Disclaimer: Almost all of the content of this chapter belongs to J.K.
Rowling, the only thing in this chapter that belongs to me is Anisia.
AN: Okay, so I didn't get 10 reviews, who cares? I hope this is a good chapter (albeit long). I'm also still having trouble with bolding things and italicizing things as well.
Notes:
Rai Dorian - I didn't know that I had made Anisia "unrealistically beautiful", I went back to where I described what Anisia looked like (I think the first time I did it was when I was explaining about the Yule Ball dates), and I don't think she'd look like that every day.
Toadie - Ah, yes, I know Lupin is a bit off, I'm just hoping it's not too noticeable, lol.
Karasu - I don't want to brag but.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 2: Less Than Perfect
Anisia glanced back at the table, James was smiling proudly, but Lupin didn't look as happy. he looked almost. shocked.
*~*~*One Year Later*~*~*
Now they were all in their fifth year, one of the hardest and most stressful years in school that they would have to face, if they didn't go insane first that is.
They were nearing the end of the year, but they were still smack-dab in the middle of their OWLs.
Over the summer, Anisia had grown closer to Sirius and his friends; she was now one of the "Marauders".
Anisia had also found out some other details about her knew found friends, it was interesting. to say the least.
Anisia had visited James over the holidays, finding Sirius to be there as well. Anisia hadn't understood at first, but was soon pulled aside by Sirius and everything about his family (including his mother) was explained to her.
"You can always stay with me if you want Padfoot; I know my Mother wouldn't mind that." Anisia had told Sirius, but he shook his head.
"That's good to know, Key, but I just can't leave James like that! He'd be heartbroken!" Sirius and Anisia had laughed until their sides were sore.
While visiting James and Sirius, Anisia also found something. Sirius was an animagus, a dog, to be exact.
When Sirius wasn't changing his shape to impress Anisia, James was producing his patronus stag to get attention.
This was all good and fun, but the absence of Lupin and Wormtail had been quite noticeable even though Anisia had kept in contact with Lupin daily.
One of the most memorable letter Anisia had gotten that summer from Lupin was one of what seemed like a very deep and personal confession. The letter had read:
Dear Key,
I'm always glad to get your letters, and when you told me of visiting Padfoot and Prongs frequently, I. well, to be honest, I thought you would hate me. and stop responding to my frequent letter sending. but I'm glad that you have continued responding to my letters, even after you've been told that I am, in fact, a werewolfe.
Sincerely, Moony
Of course no one had told Anisia of this, did they actually think she would be scared? Anisia knew what it was like to turn into a different, un- human creature; she was after all an animagus.
Anisia never mentioned that letter to anyone.
More than a hundred desks, all facing the same way, at each sat a student, bet low, writing furiously on maybe one or two pieces of parchment. The only sounds were those of jostling parchment and scribbling quills. It was exam time.
Sunshine was streaming in through the windows in the Great Hall, making it almost a picture perfect moment.
They were taking the written part of their Defence Against the Dark arts exam.
"Five more minutes!" Professor Flitwick's voice echoed throughout the Great Hall.
Anisia had already finished her exam and sat, half-dazed behind Sirius, her new boyfriend. Well. he wasn't that new, they had been an official couple ever since maybe two or even three weeks before summer had ended and their fifth year at Hogwarts started.
James was sitting five seats in front of Anisia, four in front of Sirius. Sirius had finished only a few minutes before Anisia, and was already lounging in his chair when James yawned lazily as he put down his quill, running his hands through his already messy hair to make it even messier.
James glanced at the Professor then back to Sirius grinning from ear- to-ear. Sirius returned the grin with a thumbs-up.
Lupin was again in the same row, two seats in front of Anisia, one in front of Sirius and three seats behind James. Lupin was (of course) looking slightly paler than usual; it was nearing full-moon. He was absorbed in his exam as he finished and looked over his answers.
Wormtail was only a few seats away from the rest of the group. He was anxious, and chewing his nails. Anisia had tried to get him to stop the habit, but was stopped by Sirius when he explained it was a futile attempt.
By this time, James was doodling on a piece of scrap parchment and Sirius was trying to make either Anisia or Lupin laugh without the Professor catching him.
"Quills down, please!" Professor Flitwick called. "That means you too, Stebbins! Please remain seated while I collect your parchment! Accio!"
James excitedly jumped to his feet, stuffing his quill and remaining parchment into his bag, which he slung over his shoulder, waiting for Sirius.
Snape, still absorbed in his paper shifted through the groves of students, only looking up to watch Anisia as he passed her, lightly brushing her arm. Sirius, Lupin, Anisia and James were soon walking out of the Great hall together.
"Did you like question ten, Moony?" Sirius asked as they walked into the entrance hall.
"Love it," Said Lupin briskly. "Give five signs that identify the werewolfe. Excellent question."
"D'you think you managed to get all the signs?" asked James in mock- concern. Anisia grinned with Sirius at this.
"Think I did," Lupin said seriously as their group became part of the one trying to get to the grounds outside. "One: he's sitting on my chair. Two: he's wearing my clothes. Three: his name's Remus Lupin."
Wormtail was the only one who didn't laugh.
"I got the snout shape, the pupils, and the tufted tail, but I couldn't think of anything else-"
"How thick are you, Wormtail?" asked James impatiently. "You run around with a werewolfe once a month-"
"Keep your voice down," Lupin scoffed as Anisia sent James a warning glare. As they broke out into the bright light of the day, they headed over towards the lake.
"Well, I thought that paper was a piece of cake," Sirius boasted. "I'll be surprised if I don't get 'Outstanding' on it at least." Anisia nodded.
"Me too," James voiced his agreement. James reached into his pocket and pulled out a struggling Golden Snitch.
"Where'd you get that?" Anisia asked, eyeing it suspiciously.
"Nicked it," said James casually. He started playing with the snitch, letting it fly away a little bit before reaching out and grabbing it from the air; his reflexes were more than excellent. Wormtail just sat and watched him in awe.
They stopped in the shade of a large beech tree on the edge of the lake and threw themselves down on the grass. The sunlight was dazzling on the smooth surface of the lake, on the bank of which a group of laughing girls who had just left the great hall were sitting.
Lupin pulled out a book and was reading, Anisia sitting very close to him, leaning over his back and reading with him. Sirius stared around at the students milling over the grass, he looked haughty and bored, but still very handsome, though Anisia just ignored him. James was still playing with the Snitch. Wormtail was still watching James in awe. James kept looking over at the girls on the other bank as he played with the Snitch, hoping they would notice him.
"Put that away, will you," said Sirius finally, as James made a catch and Wormtail cheered, "before Wormtail wets himself with excitement." Anisia giggles as Sirius said this, looking up from the book and Lupin. Sirius just barely registered the soft blush spreading across Lupin's cheeks. James grinned.
"If it bothers you and your girlfriend," he replied, stuffing the Snitch back in his pocket. Sirius was the only one that James would listen to, except for Anisia sometimes.
"I'm bored," Sirius yawned. "Wish it was full moon."
"You might, said Lupin darkly from behind his book. Anisia looked down at him as she towered slightly above him. "we've still got Transfiguration, if you're bored you could test me. Here." and Lupin held out his book to Sirius.
But Sirius just snorted. "I don't need to look at that rubbish, I know it all."
"This'll liven you up, Padfoot," James almost whispered. "Look who it is."
Sirius's head turned as Anisia and Lupin returned to the book. Sirius became very still, almost like a dog that had scented its prey.
"Excellent," He said softly. "Snivellus."
Anisia turned to see the person Sirius was looking at, it was Snape. Anisia sighed exasperatedly; she sometimes wished Sirius would be a little more mature when it came to Snivellus. er. Snape.
Snape was on his feet; putting the OWL paper he had been absorbed in earlier in his bag. As he left the shadows of the bushes and set off across the grass, that's when Sirius and James stood up.
Lupin, Anisia, and Wormtail remained sitting; Lupin was still trying to concentrate on his book, but anyone could tell he was not actually concentrating, his eyes weren't moving and a little frown line had appeared between his eyebrows; Anisia was in almost the same position, but it was more obvious she was watching Sirius; As for Wormtail, he was looking from Sirius and James to Snape.
"All right, Snivellus?" said James loudly.
Snape reacted so fast it was as though he had been expecting something like that: he dropped his bag, plunging his hand inside his robes and his wand was halfway into the air when James shouted, 'Expelliarmus!'
Snap's wand flew high into the air, landing on the grass behind him with a soft thud. Sirius let out a bark of laughter.
"Impedimenta!" Sirius called, pointing his wand at Snape, who was knocked off his feet while diving for his wand.
Students from all around were gathering to watch what was going on. Some were looking entertained while others looked apprehensive.
Snape lay on the ground, panting. James and Sirius advanced on him, wands raised, James glancing back over his shoulder at the girl's sitting on the bank while Sirius glanced over at Anisia winking. Wormtail and Anisia were on their feet now, Wormtail edging around Lupin, looking hungry for some action.
"Just sit down Key, don't give them the satisfaction of knowing it's interesting you, they'll only just keep doing it." Lupin said under his breath.
"I know, I know. I'm just going to watch to make sure that Sirius doesn't go too far this time." Anisia replied, in only a whisper for a voice.
"How'd the exam go, Snivelly?" said James.
"I was watching him, his nose was touching the parchment," Sirius said viciously. "There'll be great grease marks all over it, they won't be able to read a word."
Several of the students watching laughed, including Anisia, though she immediately felt guilty. It wasn't Snape's fault he wasn't popular. Snape was trying to get up, but the jinx put on him by Sirius was still in effect.
"You - wait," Snape panted, looking up at James with an expression of pure loathing.
"Wait for what?" Asked Sirius coolly. "What're you going to do, Snivelly, wipe your nose on us?"
Snape let out a stream of mixed swear words and hexes, but with his want more than five feet away, nothing happened. Anisia scowled disapprovingly, one: she didn't approve of what Sirius was doing very much and two: though she couldn't blame Snape for swearing, she still didn't like it, it left a bad impression.
"Wash our your mouth," said James coldly. "Scourgify!"
Pink soap bubbles streamed from Snape's mouth at once; the froth from it was oozing out of his mouth making him gag, choking him -
"Leave him ALONE!"
James and Sirius looked round, Sirius quickly glanced back at Anisia but quickly realized it wasn't she who had spoken. James's free hand immediately went to his hair, rumpling it even more. It was one of the girls from the lake edge, Lily Evans.
"All right, Evans?" said James, his voice suddenly deeper, and more mature. Anisia walked up to stand slightly behind Sirius, but to his side.
"Leave him alone," Lily repeated. She was looking at James with great dislike. "What's he ever done to you?"
"Yea Sirius," Anisia hissed in Sirius's ear. Sirius just avoided Anisia's eyes.
"Well," started James, "it's more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean." Many of the students watching laughed, Sirius, Wormtail and Anisia included, but Lupin, didn't nor did Lily.
"You think you're funny," Lily said coldly. "But you're just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone."
"I will if you go out with me, Evans," said James quickly. Anisia almost laughed at that. "Go on. go out with me and I'll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again."
No one seemed to notice Snape inching towards his wand as the Impediment Jinx wore off.
"I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid," replied Lily angrily.
"Bad luck, Prongs," said Sirius briskly, and turned back to Snape. "OI!"
It was too late; Snape already has his wand pointed directly at James; there was a flash of light and a gash appeared on the side of James's face, splattering blood over his robes. James whirled about and a second flash of light later, Snape was hanging upside-down in the air, his robes falling over his head to reveal skinny, pallid legs and a pair of graying underpants.
Most people in the gathered crowd cheered. Sirius, James, and Wormtail roared with laughter. Anisia just looked away, blushing slightly.
Lily, whose furious expression had almost changed for a moment, as if she was about to smile said "Let him down!"
"Certainly," Obeyed James and he flicked his wand upwards; Snape fell into a crumpled heap on the ground. As he untangled himself from his robes and stood, his eyes met with Anisia's, he flushed furiously at this, but before anything could be said from either of them, Sirius called out a spell.
"Petrificus Totalus!"
AN: Okay, so I didn't get 10 reviews, who cares? I hope this is a good chapter (albeit long). I'm also still having trouble with bolding things and italicizing things as well.
Notes:
Rai Dorian - I didn't know that I had made Anisia "unrealistically beautiful", I went back to where I described what Anisia looked like (I think the first time I did it was when I was explaining about the Yule Ball dates), and I don't think she'd look like that every day.
Toadie - Ah, yes, I know Lupin is a bit off, I'm just hoping it's not too noticeable, lol.
Karasu - I don't want to brag but.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 2: Less Than Perfect
Anisia glanced back at the table, James was smiling proudly, but Lupin didn't look as happy. he looked almost. shocked.
*~*~*One Year Later*~*~*
Now they were all in their fifth year, one of the hardest and most stressful years in school that they would have to face, if they didn't go insane first that is.
They were nearing the end of the year, but they were still smack-dab in the middle of their OWLs.
Over the summer, Anisia had grown closer to Sirius and his friends; she was now one of the "Marauders".
Anisia had also found out some other details about her knew found friends, it was interesting. to say the least.
Anisia had visited James over the holidays, finding Sirius to be there as well. Anisia hadn't understood at first, but was soon pulled aside by Sirius and everything about his family (including his mother) was explained to her.
"You can always stay with me if you want Padfoot; I know my Mother wouldn't mind that." Anisia had told Sirius, but he shook his head.
"That's good to know, Key, but I just can't leave James like that! He'd be heartbroken!" Sirius and Anisia had laughed until their sides were sore.
While visiting James and Sirius, Anisia also found something. Sirius was an animagus, a dog, to be exact.
When Sirius wasn't changing his shape to impress Anisia, James was producing his patronus stag to get attention.
This was all good and fun, but the absence of Lupin and Wormtail had been quite noticeable even though Anisia had kept in contact with Lupin daily.
One of the most memorable letter Anisia had gotten that summer from Lupin was one of what seemed like a very deep and personal confession. The letter had read:
Dear Key,
I'm always glad to get your letters, and when you told me of visiting Padfoot and Prongs frequently, I. well, to be honest, I thought you would hate me. and stop responding to my frequent letter sending. but I'm glad that you have continued responding to my letters, even after you've been told that I am, in fact, a werewolfe.
Sincerely, Moony
Of course no one had told Anisia of this, did they actually think she would be scared? Anisia knew what it was like to turn into a different, un- human creature; she was after all an animagus.
Anisia never mentioned that letter to anyone.
More than a hundred desks, all facing the same way, at each sat a student, bet low, writing furiously on maybe one or two pieces of parchment. The only sounds were those of jostling parchment and scribbling quills. It was exam time.
Sunshine was streaming in through the windows in the Great Hall, making it almost a picture perfect moment.
They were taking the written part of their Defence Against the Dark arts exam.
"Five more minutes!" Professor Flitwick's voice echoed throughout the Great Hall.
Anisia had already finished her exam and sat, half-dazed behind Sirius, her new boyfriend. Well. he wasn't that new, they had been an official couple ever since maybe two or even three weeks before summer had ended and their fifth year at Hogwarts started.
James was sitting five seats in front of Anisia, four in front of Sirius. Sirius had finished only a few minutes before Anisia, and was already lounging in his chair when James yawned lazily as he put down his quill, running his hands through his already messy hair to make it even messier.
James glanced at the Professor then back to Sirius grinning from ear- to-ear. Sirius returned the grin with a thumbs-up.
Lupin was again in the same row, two seats in front of Anisia, one in front of Sirius and three seats behind James. Lupin was (of course) looking slightly paler than usual; it was nearing full-moon. He was absorbed in his exam as he finished and looked over his answers.
Wormtail was only a few seats away from the rest of the group. He was anxious, and chewing his nails. Anisia had tried to get him to stop the habit, but was stopped by Sirius when he explained it was a futile attempt.
By this time, James was doodling on a piece of scrap parchment and Sirius was trying to make either Anisia or Lupin laugh without the Professor catching him.
"Quills down, please!" Professor Flitwick called. "That means you too, Stebbins! Please remain seated while I collect your parchment! Accio!"
James excitedly jumped to his feet, stuffing his quill and remaining parchment into his bag, which he slung over his shoulder, waiting for Sirius.
Snape, still absorbed in his paper shifted through the groves of students, only looking up to watch Anisia as he passed her, lightly brushing her arm. Sirius, Lupin, Anisia and James were soon walking out of the Great hall together.
"Did you like question ten, Moony?" Sirius asked as they walked into the entrance hall.
"Love it," Said Lupin briskly. "Give five signs that identify the werewolfe. Excellent question."
"D'you think you managed to get all the signs?" asked James in mock- concern. Anisia grinned with Sirius at this.
"Think I did," Lupin said seriously as their group became part of the one trying to get to the grounds outside. "One: he's sitting on my chair. Two: he's wearing my clothes. Three: his name's Remus Lupin."
Wormtail was the only one who didn't laugh.
"I got the snout shape, the pupils, and the tufted tail, but I couldn't think of anything else-"
"How thick are you, Wormtail?" asked James impatiently. "You run around with a werewolfe once a month-"
"Keep your voice down," Lupin scoffed as Anisia sent James a warning glare. As they broke out into the bright light of the day, they headed over towards the lake.
"Well, I thought that paper was a piece of cake," Sirius boasted. "I'll be surprised if I don't get 'Outstanding' on it at least." Anisia nodded.
"Me too," James voiced his agreement. James reached into his pocket and pulled out a struggling Golden Snitch.
"Where'd you get that?" Anisia asked, eyeing it suspiciously.
"Nicked it," said James casually. He started playing with the snitch, letting it fly away a little bit before reaching out and grabbing it from the air; his reflexes were more than excellent. Wormtail just sat and watched him in awe.
They stopped in the shade of a large beech tree on the edge of the lake and threw themselves down on the grass. The sunlight was dazzling on the smooth surface of the lake, on the bank of which a group of laughing girls who had just left the great hall were sitting.
Lupin pulled out a book and was reading, Anisia sitting very close to him, leaning over his back and reading with him. Sirius stared around at the students milling over the grass, he looked haughty and bored, but still very handsome, though Anisia just ignored him. James was still playing with the Snitch. Wormtail was still watching James in awe. James kept looking over at the girls on the other bank as he played with the Snitch, hoping they would notice him.
"Put that away, will you," said Sirius finally, as James made a catch and Wormtail cheered, "before Wormtail wets himself with excitement." Anisia giggles as Sirius said this, looking up from the book and Lupin. Sirius just barely registered the soft blush spreading across Lupin's cheeks. James grinned.
"If it bothers you and your girlfriend," he replied, stuffing the Snitch back in his pocket. Sirius was the only one that James would listen to, except for Anisia sometimes.
"I'm bored," Sirius yawned. "Wish it was full moon."
"You might, said Lupin darkly from behind his book. Anisia looked down at him as she towered slightly above him. "we've still got Transfiguration, if you're bored you could test me. Here." and Lupin held out his book to Sirius.
But Sirius just snorted. "I don't need to look at that rubbish, I know it all."
"This'll liven you up, Padfoot," James almost whispered. "Look who it is."
Sirius's head turned as Anisia and Lupin returned to the book. Sirius became very still, almost like a dog that had scented its prey.
"Excellent," He said softly. "Snivellus."
Anisia turned to see the person Sirius was looking at, it was Snape. Anisia sighed exasperatedly; she sometimes wished Sirius would be a little more mature when it came to Snivellus. er. Snape.
Snape was on his feet; putting the OWL paper he had been absorbed in earlier in his bag. As he left the shadows of the bushes and set off across the grass, that's when Sirius and James stood up.
Lupin, Anisia, and Wormtail remained sitting; Lupin was still trying to concentrate on his book, but anyone could tell he was not actually concentrating, his eyes weren't moving and a little frown line had appeared between his eyebrows; Anisia was in almost the same position, but it was more obvious she was watching Sirius; As for Wormtail, he was looking from Sirius and James to Snape.
"All right, Snivellus?" said James loudly.
Snape reacted so fast it was as though he had been expecting something like that: he dropped his bag, plunging his hand inside his robes and his wand was halfway into the air when James shouted, 'Expelliarmus!'
Snap's wand flew high into the air, landing on the grass behind him with a soft thud. Sirius let out a bark of laughter.
"Impedimenta!" Sirius called, pointing his wand at Snape, who was knocked off his feet while diving for his wand.
Students from all around were gathering to watch what was going on. Some were looking entertained while others looked apprehensive.
Snape lay on the ground, panting. James and Sirius advanced on him, wands raised, James glancing back over his shoulder at the girl's sitting on the bank while Sirius glanced over at Anisia winking. Wormtail and Anisia were on their feet now, Wormtail edging around Lupin, looking hungry for some action.
"Just sit down Key, don't give them the satisfaction of knowing it's interesting you, they'll only just keep doing it." Lupin said under his breath.
"I know, I know. I'm just going to watch to make sure that Sirius doesn't go too far this time." Anisia replied, in only a whisper for a voice.
"How'd the exam go, Snivelly?" said James.
"I was watching him, his nose was touching the parchment," Sirius said viciously. "There'll be great grease marks all over it, they won't be able to read a word."
Several of the students watching laughed, including Anisia, though she immediately felt guilty. It wasn't Snape's fault he wasn't popular. Snape was trying to get up, but the jinx put on him by Sirius was still in effect.
"You - wait," Snape panted, looking up at James with an expression of pure loathing.
"Wait for what?" Asked Sirius coolly. "What're you going to do, Snivelly, wipe your nose on us?"
Snape let out a stream of mixed swear words and hexes, but with his want more than five feet away, nothing happened. Anisia scowled disapprovingly, one: she didn't approve of what Sirius was doing very much and two: though she couldn't blame Snape for swearing, she still didn't like it, it left a bad impression.
"Wash our your mouth," said James coldly. "Scourgify!"
Pink soap bubbles streamed from Snape's mouth at once; the froth from it was oozing out of his mouth making him gag, choking him -
"Leave him ALONE!"
James and Sirius looked round, Sirius quickly glanced back at Anisia but quickly realized it wasn't she who had spoken. James's free hand immediately went to his hair, rumpling it even more. It was one of the girls from the lake edge, Lily Evans.
"All right, Evans?" said James, his voice suddenly deeper, and more mature. Anisia walked up to stand slightly behind Sirius, but to his side.
"Leave him alone," Lily repeated. She was looking at James with great dislike. "What's he ever done to you?"
"Yea Sirius," Anisia hissed in Sirius's ear. Sirius just avoided Anisia's eyes.
"Well," started James, "it's more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean." Many of the students watching laughed, Sirius, Wormtail and Anisia included, but Lupin, didn't nor did Lily.
"You think you're funny," Lily said coldly. "But you're just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone."
"I will if you go out with me, Evans," said James quickly. Anisia almost laughed at that. "Go on. go out with me and I'll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again."
No one seemed to notice Snape inching towards his wand as the Impediment Jinx wore off.
"I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid," replied Lily angrily.
"Bad luck, Prongs," said Sirius briskly, and turned back to Snape. "OI!"
It was too late; Snape already has his wand pointed directly at James; there was a flash of light and a gash appeared on the side of James's face, splattering blood over his robes. James whirled about and a second flash of light later, Snape was hanging upside-down in the air, his robes falling over his head to reveal skinny, pallid legs and a pair of graying underpants.
Most people in the gathered crowd cheered. Sirius, James, and Wormtail roared with laughter. Anisia just looked away, blushing slightly.
Lily, whose furious expression had almost changed for a moment, as if she was about to smile said "Let him down!"
"Certainly," Obeyed James and he flicked his wand upwards; Snape fell into a crumpled heap on the ground. As he untangled himself from his robes and stood, his eyes met with Anisia's, he flushed furiously at this, but before anything could be said from either of them, Sirius called out a spell.
"Petrificus Totalus!"