(Note from the author: These are not my characters, my world, and my
situations. They all belong to J. K. Rowling, and are protected by
copyrights.)
(Note about Animagi: I went researching everywhere, and there is NOTHING written anywhere in the books on the rules of Animagi, how to become an Animagus, etc. So I came to the conclusion on three things: One: It is a set of very complex spells to become an Animagus. But it must only be the first time, because Sirius does it with ease in and out of the books. Two: Also, they did NOT speak telepathically. They turn into animals, and therefore there would be no other magic. Yes, now Wormtail can talk to rats, because as a rat he speaks rat language. And Sirius can talk to Crookshanks in the third book, because they're both a "domesticated" animal. Also, it doesn't say that he can talk to Crookshanks, persay, but he relays messages to him. It takes him a while to get it through to the Kneazle what he needs from Gryffindor Tower. Three: The form chose the wizard. I mean, just look at the characters. Do you think that James would have picked to be a deer? But it fits his character perfectly. Strong, in charge, graceful, mysterious, loyal, etc. And Sirius is described as having doglike behavior whenever he's in human form. And do we really have to go into the similarities of Peter and a rat. (evil Scabbers). It was these three rules that I gave myself. I don't know if they're true or not, but they're working out for the fanfic, so I have no complaints. What are your opinions on this subject?)
(Note for readers under 13: Again, the end of this chapter is somewhat disturbing. If you don't like horror, mild violence, etc., please don't read this. I'm warning you now. Remember, my rating's PG-13.)
(Note from the author: Chapter 40! Celebration!)
The rest of the semester went very nicely for the four friends. They were expecting on spending their entire Christmas weekend at Sirius's flat, and other than the mounds of homework that they were receiving from their teachers (N.E.W.T.'s were approaching), their lives were going well.
James and Lily had gone to the Quidditch game together, and had rooted the loudest for Ravenclaw, and had booed the most annoyingly for Slytherin. Sirius, Remus, and Peter were seated three seats behind them, and Sirius spent the entire game glaring at Lily's backside.
"I don't get it," Sirius said, "He's not James anymore! Whatever happened to Prongs?"
"He grew up," Remus said simply, popping some popcorn kernels into his mouth.
Sirius's glare grew darker, and he slumped down in his seat, arms crossed.
"She's evil, I tell you," he said.
"Oh, yes, she looks very frightening," Remus laughed, "I know those pink bracelets are menacing."
Sirius sank lower, "Stupid git. Getting himself that involved with a girl. He should have known better."
"Are you going to watch the game, or pout the entire time?" Remus said, "I took up my study time to come here with you guys, and all you can do is sit there staring at them."
"I'm not doing anything," Peter retorted.
"He wasn't talking to you, was he?" Sirius barked.
Peter recoiled into his seat, and returned to watching the game.
"Now you can't truthfully say that you don't miss the old James, Moony," Sirius said, "It's just not the same."
"I'm happy for him," Remus said, "They really are a nice couple."
"Oh, shut up," he growled, and then watched James cautiously put his arm around Lily's seat. It was enough to make him puke.
James's own Quidditch career was going exceptionally well. He had become Team Captain (to no one's surprise), and had taken the spot of Seeker. They had won almost every single game after the record-breaking catch years ago. And ever since then, he had retired his Chaser days, and had taken on his new position with pride. Dennis had graduated, and he had been working as a Reserve Chaser for the Ballycastle Bats for a year. As for Bertha Jorkins, she had gone on to work in the Ministry of Magic. Graham had also left, and had disappeared from out of sight. There was a rumor going around that he had joined the Death Eaters, but there was no proof to back the theory up.
After the first Quidditch game, James entered the tent with the rest of the team. He had won it for them, and now everyone was congratulating him on a job well done. Sirius was waiting for him at his satchel of clothes to change into. He was leaning up against the side of the tent, his arms crossed, and a worried look on his face.
"Hey, Padfoot," James said, taking a towel and wiping his face of sweat, "enjoy the game?"
"Yeah, it was great. Listen," Sirius said, rushed, and standing up straight, "Morgana's waiting outside the tent. She's getting ready to ambush you. If we go out the way you came in, and cut across the Quidditch field, I think we can make it without being spotted," he grabbed James's satchel, and then took a hold of his robe sleeve. He then started to drag him back to the entrance, "But we have to go now . . ."
"What are you doing?" James tugged away from him, and grabbed his satchel, "I'm not going to avoid her."
Sirius looked back at him, his mouth in a firm line. But he didn't say anything.
"Look, Padfoot," he sighed, and mussed his hair, "I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I think she's the one. She's . . . she's not like the other girls that I've dated. She actually cares about who I am. She's smart, and funny, and . . ."
"Yeah," Sirius muttered, "Perfect in every way, right?"
James hesitated, and then nodded, "Yes, she is. And I wish that you'd be happy for me."
Sirius didn't get a chance to respond, because Lily stepped into the tent, her hand over her eyes.
"Everyone decent?" she said.
James gave one more look to Sirius, and then turned to face Lily, "Yeah," he said, "Everyone else is gone. Just me and Sirius."
Lily uncovered her eyes, and then smiled that glowing smile at James, "You ready to go?"
"Go where?" Sirius interrogated.
"We're going for a walk, Mother," James said, "Don't worry. I'll be back by nine."
"Funny, very funny," Sirius snarled from behind him.
"Nice to see you again, Sirius," Lily waved to him as her and James disappeared from sight. Sirius was left alone in the tent. He put his hands in his pockets, and kicked at the dirt underneath his feet.
"Figures," Sirius mumbled to himself, and then walked out of the tent in the other direction.
"I was thinking about you last night," Lily said as they sat underneath the beech tree near the lake. They had decided to skip their walk and just spend some time together before heading back to the dorms.
"Really?" James said, sort of taken aback.
"Yeah," Lily pressed her skirt flat on her lap, and then looked out at the lake, "I was wondering where exactly this was going. I mean, this is our fifth outing in two weeks, and I haven't ever really been in a relationship like this before."
"Well, neither have I," James said.
Lily smiled, "Well, James . . . what if this really turns into something? I don't know if I'm ready for that sort of thing. I mean, I've never really taken any of my relationships seriously. You know? And I don't really know what to make of all this."
"Why do you always have to analyze things?" James said, laying back, "Why can't you just let things happen?"
"What?"
"Not everything's planned out, Lily," James continued, "I mean, let's just see where it leads us to. An adventure."
Lily's smile widened, and she looked back at the water, "You know what, James Potter? If I had known what you had been like six years ago, I would have asked you out the first day of school."
James laughed, "That's not exactly what you did."
"I know," she said, "And I apologized. But you were a bit of an arrogant git."
"To put it nicely," he mocked her, and then sat up again, "And you were right."
"What?"
"You were right," he said, "I was sort of . . . arrogant."
Lily took her gaze off of the water, and then looked at him. He mussed his hair, and she laughed again. He loved it when she laughed.
"Why do you always do that?" she asked.
"Do what?"
"You know, mess with your hair like that? It drives me crazy," she said, and James mussed it again.
"I don't know. Bad habit, I suppose," he said.
"It's funny how you can know someone for so long, but not even really . . ."
"Know them?" James finished.
"Yeah," Lily nodded, deep in thought, "Exactly."
"What exactly are we doing?" Peter said, trying to keep up with his friend as they trekked across the grounds.
"We're going to have a little fun with our good friend 'L'Amour,'" Sirius said. His sly grin was again visible, and his hollowed eyes had a small glint to them.
"Le -what? Wait a minute! Shouldn't we tell Remus what we're doing?" Peter asked.
"Nah," Sirius was walking at a top speed past the students and to the lake where the beech tree stood. Underneath the beech tree, he could make out the shadows of a couple, happily growing closer and closer together.
Sirius ducked behind a bush, and pulled Peter with an "oof!" down with him.
"Just look at them," Sirius growled, "They're just sick."
"Oh, I dunno," Peter said, "I think it's sort of sweet."
"It's disgusting," Sirius muttered.
"Did you get me so we could spy on them?" Peter asked.
"No," Sirius said, "I've got something better planned."
"Now, Sirius," Peter said, staring at the couple, "Let's . . . let's try to be reasonable . . . we wouldn't want him doing this to us . . . "
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Sirius said, and he took out the Invisibility Cloak out of his robes.
"So, James," Lily said, "You know about the Graduation Dance?"
"Yeah," James said. He knew what was coming. She was going to say, "You want to have a dance," and he would say, "Of course," and then there would be a long pause of silence.
"Well, we're going to have to plan it," Lily said, "We are Head Boy and Head Girl. They're counting on us."
"Will you go with me?" he said, seeing that Lily wasn't going to ask him.
Lily, who must have been expecting it, smiled her largest smile yet, and hugged him. James jumped as her arms embraced him, and he awkwardly patted her on the back.
"I'll take that as a yes?" he said.
"Of course I'll go," she said, and let him go. He patted his robes down, and then mussed his hair.
"Well, good," he said, "Now that that's out of the way . . ."
He stopped. He had heard something. He looked over his shoulder, but nothing was there. The closest person to them was on the other side of the lake . . .
"What?" Lily said.
"I heard a groan," he said, turning back around to her.
"A groan?" she repeated.
He felt something touch his shoulder, and he swiveled around again. But nothing.
"What the hell . . ."
"What is it?" Lily asked, getting to her knees, "Is it a bug?"
"No," James said, scanning the hill, "Bugs don't groan."
"Are you sure it was a groan?"
"I'm sure," he stood up, and then felt invisible hands push him back down. Lily stared at him as he fell in a heap on the ground.
"Are you all right?" she said, looking worried.
"Yeah," James touched his shoulders, where the hands had been . . . but that was crazy . . . there couldn't be any hands . . . unless . . .
"Sirius," he growled, and reached his hands out to grab the Cloak. No such luck.
He fell on his face in the grass, and Lily got to her feet, "Are you sure you're feeling okay?"
"It's Sirius," he said tersely, getting to his feet, "He's got my Invisibility Cloak."
Lily's face turned red, "How long has he been here?"
"I don't know," James looked into the thin air, and glared, "Sirius Black! Give me the Cloak, now!"
"What are you yelling about, Prongs?"
James turned around to come face to face with Sirius. He was smiling, casually hands in his pockets. Lily stepped back as James walked to him.
"You . . . give me the Cloak, now!" he said, "Oof!"
Something had pushed him from behind, and he went falling on the ground again.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Sirius grinned.
"Argh!" James grabbed the pair of invisible legs behind him, and there was a "whoa!" that sounded out of no where. All of a sudden, the torso of Peter Pettigrew appeared two feet above the ground. Lily screamed, and then James tugged the rest of the Cloak off. Peter was shivering with nerves, and looking fearfully at James.
"Ah, Wormtail," Sirius said, "So nice of you to join us."
James was about to say something very snide to Sirius, but before he could, a hand whipped him around. It belonged to Remus.
"What? We have the whole gang here on my date now?" he shouted.
Remus didn't answer. He looked sullen, and he held a note in his hand.
"What? What happened?" James said, his anger disappearing.
"I am so sorry," he said quietly.
"Sorry for what?" he said, coming closer. Sirius had stopped laughing, and was looking at his two friends in fear. Had it finally happened?
"Professor McGonagall wants to talk to you," was all Remus said, and then led him back to the school.
Sirius and Peter were waiting in the common room, when James arrived, with Remus beside him. Lily had also been waiting with the two boys, and stood as soon as she saw James's face.
"What happened?" she asked.
James took a breath, and then looked at Sirius, "My sister. Wendy. She's . . . she's dead."
Lily fell back into her seat, as if her legs had collapsed underneath her. Sirius was frozen, like a statue, next to Peter where he had been sitting.
"How did it happen?" Sirius asked quietly.
James let his gaze trail off to the fireplace, and then he said very slowly, "The Dark Mark was found over her home in Jerusalem. And on her front door, they wrote the word 'Blood traitor,'" he looked back at Sirius, and then said, "It happened. It finally happened."
"James, I -"
"Now do you understand?" he said quietly, and then made his way up the staircase, and to bed.
Remus sat down in the empty chair across from Lily, and then sighed, "It's started, guys."
"No," Sirius said, looking back at where James had escaped to, "It started a long time ago."
(Note about Animagi: I went researching everywhere, and there is NOTHING written anywhere in the books on the rules of Animagi, how to become an Animagus, etc. So I came to the conclusion on three things: One: It is a set of very complex spells to become an Animagus. But it must only be the first time, because Sirius does it with ease in and out of the books. Two: Also, they did NOT speak telepathically. They turn into animals, and therefore there would be no other magic. Yes, now Wormtail can talk to rats, because as a rat he speaks rat language. And Sirius can talk to Crookshanks in the third book, because they're both a "domesticated" animal. Also, it doesn't say that he can talk to Crookshanks, persay, but he relays messages to him. It takes him a while to get it through to the Kneazle what he needs from Gryffindor Tower. Three: The form chose the wizard. I mean, just look at the characters. Do you think that James would have picked to be a deer? But it fits his character perfectly. Strong, in charge, graceful, mysterious, loyal, etc. And Sirius is described as having doglike behavior whenever he's in human form. And do we really have to go into the similarities of Peter and a rat. (evil Scabbers). It was these three rules that I gave myself. I don't know if they're true or not, but they're working out for the fanfic, so I have no complaints. What are your opinions on this subject?)
(Note for readers under 13: Again, the end of this chapter is somewhat disturbing. If you don't like horror, mild violence, etc., please don't read this. I'm warning you now. Remember, my rating's PG-13.)
(Note from the author: Chapter 40! Celebration!)
The rest of the semester went very nicely for the four friends. They were expecting on spending their entire Christmas weekend at Sirius's flat, and other than the mounds of homework that they were receiving from their teachers (N.E.W.T.'s were approaching), their lives were going well.
James and Lily had gone to the Quidditch game together, and had rooted the loudest for Ravenclaw, and had booed the most annoyingly for Slytherin. Sirius, Remus, and Peter were seated three seats behind them, and Sirius spent the entire game glaring at Lily's backside.
"I don't get it," Sirius said, "He's not James anymore! Whatever happened to Prongs?"
"He grew up," Remus said simply, popping some popcorn kernels into his mouth.
Sirius's glare grew darker, and he slumped down in his seat, arms crossed.
"She's evil, I tell you," he said.
"Oh, yes, she looks very frightening," Remus laughed, "I know those pink bracelets are menacing."
Sirius sank lower, "Stupid git. Getting himself that involved with a girl. He should have known better."
"Are you going to watch the game, or pout the entire time?" Remus said, "I took up my study time to come here with you guys, and all you can do is sit there staring at them."
"I'm not doing anything," Peter retorted.
"He wasn't talking to you, was he?" Sirius barked.
Peter recoiled into his seat, and returned to watching the game.
"Now you can't truthfully say that you don't miss the old James, Moony," Sirius said, "It's just not the same."
"I'm happy for him," Remus said, "They really are a nice couple."
"Oh, shut up," he growled, and then watched James cautiously put his arm around Lily's seat. It was enough to make him puke.
James's own Quidditch career was going exceptionally well. He had become Team Captain (to no one's surprise), and had taken the spot of Seeker. They had won almost every single game after the record-breaking catch years ago. And ever since then, he had retired his Chaser days, and had taken on his new position with pride. Dennis had graduated, and he had been working as a Reserve Chaser for the Ballycastle Bats for a year. As for Bertha Jorkins, she had gone on to work in the Ministry of Magic. Graham had also left, and had disappeared from out of sight. There was a rumor going around that he had joined the Death Eaters, but there was no proof to back the theory up.
After the first Quidditch game, James entered the tent with the rest of the team. He had won it for them, and now everyone was congratulating him on a job well done. Sirius was waiting for him at his satchel of clothes to change into. He was leaning up against the side of the tent, his arms crossed, and a worried look on his face.
"Hey, Padfoot," James said, taking a towel and wiping his face of sweat, "enjoy the game?"
"Yeah, it was great. Listen," Sirius said, rushed, and standing up straight, "Morgana's waiting outside the tent. She's getting ready to ambush you. If we go out the way you came in, and cut across the Quidditch field, I think we can make it without being spotted," he grabbed James's satchel, and then took a hold of his robe sleeve. He then started to drag him back to the entrance, "But we have to go now . . ."
"What are you doing?" James tugged away from him, and grabbed his satchel, "I'm not going to avoid her."
Sirius looked back at him, his mouth in a firm line. But he didn't say anything.
"Look, Padfoot," he sighed, and mussed his hair, "I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I think she's the one. She's . . . she's not like the other girls that I've dated. She actually cares about who I am. She's smart, and funny, and . . ."
"Yeah," Sirius muttered, "Perfect in every way, right?"
James hesitated, and then nodded, "Yes, she is. And I wish that you'd be happy for me."
Sirius didn't get a chance to respond, because Lily stepped into the tent, her hand over her eyes.
"Everyone decent?" she said.
James gave one more look to Sirius, and then turned to face Lily, "Yeah," he said, "Everyone else is gone. Just me and Sirius."
Lily uncovered her eyes, and then smiled that glowing smile at James, "You ready to go?"
"Go where?" Sirius interrogated.
"We're going for a walk, Mother," James said, "Don't worry. I'll be back by nine."
"Funny, very funny," Sirius snarled from behind him.
"Nice to see you again, Sirius," Lily waved to him as her and James disappeared from sight. Sirius was left alone in the tent. He put his hands in his pockets, and kicked at the dirt underneath his feet.
"Figures," Sirius mumbled to himself, and then walked out of the tent in the other direction.
"I was thinking about you last night," Lily said as they sat underneath the beech tree near the lake. They had decided to skip their walk and just spend some time together before heading back to the dorms.
"Really?" James said, sort of taken aback.
"Yeah," Lily pressed her skirt flat on her lap, and then looked out at the lake, "I was wondering where exactly this was going. I mean, this is our fifth outing in two weeks, and I haven't ever really been in a relationship like this before."
"Well, neither have I," James said.
Lily smiled, "Well, James . . . what if this really turns into something? I don't know if I'm ready for that sort of thing. I mean, I've never really taken any of my relationships seriously. You know? And I don't really know what to make of all this."
"Why do you always have to analyze things?" James said, laying back, "Why can't you just let things happen?"
"What?"
"Not everything's planned out, Lily," James continued, "I mean, let's just see where it leads us to. An adventure."
Lily's smile widened, and she looked back at the water, "You know what, James Potter? If I had known what you had been like six years ago, I would have asked you out the first day of school."
James laughed, "That's not exactly what you did."
"I know," she said, "And I apologized. But you were a bit of an arrogant git."
"To put it nicely," he mocked her, and then sat up again, "And you were right."
"What?"
"You were right," he said, "I was sort of . . . arrogant."
Lily took her gaze off of the water, and then looked at him. He mussed his hair, and she laughed again. He loved it when she laughed.
"Why do you always do that?" she asked.
"Do what?"
"You know, mess with your hair like that? It drives me crazy," she said, and James mussed it again.
"I don't know. Bad habit, I suppose," he said.
"It's funny how you can know someone for so long, but not even really . . ."
"Know them?" James finished.
"Yeah," Lily nodded, deep in thought, "Exactly."
"What exactly are we doing?" Peter said, trying to keep up with his friend as they trekked across the grounds.
"We're going to have a little fun with our good friend 'L'Amour,'" Sirius said. His sly grin was again visible, and his hollowed eyes had a small glint to them.
"Le -what? Wait a minute! Shouldn't we tell Remus what we're doing?" Peter asked.
"Nah," Sirius was walking at a top speed past the students and to the lake where the beech tree stood. Underneath the beech tree, he could make out the shadows of a couple, happily growing closer and closer together.
Sirius ducked behind a bush, and pulled Peter with an "oof!" down with him.
"Just look at them," Sirius growled, "They're just sick."
"Oh, I dunno," Peter said, "I think it's sort of sweet."
"It's disgusting," Sirius muttered.
"Did you get me so we could spy on them?" Peter asked.
"No," Sirius said, "I've got something better planned."
"Now, Sirius," Peter said, staring at the couple, "Let's . . . let's try to be reasonable . . . we wouldn't want him doing this to us . . . "
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Sirius said, and he took out the Invisibility Cloak out of his robes.
"So, James," Lily said, "You know about the Graduation Dance?"
"Yeah," James said. He knew what was coming. She was going to say, "You want to have a dance," and he would say, "Of course," and then there would be a long pause of silence.
"Well, we're going to have to plan it," Lily said, "We are Head Boy and Head Girl. They're counting on us."
"Will you go with me?" he said, seeing that Lily wasn't going to ask him.
Lily, who must have been expecting it, smiled her largest smile yet, and hugged him. James jumped as her arms embraced him, and he awkwardly patted her on the back.
"I'll take that as a yes?" he said.
"Of course I'll go," she said, and let him go. He patted his robes down, and then mussed his hair.
"Well, good," he said, "Now that that's out of the way . . ."
He stopped. He had heard something. He looked over his shoulder, but nothing was there. The closest person to them was on the other side of the lake . . .
"What?" Lily said.
"I heard a groan," he said, turning back around to her.
"A groan?" she repeated.
He felt something touch his shoulder, and he swiveled around again. But nothing.
"What the hell . . ."
"What is it?" Lily asked, getting to her knees, "Is it a bug?"
"No," James said, scanning the hill, "Bugs don't groan."
"Are you sure it was a groan?"
"I'm sure," he stood up, and then felt invisible hands push him back down. Lily stared at him as he fell in a heap on the ground.
"Are you all right?" she said, looking worried.
"Yeah," James touched his shoulders, where the hands had been . . . but that was crazy . . . there couldn't be any hands . . . unless . . .
"Sirius," he growled, and reached his hands out to grab the Cloak. No such luck.
He fell on his face in the grass, and Lily got to her feet, "Are you sure you're feeling okay?"
"It's Sirius," he said tersely, getting to his feet, "He's got my Invisibility Cloak."
Lily's face turned red, "How long has he been here?"
"I don't know," James looked into the thin air, and glared, "Sirius Black! Give me the Cloak, now!"
"What are you yelling about, Prongs?"
James turned around to come face to face with Sirius. He was smiling, casually hands in his pockets. Lily stepped back as James walked to him.
"You . . . give me the Cloak, now!" he said, "Oof!"
Something had pushed him from behind, and he went falling on the ground again.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Sirius grinned.
"Argh!" James grabbed the pair of invisible legs behind him, and there was a "whoa!" that sounded out of no where. All of a sudden, the torso of Peter Pettigrew appeared two feet above the ground. Lily screamed, and then James tugged the rest of the Cloak off. Peter was shivering with nerves, and looking fearfully at James.
"Ah, Wormtail," Sirius said, "So nice of you to join us."
James was about to say something very snide to Sirius, but before he could, a hand whipped him around. It belonged to Remus.
"What? We have the whole gang here on my date now?" he shouted.
Remus didn't answer. He looked sullen, and he held a note in his hand.
"What? What happened?" James said, his anger disappearing.
"I am so sorry," he said quietly.
"Sorry for what?" he said, coming closer. Sirius had stopped laughing, and was looking at his two friends in fear. Had it finally happened?
"Professor McGonagall wants to talk to you," was all Remus said, and then led him back to the school.
Sirius and Peter were waiting in the common room, when James arrived, with Remus beside him. Lily had also been waiting with the two boys, and stood as soon as she saw James's face.
"What happened?" she asked.
James took a breath, and then looked at Sirius, "My sister. Wendy. She's . . . she's dead."
Lily fell back into her seat, as if her legs had collapsed underneath her. Sirius was frozen, like a statue, next to Peter where he had been sitting.
"How did it happen?" Sirius asked quietly.
James let his gaze trail off to the fireplace, and then he said very slowly, "The Dark Mark was found over her home in Jerusalem. And on her front door, they wrote the word 'Blood traitor,'" he looked back at Sirius, and then said, "It happened. It finally happened."
"James, I -"
"Now do you understand?" he said quietly, and then made his way up the staircase, and to bed.
Remus sat down in the empty chair across from Lily, and then sighed, "It's started, guys."
"No," Sirius said, looking back at where James had escaped to, "It started a long time ago."