" she asked, slightly amused.
He nodded his head, letting her words emphasize his own point. "Exactly like I did."
Rebecca couldn't help taking his hurt look into consideration, but also couldn't help defending her own determination. This was something she wanted badly, and he wasn't about to stop her.
She shook her head disbelievingly. "What have you got to throw away? Remus, you're only eighteen."
"A little young to die, don't you think?" he replied, raising an eyebrow.
"Sure, but what do you have to lose?" she answered him, searching his face for an answer. What she found told her enough that he didn't need to reply. "You," he said.
Would she give this up for him? Her will, her decision, her spirit for fighting back against what took her family? She pleadingly shook her head, but he cut her off with a firm look. "At least let the baby come first," he said in compromise.
She nodded. She could fight him then. But whatever thoughts of rebellion and fighting were swept away when he kissed her again.
~~
AN: yay! I don't know why, but this made me laugh. Call me weird, but I found it funny how they just kissed and she wasn't shocked or anything. I know that's my doing, being the author and all, but I just don't have the heart to go back and change it because it's so funny! *feeble laugh*
Anyhoo, thanks for reading, I'd love to know what you think. (coughreviewcough)
