A/N – Thank you for the encouraging reviews. Sade, I tried to make this chapter longer than the last, but I'm not sure if it's long enough. =D I treasure those reviews like anything. Here's the next chapter. I know it's been a week, but I didn't have time to post this up earlier. By the way, the Sorting Hat Song is VERY CRAPPY (not to mention corny). Don't give me shit about it. It took my friends and I almost 15 minutes to come up with that song, just because we can't rhyme for nuts. We're no poets of the future. Anyway, please don't judge my writing abilities on that song. Just think of it as the Sorting Hat ran out of ideas that year. Heh, I'll try to do better next time. NOTE : - The sixth (6th) verse of the Sorting Hat Song is taken from 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' by J.K Rowling, pg 88.
- - -
Title – Inspire Me
Author – Kawaii Kinomoto
Genre – General, Romance, Angst (this is a bit further chapters, though)
Rating – PG-13 (for now)
Spoilers – Almost everything about the Marauders and the history of Hogwarts.
Warnings – Slash, Language
Main Pairings – Sirius/Remus, James/Lily
Disclaimer – I do NOT own the entire cast of HP. They are owned by Joanne Kathleen Rowling. Names, places, or settings that are not mentioned in the books are entirely mine. shifty look You hear me?! MINE!!!
- - -
Inspire Me
Eavesdropping
The ride to Hogwarts after that was rather uneventful. Each one of them, tired after playing countless games of wizard poker and exploding snap, had dozed off one by one. But only Sirius stayed awake.
He took a peek at the Remus. The slender boy cuddling the surprisingly evil kitten. Sirius had definitely got on the wrong foot (or paw, however you wanted to look at it) with Anualle. He had resorted to poking it every now and then just to irritate it. Sirius Black never got along with cats.
Remus would always smile serenely at their antics. It's been a long time since Anualle really detested someone, and poor Sirius was turning out to be it.
Sirius sighed and took out a book titled 'Intermediate Hexes – Jinx Your Enemies' from his small backpack, wanting to know at least a few new spells to pull on the Slytherins. He was in the middle of a particularly complicating spell which involved smelly feet when a little snore sounded.
He turned his head, trying to see who it was. James was hanging his head against his chest, snoring ever so lightly. Sirius could help grinning evilly. A good weapon to hold against his best friend when the time came. He chucked the book into his backpack once again and quietly walked towards the compartment door, not being able to concentrate. He opened the door and shut it softly behind him. He walked through compartments until he reached the end. The last compartment door was partially open, and though it wasn't his style to go eavesdropping, he couldn't help listening in. He could hear faint laughing inside.
"Urgh! Bloody Gryffindors. Think they're so high and mighty just because they've won the House Cup three years in a row,"
Sirius's eyes widened. That was Snivelly's voice! He heard a mocking snort. "Do not worry, Severus. We'll be sure to win this year. After all, Black and the others are bound to get into some trouble. Maybe they'll do something utterly stupid like try to sneak into the Forbidden Forest and mate with a unicorn. I wouldn't put it past them," said Lucius Malfoy. More laughter erupted. Sirius narrowed his eyes and was about to barge in and tell them all to sod off to hell but Snape cut in.
"Who was that with them? Girlish, don't you think? Trust Black to hit on him. Fucking queer..."
"Ooh... Mummy's going to kill Sev now..." the taunting voice of Jay Zabini drawled. Sirius could see Snape making an obscene gesture over to his right.
Through the mumbling, Sirius heard the lazy sigh. "Well, there's Hogwarts. Get your robes on you idiots, before—"
"What are you doing?"
Sirius yelped and jumped nearly ten feet at the whisper. Peter Pettigrew stood behind him, holding a chocolate bar. "Want some? Let's go back, we're nearly there."
The taller boy nodded and let Peter break off a piece of chocolate before walking back to their compartment and stuffing it in his mouth. Remus and James were already awake and dressed in their robes, ready to go. As Sirius reached for his own, James ask him, "Where've you been, mate?"
"Spying on the Slytherins. Still being their usual pratty selves," said Sirius, swallowing his chocolate with some difficulty. Remus and Peter had disturbed looks on their faces as Sirius made gagging sounds while James boldly whapped Sirius on the back.
"No doubt about that. I think they take 'Git Pills'. It makes them nastier than usual."
- - -
Feeling very excited, Remus grabbed Anualle roughly and jumped off the train with the others. Cold wind blew his hair and cloak around. He hated when his hair got into his face. He could see a gigantic man yelling and making the atmosphere even more chaotic.
"Firs' years! Firs' years! Over here!"
Seeing the others head towards a different path, Remus tried to keep up with James and the others and tried not to get separated. He was caught off- guard as they neared the carriages. Tall, elegant, dark horses of death were preening before them. He looked around, trying to see the expressions on the others faces. When he saw only blank, uninterested stares, he felt a bit uncomfortable. Didn't the others see them at all? James and the others didn't seem to notice them, but just clambered into an empty car. Remus couldn't resist a final peek at the creatures in front of him before climbing inside.
"It's funny... Do these run on magic, the way these things move? It's fantastic," muttered Peter. Remus blinked as the others gave a grunt of affirmation. They... couldn't see it? Was he hallucinating? Well, he sure wasn't going to bring up the subject. He didn't want people to think he was in need of a few marbles.
It wasn't long before Hogwarts was in plain view. Everyone was cheerfully anticipating the atmosphere in the Great Hall. A strict-looking woman stood at the door, probably around her twenties.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts. Go on in, it's freezing out. The carriages were a bit late. The first years are here already," a pained look shone on her face, "Nearly half the lot dropped overboard. They're shivering to death. Well, what are you waiting for? Head inside now, we haven't got all night. Remus Lupin, please follow me."
James nudged Remus. "Go on. Don't want to keep Professor 'Stick-Up-My-Arse' McGonagall waiting, now, do we? Hand me Anualle. I'll take care of her while you're being sorted," Two other boys, Frank Longbottom and Lance Cummings laughed at the affectionate dub of their Gryffindor Head.
Remus meekly made his way to the stern professor, silently bowing in respect, habit taking over. Professor McGonagall quirked an eyebrow. "Making friends with the Terrible Trio? I don't exactly approve of being around Potter and Black, but they're a loyal bunch. They'll have to be, though, with the amount of mischief they always to get themselves into. Well, come along, you'll be among the first years to be sorted."
He smiled politely and followed her to the main hall. Everyone else had left except for two rows of timid-looking first years. He walked to the back of the line and waited patiently. Soon after, the lines made their way to the Grand Hall. Walking through the long tables, he felt his heart pounding through his ears. He never did like attention. Everybody was staring at them, most with impatient looks, ear to get the Sorting over with and to start eating.
In the middle of the hall sat a hat on a rickety stool. It was scruffy- looking and battered. It seemed like it wasn't taken care of properly at all. Suddenly, the hat began to sing clearly through a big rip along it's hem.
Welcome all to Hogwarts school,
It's good to have you back,
For the holidays in Hogwarts school,
Was rather boring for a hat.
Come now all little first years,
Don't worry, there is no task,
Put me on and just tell me,
The questions you have to ask.
Gryffindor, both and brave,
Are always first in line,
To face the challenges that lie ahead,
Oh, how their spirits shine!
Hufflepuff, however, are just and loyal,
They never tell a lie,
Friendships here are always true,
Though they can be rather shy.
In Ravenclaw, these people are,
Intelligent and clever,
Always smart and quick to learn,
They never slack off, NEVER!
Or perhaps in Slytherin,
You'll make your friends,
Those cunning folk use any means,
To achieve their ends.
So come along, ickle fir sties,
You're in good hands (though I have none),
Don't be scared, just step right up,
The fun has just begun.
The hat ungracefully flopped down again before claps echoed around the huge room, followed by silence as Professor McGonagall regally opened the scroll and announced, "Adams, Louise."
A shaking girl sat down on the unstable stool and gingerly put the hat on. Different expressions showed on her face. Shock, fear, then obvious relief. The hat opened it's mouth and shouted 'RAVENCLAW!' Claps burst out from the Ravenclaw table as she ran unsteadily towards the long table before all fell silent again.
"Boot, George," This time, it took at least two whole minutes before the hat finally decided on "HUFFLEPUFF!"
After what seemed like eternity, when the line was finished except for Remus, Professor McGonagall stated loudly that he was a second year transfer student from Beauxbatons before she shooed him to the hat. He sat down on the chair and put the hat on his head, placing it in such a way that the hat wouldn't droop over his nose.
"Well now, Remus Lupin..." He nearly jumped out of his skin as he heard a voice whispering in his ear. "Wait, wait, calm down first. You look like you've just seen a Wendigo. Yes, that's it... that's it... hmm..."
The hat fell silent as he (it?) contemplated Remus. "What are you doing?" asked Remus quietly. The hat responded rather snappily, not used to being interrupted, "Sorting you..." and trailed off. Remus fidgeted nervously.
"Hmm... werewolf,"
Remus's eyes widened. No. "Don't worry, dear child, it doesn't make you any less than any of us. Very interesting, a quick mind, yes... but you're no coward either... hmm... very interesting. Well, I've made up my mind, I think you'll do your best in – GRYFFINDOR!"
Cheers erupted from the far end table, mostly led by James, Sirius and Peter. Just as Remus was about to take the hat off, he heard the hat whisper, "Good luck, Remus Lupin," He smiled a bit as he planted the hat back on the stool and allowed Professor McGonagall to take it away. He walked giddily towards James and the others and plopped himself next to Sirius. The latter cheerfully slapped his back.
"Blimey, you should have seen your face when you heard it talk. It was all like," Sirius widened his eyes and made like a goldfish before James scoffed. "Yeah, well, at least he didn't shriek like a banshee when he put the hat on!"
Sirius glared and the pouted playfully, "It was nerve-racking, okay? I'm sure you got a bit jumpy too!"
Lance Cummings grinned cheekily, "I'm not even sure HOW you got into Gryffindor after that incident. I reckoned it should have thrown you into Hufflepuff." A girl from the Hufflepuff table next to them frowned at Lance before he nodded his head in slight apology.
"Sorry there, hun. Didn't mean any harm," He flashed a quick smile at her and she shook her head, smiling back slightly before turning to her friends again. Peter sighed, "Another one for the Cummings' charm..." Lance bent his head, letting his chocolate hair cover his face. But James and Wanda Scott, another girl in their year snorted when they saw a faint smirk on his face.
Through all this, Remus was watching Dumbledore make his speech. The loud roar had died down to a mere hum. So this was the man. He was the one who had given Remus a second chance. Remus felt a warm rush of gratitude towards the bearded man.
"And so, as I see many impatient and chattering Gryffindors, let's eat!" Sirius and a few other Gryffindors stopped yapping and tried to hide themselves from the laughing stares of the other houses. But it was forgotten as delicious food appeared on the plates before them, everybody starting to pile food onto their plates. Remus eyed the silverware, careful to not touch the silver cutlery but rather, took the gold ones. He too, then took a little of each and began to eat. Anualle had taken to prancing girlishly on the table, nudging people for food.
The conversation shifted then to their families. Frank had eagerly asked Remus about his family. Remus grimaced and put down his goblet of blackcurrant juice before replying softly.
"They've... passed,"
A quiet lull came forth, Frank immediately regretting his question. Grace Williams, Lily Evans' best friend cheerfully changed the topic... slightly. "Have any siblings?" she asked, taking a dainty bite of her roasted chicken. Silver eyes brightened.
"Yes, an older sister, Rynn. She's really pretty. She's... the best sister in the world," A paused followed this heartfelt statement, but it was shattered as Lance commented, "Well, actually, my sister's the—" This earned identical twin glares from both Sirius and Peter, Peter slightly shaking his head. James rolled his eyes and got into a deep conversation with Wanda about Quidditch.
After both the meals and desserts had vanished and everyone had been well fed, Dumbledore once again stepped up to give more announcements.
"I shall like to inform that The Forbidden Forest is, like it's name, forbidden to anybody in Hogwarts. Also, there is a new addition to Hogwarts. If you have noticed, a tree has been planted in the middle of Hogwarts grounds, near the Quidditch Pitch. I highly suggest that you stay away from this willow as it has rather... violent... tendencies." As he spoke these words, curious people began to stand up to peep at the trees from the window. Remus looked around warily.
"Now, let us head up to our common rooms, for I'm sure you've had a hectic day. Best get a good rest before studying tomorrow!" A collective groan followed this before people began climbing out of the long benches. Prefects began running around, trying to gather up the first years. Remus picked up Anualle and went out into the hall.
After three encounters with Peeves, the tricky poltergeist, they finally reached The Fat Lady. "Good evening boys. Password?" "Miserellis."
The common room was warm and cozy, a few chairs and tables scattered around a crackling fireplace. Plaques of Gryffindor's achievements hung on the walls. There were two spiraling staircases over to the far end. Everyone, too hyped up to sleep right away, gathered around and started to catch up on what happened in the holidays. Remus sat with the others around the fireplace, petting Anualle gently.
"I've been practicing for ages. I really hope that I'll get in the team," sighed Wanda Scott. James patted her on the back, "Sure you will! You'll make an excellent Chaser," She grinned, "You going to try out for Seeker, then? There's an opening since Martin left last year."
James nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, I can't wait for tryouts. When is it? A week from now? Oi, Julian! When's Quidditch tryouts?" A tall, lanky boy looked up from a piece of paper. Sirius peeked over his shoulder.
"Gosh! Already sorting out strategies for the team?" Sirius wrinkled his nose as Julian Garcia ignored him and answered James, "Yeah, instead of the normal two weeks, we brought it early a bit. We need more practice. Hufflepuff's been winning the Quidditch Cup for years now. We must get it back!" Julian banged the table with his fist in emphasis, very determined.
Sirius backed away and whispered in Remus's ear. "He's scary when it comes to Quidditch." Remus laughed softly before asking, "Are you going to try out?" Sirius looked thoughtful, "I might, I just don't know which place I should go for. How about you?"
Remus adamantly shook his head, "There is no way you're going to get me on a broom. I'm afraid of heights..."
- - -
When it was eleven o' clock, the boys trooped upstairs to their dormitories. After washing up, Remus sat down on his bed, letting Anualle patter around his pillow.
"Honestly, I don't know why you bother to keep that cat, Remus. It's obviously the devil in a cute costume..." muttered Sirius. Peter groaned and covered a pillow over his head, "Ugh, something I ate didn't agree with me."
James snickered playfully, "Aww, well, it could have been anything on the table. I seem to remember you gobbling anything that was in fork-stabbing reach!" Another groan greeted this statement as Frank turned off the lights.
"Go to sleep, people. It's going to be a big day tomorrow. Rest up,"
And as Remus closed his curtains and tucked himself to bed, the last thing he heard before he dozed off was James' comment, "Stop it, you sound like my mum..."
- - -
A/N – I AM SO BORED WITH TYPING! This chapter took an hour to write. What with editing, spellchecking, editing AGAIN and reading it. Please, since it took me so long to type this thing out, don't let my efforts be in vain. Review! Review! -points you to the little review button at the bottom left hand corner-
Oh, and the last line of the Ravenclaw verse of the song was hilarious. 'They never slack off, NEVER!' I don't know what gotten into me...
Kawaii Kinomoto
- - -
Title – Inspire Me
Author – Kawaii Kinomoto
Genre – General, Romance, Angst (this is a bit further chapters, though)
Rating – PG-13 (for now)
Spoilers – Almost everything about the Marauders and the history of Hogwarts.
Warnings – Slash, Language
Main Pairings – Sirius/Remus, James/Lily
Disclaimer – I do NOT own the entire cast of HP. They are owned by Joanne Kathleen Rowling. Names, places, or settings that are not mentioned in the books are entirely mine. shifty look You hear me?! MINE!!!
- - -
Inspire Me
Eavesdropping
The ride to Hogwarts after that was rather uneventful. Each one of them, tired after playing countless games of wizard poker and exploding snap, had dozed off one by one. But only Sirius stayed awake.
He took a peek at the Remus. The slender boy cuddling the surprisingly evil kitten. Sirius had definitely got on the wrong foot (or paw, however you wanted to look at it) with Anualle. He had resorted to poking it every now and then just to irritate it. Sirius Black never got along with cats.
Remus would always smile serenely at their antics. It's been a long time since Anualle really detested someone, and poor Sirius was turning out to be it.
Sirius sighed and took out a book titled 'Intermediate Hexes – Jinx Your Enemies' from his small backpack, wanting to know at least a few new spells to pull on the Slytherins. He was in the middle of a particularly complicating spell which involved smelly feet when a little snore sounded.
He turned his head, trying to see who it was. James was hanging his head against his chest, snoring ever so lightly. Sirius could help grinning evilly. A good weapon to hold against his best friend when the time came. He chucked the book into his backpack once again and quietly walked towards the compartment door, not being able to concentrate. He opened the door and shut it softly behind him. He walked through compartments until he reached the end. The last compartment door was partially open, and though it wasn't his style to go eavesdropping, he couldn't help listening in. He could hear faint laughing inside.
"Urgh! Bloody Gryffindors. Think they're so high and mighty just because they've won the House Cup three years in a row,"
Sirius's eyes widened. That was Snivelly's voice! He heard a mocking snort. "Do not worry, Severus. We'll be sure to win this year. After all, Black and the others are bound to get into some trouble. Maybe they'll do something utterly stupid like try to sneak into the Forbidden Forest and mate with a unicorn. I wouldn't put it past them," said Lucius Malfoy. More laughter erupted. Sirius narrowed his eyes and was about to barge in and tell them all to sod off to hell but Snape cut in.
"Who was that with them? Girlish, don't you think? Trust Black to hit on him. Fucking queer..."
"Ooh... Mummy's going to kill Sev now..." the taunting voice of Jay Zabini drawled. Sirius could see Snape making an obscene gesture over to his right.
Through the mumbling, Sirius heard the lazy sigh. "Well, there's Hogwarts. Get your robes on you idiots, before—"
"What are you doing?"
Sirius yelped and jumped nearly ten feet at the whisper. Peter Pettigrew stood behind him, holding a chocolate bar. "Want some? Let's go back, we're nearly there."
The taller boy nodded and let Peter break off a piece of chocolate before walking back to their compartment and stuffing it in his mouth. Remus and James were already awake and dressed in their robes, ready to go. As Sirius reached for his own, James ask him, "Where've you been, mate?"
"Spying on the Slytherins. Still being their usual pratty selves," said Sirius, swallowing his chocolate with some difficulty. Remus and Peter had disturbed looks on their faces as Sirius made gagging sounds while James boldly whapped Sirius on the back.
"No doubt about that. I think they take 'Git Pills'. It makes them nastier than usual."
- - -
Feeling very excited, Remus grabbed Anualle roughly and jumped off the train with the others. Cold wind blew his hair and cloak around. He hated when his hair got into his face. He could see a gigantic man yelling and making the atmosphere even more chaotic.
"Firs' years! Firs' years! Over here!"
Seeing the others head towards a different path, Remus tried to keep up with James and the others and tried not to get separated. He was caught off- guard as they neared the carriages. Tall, elegant, dark horses of death were preening before them. He looked around, trying to see the expressions on the others faces. When he saw only blank, uninterested stares, he felt a bit uncomfortable. Didn't the others see them at all? James and the others didn't seem to notice them, but just clambered into an empty car. Remus couldn't resist a final peek at the creatures in front of him before climbing inside.
"It's funny... Do these run on magic, the way these things move? It's fantastic," muttered Peter. Remus blinked as the others gave a grunt of affirmation. They... couldn't see it? Was he hallucinating? Well, he sure wasn't going to bring up the subject. He didn't want people to think he was in need of a few marbles.
It wasn't long before Hogwarts was in plain view. Everyone was cheerfully anticipating the atmosphere in the Great Hall. A strict-looking woman stood at the door, probably around her twenties.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts. Go on in, it's freezing out. The carriages were a bit late. The first years are here already," a pained look shone on her face, "Nearly half the lot dropped overboard. They're shivering to death. Well, what are you waiting for? Head inside now, we haven't got all night. Remus Lupin, please follow me."
James nudged Remus. "Go on. Don't want to keep Professor 'Stick-Up-My-Arse' McGonagall waiting, now, do we? Hand me Anualle. I'll take care of her while you're being sorted," Two other boys, Frank Longbottom and Lance Cummings laughed at the affectionate dub of their Gryffindor Head.
Remus meekly made his way to the stern professor, silently bowing in respect, habit taking over. Professor McGonagall quirked an eyebrow. "Making friends with the Terrible Trio? I don't exactly approve of being around Potter and Black, but they're a loyal bunch. They'll have to be, though, with the amount of mischief they always to get themselves into. Well, come along, you'll be among the first years to be sorted."
He smiled politely and followed her to the main hall. Everyone else had left except for two rows of timid-looking first years. He walked to the back of the line and waited patiently. Soon after, the lines made their way to the Grand Hall. Walking through the long tables, he felt his heart pounding through his ears. He never did like attention. Everybody was staring at them, most with impatient looks, ear to get the Sorting over with and to start eating.
In the middle of the hall sat a hat on a rickety stool. It was scruffy- looking and battered. It seemed like it wasn't taken care of properly at all. Suddenly, the hat began to sing clearly through a big rip along it's hem.
Welcome all to Hogwarts school,
It's good to have you back,
For the holidays in Hogwarts school,
Was rather boring for a hat.
Come now all little first years,
Don't worry, there is no task,
Put me on and just tell me,
The questions you have to ask.
Gryffindor, both and brave,
Are always first in line,
To face the challenges that lie ahead,
Oh, how their spirits shine!
Hufflepuff, however, are just and loyal,
They never tell a lie,
Friendships here are always true,
Though they can be rather shy.
In Ravenclaw, these people are,
Intelligent and clever,
Always smart and quick to learn,
They never slack off, NEVER!
Or perhaps in Slytherin,
You'll make your friends,
Those cunning folk use any means,
To achieve their ends.
So come along, ickle fir sties,
You're in good hands (though I have none),
Don't be scared, just step right up,
The fun has just begun.
The hat ungracefully flopped down again before claps echoed around the huge room, followed by silence as Professor McGonagall regally opened the scroll and announced, "Adams, Louise."
A shaking girl sat down on the unstable stool and gingerly put the hat on. Different expressions showed on her face. Shock, fear, then obvious relief. The hat opened it's mouth and shouted 'RAVENCLAW!' Claps burst out from the Ravenclaw table as she ran unsteadily towards the long table before all fell silent again.
"Boot, George," This time, it took at least two whole minutes before the hat finally decided on "HUFFLEPUFF!"
After what seemed like eternity, when the line was finished except for Remus, Professor McGonagall stated loudly that he was a second year transfer student from Beauxbatons before she shooed him to the hat. He sat down on the chair and put the hat on his head, placing it in such a way that the hat wouldn't droop over his nose.
"Well now, Remus Lupin..." He nearly jumped out of his skin as he heard a voice whispering in his ear. "Wait, wait, calm down first. You look like you've just seen a Wendigo. Yes, that's it... that's it... hmm..."
The hat fell silent as he (it?) contemplated Remus. "What are you doing?" asked Remus quietly. The hat responded rather snappily, not used to being interrupted, "Sorting you..." and trailed off. Remus fidgeted nervously.
"Hmm... werewolf,"
Remus's eyes widened. No. "Don't worry, dear child, it doesn't make you any less than any of us. Very interesting, a quick mind, yes... but you're no coward either... hmm... very interesting. Well, I've made up my mind, I think you'll do your best in – GRYFFINDOR!"
Cheers erupted from the far end table, mostly led by James, Sirius and Peter. Just as Remus was about to take the hat off, he heard the hat whisper, "Good luck, Remus Lupin," He smiled a bit as he planted the hat back on the stool and allowed Professor McGonagall to take it away. He walked giddily towards James and the others and plopped himself next to Sirius. The latter cheerfully slapped his back.
"Blimey, you should have seen your face when you heard it talk. It was all like," Sirius widened his eyes and made like a goldfish before James scoffed. "Yeah, well, at least he didn't shriek like a banshee when he put the hat on!"
Sirius glared and the pouted playfully, "It was nerve-racking, okay? I'm sure you got a bit jumpy too!"
Lance Cummings grinned cheekily, "I'm not even sure HOW you got into Gryffindor after that incident. I reckoned it should have thrown you into Hufflepuff." A girl from the Hufflepuff table next to them frowned at Lance before he nodded his head in slight apology.
"Sorry there, hun. Didn't mean any harm," He flashed a quick smile at her and she shook her head, smiling back slightly before turning to her friends again. Peter sighed, "Another one for the Cummings' charm..." Lance bent his head, letting his chocolate hair cover his face. But James and Wanda Scott, another girl in their year snorted when they saw a faint smirk on his face.
Through all this, Remus was watching Dumbledore make his speech. The loud roar had died down to a mere hum. So this was the man. He was the one who had given Remus a second chance. Remus felt a warm rush of gratitude towards the bearded man.
"And so, as I see many impatient and chattering Gryffindors, let's eat!" Sirius and a few other Gryffindors stopped yapping and tried to hide themselves from the laughing stares of the other houses. But it was forgotten as delicious food appeared on the plates before them, everybody starting to pile food onto their plates. Remus eyed the silverware, careful to not touch the silver cutlery but rather, took the gold ones. He too, then took a little of each and began to eat. Anualle had taken to prancing girlishly on the table, nudging people for food.
The conversation shifted then to their families. Frank had eagerly asked Remus about his family. Remus grimaced and put down his goblet of blackcurrant juice before replying softly.
"They've... passed,"
A quiet lull came forth, Frank immediately regretting his question. Grace Williams, Lily Evans' best friend cheerfully changed the topic... slightly. "Have any siblings?" she asked, taking a dainty bite of her roasted chicken. Silver eyes brightened.
"Yes, an older sister, Rynn. She's really pretty. She's... the best sister in the world," A paused followed this heartfelt statement, but it was shattered as Lance commented, "Well, actually, my sister's the—" This earned identical twin glares from both Sirius and Peter, Peter slightly shaking his head. James rolled his eyes and got into a deep conversation with Wanda about Quidditch.
After both the meals and desserts had vanished and everyone had been well fed, Dumbledore once again stepped up to give more announcements.
"I shall like to inform that The Forbidden Forest is, like it's name, forbidden to anybody in Hogwarts. Also, there is a new addition to Hogwarts. If you have noticed, a tree has been planted in the middle of Hogwarts grounds, near the Quidditch Pitch. I highly suggest that you stay away from this willow as it has rather... violent... tendencies." As he spoke these words, curious people began to stand up to peep at the trees from the window. Remus looked around warily.
"Now, let us head up to our common rooms, for I'm sure you've had a hectic day. Best get a good rest before studying tomorrow!" A collective groan followed this before people began climbing out of the long benches. Prefects began running around, trying to gather up the first years. Remus picked up Anualle and went out into the hall.
After three encounters with Peeves, the tricky poltergeist, they finally reached The Fat Lady. "Good evening boys. Password?" "Miserellis."
The common room was warm and cozy, a few chairs and tables scattered around a crackling fireplace. Plaques of Gryffindor's achievements hung on the walls. There were two spiraling staircases over to the far end. Everyone, too hyped up to sleep right away, gathered around and started to catch up on what happened in the holidays. Remus sat with the others around the fireplace, petting Anualle gently.
"I've been practicing for ages. I really hope that I'll get in the team," sighed Wanda Scott. James patted her on the back, "Sure you will! You'll make an excellent Chaser," She grinned, "You going to try out for Seeker, then? There's an opening since Martin left last year."
James nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, I can't wait for tryouts. When is it? A week from now? Oi, Julian! When's Quidditch tryouts?" A tall, lanky boy looked up from a piece of paper. Sirius peeked over his shoulder.
"Gosh! Already sorting out strategies for the team?" Sirius wrinkled his nose as Julian Garcia ignored him and answered James, "Yeah, instead of the normal two weeks, we brought it early a bit. We need more practice. Hufflepuff's been winning the Quidditch Cup for years now. We must get it back!" Julian banged the table with his fist in emphasis, very determined.
Sirius backed away and whispered in Remus's ear. "He's scary when it comes to Quidditch." Remus laughed softly before asking, "Are you going to try out?" Sirius looked thoughtful, "I might, I just don't know which place I should go for. How about you?"
Remus adamantly shook his head, "There is no way you're going to get me on a broom. I'm afraid of heights..."
- - -
When it was eleven o' clock, the boys trooped upstairs to their dormitories. After washing up, Remus sat down on his bed, letting Anualle patter around his pillow.
"Honestly, I don't know why you bother to keep that cat, Remus. It's obviously the devil in a cute costume..." muttered Sirius. Peter groaned and covered a pillow over his head, "Ugh, something I ate didn't agree with me."
James snickered playfully, "Aww, well, it could have been anything on the table. I seem to remember you gobbling anything that was in fork-stabbing reach!" Another groan greeted this statement as Frank turned off the lights.
"Go to sleep, people. It's going to be a big day tomorrow. Rest up,"
And as Remus closed his curtains and tucked himself to bed, the last thing he heard before he dozed off was James' comment, "Stop it, you sound like my mum..."
- - -
A/N – I AM SO BORED WITH TYPING! This chapter took an hour to write. What with editing, spellchecking, editing AGAIN and reading it. Please, since it took me so long to type this thing out, don't let my efforts be in vain. Review! Review! -points you to the little review button at the bottom left hand corner-
Oh, and the last line of the Ravenclaw verse of the song was hilarious. 'They never slack off, NEVER!' I don't know what gotten into me...
Kawaii Kinomoto