Chapter 6

An Owl From Mrs. Potter

Two days later after dinner, a sleek looking owl came fluttering through an open window, and landed on the Gryffindor table next to James.

"Hullo, Ben." James said, stroking the owl. "Is that from mum and dad?" The owl hooted in response. James untied the letter from the owl's leg, and headed out of the room with a quick glance at Lily.

She quickly got up and followed him out of the Hall. James stopped at the stairs and sat down. Lily joined him.

"Hm…" James muttered, as his eyes scanned over the page.

"Let me see…" Lily said, leaning over the page. James scooted over, and put the parchment before the both of them.

My Darling James,

          It's so wonderful to hear from you, dear. Your father and I have been devastated without you at home. How are you? Are you eating your vegetables? Are you and Sirius behaving?

          So, Dumbledore told you, did he? I just can't stand that man! We made him swear not to tell you until we had. But I suppose the cat is out of the bag, now. Yes, dear. You are the Heir of Gryffindor.

          Your dad's great-great-grandfather's, grandmother, was Godric Gryffindor's younger sister. They grew up joined at the hip, from what I'm told. I never actually met him, for he was far before your dad's or my time. Your great-granddad used to tell me such stories about him and the creation of Hogwarts School before he died.

          I don't really know what to tell you, sweet. We wanted to tell you about it countless times. We really did. We wanted to make sure that you'd be ready for it. It may not seem like a responsibility now, but it really is. Dear, I just don't want you to worry.

          Enjoy your last year at Hogwarts, and write again soon, Honey.

We love you oodles!

Mum & Dad

"'They love me oodles?!'" James exclaimed. "What the-?"

"That was the only part that seemed strange to you?" Lily joked, taking the letter out of James's hands. "But do you believe Dumbledore now? Straight out of your mother's mouth! You are the Heir."

"This is just great." James moaned. "I don't want to be the Heir!"

"Why not, James? It's your destiny!" Lily replied.

"You don't get it, do you?" James said. "I thought that you, above all people would understand."

"Understand what, James?" Lily asked in frustration.

"I don't want to be a prisoner my whole life." James said. "First with my parents, now my stupid destiny. I told you last year- I want to travel, and then become a famous Quidditch player. I don't want to be chained down by my family's heritage."

"Who says you will be?" Lily replied, sympathetically.

"Lily, are you kidding?" James exclaimed. "Now, I'm going to be stalked by some weird, power mad wizard who wants to control the universe. Do you honestly think my parents will ever let me out of the house again once they find out? I won't be allowed to travel! I won't be allowed to do anything!"

Lily didn't answer. James was probably right. He wouldn't be allowed to go places- for his safety. He couldn't even really enjoy his last year at Hogwarts because of this.

"Maybe Si was right." James whispered to himself.

"Sirius? What about him?" Lily asked.

"Padfoot came up with this… idea. It seems like my only chance to have fun this year… I mean, we've been contemplating it for some time now, to pass along once we leave Hogwarts…"

"What is it, James?" Lily pressed. "Nothing illegal this time, right?"

"I shouldn't think so." James said, with a devilish smile. "No harm ever came from writing a map."

"A map?" Lily gagged. "What would you need an ordinary map for?"

"No, you prat. A Marauder's Map."

"Marauder's Map?" Lily asked. "What's that?"

"A map made by the Marauders, idiot." James laughed. "But, it wouldn't be just an ordinary map. It would show all the ways out of this castle, and who was roaming the halls whenever you look at it. A perfect tool for sneaking out at night, right?"

"James, that doesn't sound too good…"

"Are you joking? It'll be perfect! I can escape whenever I want. And with my invisibility cloak, I can still go to Hogsmeade!"

"Your what?" Lily exclaimed. "Invisibility cloak? How did you get one of those? They're so rare!"

"My dad gave it to me ages ago." James said. "Kind of a family heir loom, you know?"

"Funny you should use the word 'heir'." Lily laughed.

"Stuff it, Lily." James snapped. He, however, was grinning too. "I guess it won't be that bad, right? I mean, as long as I can leave sometimes…"

"Sure you can." Lily shrugged.

"You mean, you wouldn't tell?" James asked, totally stunned. "Why not? I thought you hated rule breakers!"

"Everyone needs an escape sometimes. I know that more than anyone." Lily sighed. "So, you have my permission to frolic about under your magical cloak."

"I'm beginning to think we've been a bad influence on you…" James said.