Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters or the world they live in. Anything that does not belong to JK Rowling (characters, plot, concepts, etc), however, is my own work. Please respect my rights to it… or I'll get ya. ;) I have also used The Harry Potter Lexicon for several reference points: I'm having trouble putting in the hyper-link or address, so just go to Google and type in "Harry Potter Lexicon."
Author's Note: Slightly longer chapter this time: it's also a bit more intense. You have been fairly warned. Please continue reviewing, I'm very interested in your opinions.
* * *
"Lily," Ani said patiently, folding a robe neatly and placing it in the bottom of her trunk, not lifting her eyes. "If you do not stop glaring at me behind my back, I'm going to find your diary, rip out the passages where you talk about how dreamy James Potter is, and I'm going to paper the walls of the Great Hall with them."
Gold eyes met green as Ani glanced into Lily's chilling glare. "You wouldn't dare," Lily snarled, a smile creeping in behind her eyes.
She winked and went back to packing. "See if you can stop me." She glanced over to Lily's bed where clothes and spellbooks lay strewn about. "You're going to leave all this 'til the last minute and make us late for the train tomorrow if you don't pack, Lil," she said in a voice that sounded suspiciously like her own mother's.
"Stop avoiding the subject," Lily snapped, throwing a sock at Ani's head.
"And which subject would that be?" Ani retorted, tossing the sock back.
"Andromeda!"
Ani blinked innocently at her friend as she closed her trunk soundly and waved her wand, the magical locks latching soundlessly. "Honestly, Lil," she said with a glance out the window, hoping for a glimpse of Ghost as he dove through the deepening twilight. He usually was fairly good about returning to her dorm window before she left for home, but it still made her nervous when he hadn't appeared by the evening of the End-of-the-Year feast. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Exasperated, Lily flopped down on Ani's bed and eyed her critically. "Since you insist on being dense, I'll spell it out for you," she sighed dramatically, making Ani smile. "I want to know if you're going to ask Remus to write you over the summer."
Ani groaned. "Are you still on this Lupin kick?" she asked despairingly. At Lily's affirmative nod she threw her hands into the air. "Bloody Merlin's ghost, Lily, can't you let it go? He's just a friend, and he'll write to me if he wants to! I'm not going to ask him for an owl, he'll think I'm barking! I might as well throw my arms around him and cry out, 'Snog me, please!'"
"You never know," Lily mused. "Sometimes the most obvious ploys work the best."
Ani laughed aloud. "You are a hopeless case, Lillian Evans," she informed her friend.
Lily replied, "As are you, Andromeda Hellsing." She folded her arms over her chest and leveled a solemn gaze at Ani. "I'm serious, you know."
"Yeah, I know. Seriously off your broomstick."
"You can't tell me that you don't like him!" Lily went on, pretending she hadn't heard the insult. "And don't give me that rubbish about hardly knowing him. You two spent nearly the whole day in Hogsmeade together this weekend."
She shook her head. "I do like him, but I don't fancy him," Ani insisted. She flicked her wand quickly in the direction of Ghost's cage and said "Evanesco! Scourgify!", vanishing the remains of the owl's hunts and scrubbing the bottom of the cage clean. "And it wasn't as if we were alone in Hogsmeade. I talked to you and Sirius and James and Peter just as much as I talked to Remus. He's just a friend, Lil, let it go!"
"He'd be good for you, Ani, you know he would," Lily persisted. "He's so intelligent and he's certainly handsome enough—"
"So is James, and you don't see me harping you to chase after him," Ani shot back.
An exasperated snort told Ani that it would have been useless even if she had. "James is also a complete baboon, in case it's failed to escape your notice."
Under her breath, Ani muttered, "How could it? You only talk about it all the time."
Lily drew in her breath and said stiffly, "I'm sorry. But I'm only trying to help, you know."
She sighed, and circled the bed, perching on its edge next to her best friend. "I know, Lil," she said as calmly as possible. "But I can't help but get the feeling that if I hadn't said anything about fancying Sirius you wouldn't even give Remus the extra thought. And that's not fair to him, or to me… or even to Sirius, for that matter." Lily glanced away and Ani put an arm around her shoulders. "I know you're just trying to look out for me, love," she assured her quietly. "But ramming Remus Lupin down my throat is not the way to have at it."
Suddenly Lily looked much older than her fifteen years. She rubbed at her eyes and sighed heavily, then leaned over and put her head on Ani's shoulder. "It's mainly that I just want you to be happy," she said unhappily. Ani nodded and kissed her friend's forehead as Lily let out another deep breath and continued. "But I also can't help but worry about you liking Sirius because… well, because of his family."
Ani started. This was news to her. At last it seemed the truth was coming out. "What do you mean?" she inquired. "It's just a harmless crush. I'm not planning on marrying into the 'noble and most ancient house of Black.'" She intoned the axiom as she'd once heard her father say it, full of pomp, and was rewarded by a wan smile from Lily.
Shifting uncomfortably, Lily continued. "I know… but think about it, Ani. Let's say you do take up with him. He's as pure blooded as you can get; and here you are, best friends with a Mudblood." A sickening swell of shock moved through Ani's body as Lily met Ani's shocked eyes and shrugged sadly. "Maybe I'm just worried that when it comes to a choice between the two you'll realize that blood is thicker than water after all."
"Lily Evans, I never would have expected you to be so entirely stupid!" Ani railed. She pushed off the bed, her anger carrying to her feet, and whirled around to face the other girl. "First of all, you have been my very best friend since the moment we met. That you even thought for a second that I would ever stop being your friend is absurd! And second of all, I don't give a damn about who or what your parents are or are not. And neither does Sirius! No one except those snot-nosed Slytherins would ever dare say anything to you about being Muggle-born." She put her fists on her hips indignantly. "Do you honestly think that Remus, or even James, would be friends with someone who got in a snit about bloodlines? No!" She put firm hands on Lily's shoulders and squared a look at her. "No one—not Sirius Black, not even his whole pure-blooded git family—would ever keep me from being friends with you. No lie, Lil: you're the best person I know."
Her friend's green eyes were bright with tears. "Oh, I know you're right," Lily admitted, sniffling, wiping her eyes on the hem of her sleeve. "I've just been so anxious since the talk of this whole stupid Pureblood Sanctity Act came about. I should've known better, I'm sorry Ani."
Planting another kiss on the top of Lily's head, Ani said firmly, "Don't be. I'm glad you finally told me what was eating you. I was certain you'd gone entirely mad." They both laughed until Ani looked sternly at her friend. "You'll stop with the Lupin bit?"
"Alright," Lily consented. "Reluctantly, though. I still think you two would make a good match."
"And next time you get a worry like that into that pretty little red head of yours," Ani continued, ignoring the comment, "you just remember that to me, you're worth ten times the pedigree of any pureblood."
"I'll do that," Lily said with a grin.
"Good!" Ani nodded with great finality as suddenly, with a gentle swooshing, Ghost swept into the room, a limp vole dangling from his beak. He perched atop the wardrobe and blinked benignly down at the two girls, chirruping deep in his throat. "Ghost agrees," she said with a grin, holding out her arm for him to fly down to, then gently settling him into his cage, latching the door behind him. "Now come on," she said cheerily, determined to set any of their unhappiness aside. "A few waves of the wand and you'll be packed in no time. Let's not miss the feast, eh? I've a sneaking suspicion that Gryffindor has once again trounced Slytherin in the quest for the House Cup and I plan to see the look on Snivellus' face when it's announced!"
* * *
"Packed and ready, lads?"
Remus looked up from his seat at the long table to see Ani smiling down at him. Lily—who had preceded her down the aisle—glanced over her shoulder, seemingly surprised that Ani had stopped to chat. With a sigh of impatience, she walked back to join them, standing silently at Ani's side, refusing to meet the eyes of James, who was watching her closely. He opened his mouth to say something and then let out a grunt of what seemed to be pain: the innocent look on Sirius' face suggested that he had been the cause. Remus gave James a stern look ("Don't make an ass of yourself, mate," he heard Sirius mutter) and turned back to Ani with a grin. Ever since their outing in Hogsmeade ("Your date," James had caroled with a simpering look on his face, earning a swipe from Remus, a roll of the eyes from Sirius and a tittering giggle from Peter) when either of them passed the other they always made a point to stop and talk. Ani was smart and sharp and really intelligent, despite her difficulties with Transfiguration. He found that he genuinely enjoyed talking to her. What's more, he thought to himself with a grin, she can hold a conversation with me and not make calf-eyes at Sirius while she's doing it! I didn't think girls like that existed.
"All but my broomstick," Remus said now to Ani. "My parents sent me a brand new one for my birthday—a Switchback! And since the Quidditch pitch is finally free—the Slytherins having decided they could stop practicing now that Gryffindor has won the Quidditch cup—" He smiled at Lily, who returned the gesture sincerely "—the Gryffindor sixth year lads have challenged us to match before bed tonight."
"You two ought to bring the girls out to watch," James blurted eagerly. "We could use the support."
"We're more use to you on brooms than we are in the stands," Lily retorted, green fire shooting from her eyes. Remus felt a brief twinge of pity for his best mate: he wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that glare. "If you'd pass the Quaffle once in awhile, Potter, it might surprise you that others are just as good at scoring as you are."
There was an uncomfortable pause. "Chaps only, ladies, you understand," Sirius said with a grin, easing the tension. "How are we supposed to impress you if you're winning the game for us?"
They laughed—though James reluctantly and Lily not at all—and Ani said, "We'll be there." She tucked her arm through Lily's and said, "Best go grab a seat." With a wave, the two girls were off, disappearing into the crowd of chattering students.
James slumped in his seat, running a hand hard through his hair. "I can't say a damn thing to her without her snapping at me," he complained. "Talking to Evans is like trying to give a treat to a Ukrainian Ironbelly!"
Sirius clapped his shoulder cheerfully. "No worries, mate, that's a sign of good and true affection right there," he teased.
"That's right," Remus joined in, his mouth stretching in a grin. "Why would you want to chase after a girl who likes you when you could have one who gets in a snit at the sight of you? I mean, who needs affection and friendship?"
"He's got a point." Peter picked up the game, sniggering. "I mean, my folks can't stand each other and they've been married for twenty years."
"I'd hate my wife too if she gave me a great prat of a son like you," James muttered, giving Wormtail a hard punch in the arm. He rubbed a hand hard over his hair and seemed on the verge of speaking again when the babbling quieted. The four of them looked up to the head table where the staff had turned their eyes to Dumbledore, who rose from his seat and watched his students quiet, his bright eyes steady behind half-moon glasses.
Sirius leaned across the table and whispered to Remus, "He looks a bit put-off, don't you think?"
He shrugged and turned back to study the old, wise face. Though there was nothing angry in Dumbledore's expression, something in his blue eyes brought a shiver up Remus' spine. Apprehension, he decided. He ignored the others as they speculated as to what had Dumbledore in a temper, watching as the old man as he prepared to speak.
"So ends another year at Hogwarts." Dumbledore smiled warmly down at the students, but his voice held a tone that Remus couldn't quite place. On an instinct, he glanced down the table to where Ani sat with Lily and the rest of the girls. As though she sensed his gaze, she looked up as well and furrowed her brow. "What?" she mouthed, cocking her head to the side, a tumble of chocolate curls spilling over her face. Remus shook his head—"Tell you later" he mouthed back. She nodded vaguely as both turned their attention back to the Headmaster. "Congratulations are in order to Gryffindor House, for both their exemplary behavior, resulting in their winning of the House Cup—" Dumbledore paused to let a great cheer rise from every table except Slytherin. Remus was pleased to see Snape looking as though he'd been bitten in the arse by a hippogriff "—and for their exhibition of teamwork and talent, resulting in their winning of the Quidditch Cup." The old man raised his glass and looked down into the beaming faces of the Gryffindors. "To Gryffindor!"
"To Gryffindor!" the hall echoed back, and the students drank deeply.
"As you leave these halls, I implore you each to remember the lessons that we have struggled to teach you," Dumbledore went on, sounding grave. "And not just those found in your textbooks, or in the lessons of your teachers. I ask that each of you remember the lessons that cannot be taught from books—the lessons that life presents you as you walk its paths.
"Time changes all things," Dumbledore announced, his voice intensified, booming through the now dead-silent hall. Remus shivered as the Headmaster's tone grew stronger and his words began to take on that of a chant. "And that change comes upon us now. The world shifts around you while you remain here, safe at Hogwarts. I ask of you that when you go out into that world, away from the watchful eye of those who guide you through your school years, you remember always that though we are many Houses, we are one people, and only when united can we be strong." For a brief moment, Remus felt as though Dumbledore's eyes bore down on him and the Marauders. Then, as soon as it had happened, the sensation dissipated. "Return safely," he said, the fervor gone from his voice. "And thank you for this year."
Then, without another word, Dumbledore turned on his heel and left the Great Hall.
The staff looked just as stunned as the students. As a dull murmur began to fill the room, Remus turned slowly in his seat and met three pairs of equally confused eyes. "What," James asked slowly, his hazel eyes dark, "does he mean by all of that?"
Remus suddenly felt very cold. "I don't know," he returned, equally slowly. "But I assume we'll soon find out."
* * *
Ani winced as Ghost's cage banged against her thigh. The owl gave a flutter and an indignant hoot as she shifted her grasp on his cage and hoisted her knapsack of books higher over one shoulder. "I'm never really aware of how many students there are in Hogwarts until all the train compartments fill up before we get there," she grumbled to Lily, who was following her slowly through the narrow corridor of the Hogwarts Express. "We might as well just bunk down in the hall; this is pointless!"
Lily mumbled her agreement as a group of first-years scuttled underfoot, away from Sylvia Moonstone—the current Head Girl—who was caroling, "Five minutes until we leave! Get back to your compartments as quickly as you can!" The tall Ravenclaw shot a pointed look as Lily and Ani passed her, gesturing to her watch impatiently.
"We can see what time it is, you bloody hag," Lily said in a low voice as they passed. Ani laughed. "I'd like to take that watch and shove it up her—"
"Hellsing! Evans! Back here, we've got some space!"
"All right, Sirius?" Ani called back, waving. She nudged the taller girl gently with Ghost's cage, pushing her along to the very last compartment in the car. "Stop dragging your feet," she chided Lily under her breath. "It's only one day, and it won't kill you to talk to James with a bit of civility."
"Easy for you to say," Lily retorted hotly.
"Trust me," Ani said through her teeth. She flashed a smile at the three boys in the compartment as she and Lily entered. "Thanks," she said to Peter as he gently removed Ghost's cage from her hand and set him near the window. Ghost clicked his beak contentedly and sleepily tucked his head under one wing as Ani draped a cloth over the cage. Remus shifted on the bench along the wall to make room for her. She settled down between him and Sirius in time to see James rise and offer his seat to Lily. She had to hide a grin with her mouth as Lily paused for a long moment, obviously fighting some intense inner battle. Finally she nodded coolly at James and accepted his seat. James, looking grimly satisfied, settled in on the floor.
Ani settled back against the cushions and grinned at the others. "Who fancies a game of Exploding Snap?"
The day faded into afternoon comfortably. By some unspoken agreement, Lily kept any sharp remarks about James to herself and by the same token, he seemed to be much less antagonizing. The two read or talked with the others quietly, each politely ignoring the other. Ani and Peter watched interestedly as Remus and Sirius played a heated game of Wizard's Chess with Sirius' ancient chess set. (His pieces seemed to take perverse pleasure in the slaughter of Remus'.) Sirius treated everyone to a handful of Chocolate Frogs when the snack trolley passed and it seemed that in no time they would be back at King's Cross Station.
She was half-listening to Lily and Sirius animatedly discuss their varying experiences in the Muggle world—"It's much less boring than you might imagine," Lily insisted to a skeptical looking Sirius—when the compartment door swung open. Imagining it was probably one of the other fifth years, she turned expectantly, a smile on her lips.
It faded instantly.
Rodolphus Lestrange—a towering, dangerously handsome seventh year Slytherin—strolled casually into their compartment, hands clasped behind his back. His eyes, so light a grey that they almost seemed transparent, swept scornfully over the younger Gryffindors. His long, pale blond hair was tied back off of his broad shoulders and his jaw was so sharply chiseled that it seemed carved from ice. He paused next to Ani and smiled down at her—the gesture brought waves of disgust cascading over her, but she kept her gaze steady and raised it to his. "Andromeda," he greeted her with quiet self-assurance. He lifted his eyes and surveyed the others. "Black," he greeted Sirius, whose hackles were raised like an angry dog's. "Pettigrew. Potter."
The others nodded stiffly and inwardly Ani burned, noting his deliberate dismissal of Lily and Remus. The reason was obvious—Lily was Muggle born, and Remus was a half-and-half, his mother a Muggle. That Lestrange chose to acknowledge only she, Sirius, Peter and James—all of whom were, if not pureblooded, at least from Wizarding families—made her stomach turn with hatred.
She was about to tell Lestrange what he ought to do with himself when another body entered the small room. "Little cousin," a female voice said silkily. Ani's gaze jolted from Lestrange to a tall, regal looking witch that she recognized as Bellatrix Black, also a Slytherin seventh year, and Sirius' cousin to boot. Over her shoulder, hovering just beyond the doorway and looking as though he'd sniffed something foul, was Severus Snape and a handsome, smaller boy who looked vaguely familiar. Remus caught sight of the intruders and his eyes narrowed; James' fists were clenched, his arms clapped hard to his sides. Peter whimpered; Lily had gone sheet white, and Ani knew her eyes were burning. Only Sirius remained impassive.
Bellatrix's beautiful liquid black eyes beheld her cousin and his friends with a sneering condescension. "Still playing nursemaid to the Mudbloods and misfits, Sirius?" she drawled, one perfect eyebrow arched as she looked with revulsion at Lily and Remus in turn. James' breath drew in sharply at the slur, and both his and Ani's eyes shot to Lily. Her already pale skin had bleached to the colour of chalk, but she firmly kept her chin up. Ani felt a surge of pride for Lily—she knew she had to be scared. Both Bellatrix and Rodolphus were known for their reverence for bloodlines. Bellatrix clucked her tongue reproachfully at Sirius. "Tsk tsk, coz. What would your father say?"
"He'd say I was an insult to the name of Black," Sirius retorted coolly as he pushed to his feet. Though his cousin was two years his senior, he stood even with height in her. Their dark eyes blazed into each other's. Sirius let his eyes drift casually to the two boys hovering in the doorway. "But only until he saw the company you were keeping. Really, Bellatrix: Snivellus, of all people? Tell me, couldn't you at least get anyone better looking to go fagging after you?"
"Watch your tongue, Black," Snape sneered, his confidence obviously bolstered by Rodolphus and Bellatrix's presence. "Wouldn't want you to lose it."
"What an excellent idea, Snivellus," James returned, surging to his feet, his hand flying in and out of his robes in a blur, his wand clenched in his fist. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Sirius, his eyes bright in his flushed face. "Let's try it out, shall we? Your personality's only bound to improve if you can't speak."
Snape lurched backwards, but Lestrange had lazily drawn his own wand, pointing it squarely at James' chest. James' shoulders heaved and he sent a blistering glare up into the much taller boy's face. "Temper, temper, Potter," Lestrange demurred, touching the very tip of his wand to James' heart. Sirius drew in a slow, deep breath but said nothing. "I'd have thought your parents would have taught you better manners. Perhaps I should do it instead?"
"Leave him alone!"
Ani's eyes went round as Lily leapt to her feet, high fingers of crimson creeping into her pale cheeks. Lestrange turned slowly to face Lily, looking fairly amused, as though she were a tiny child shouting with her fists on her hips. Bellatrix tipped her head back and let out a crisp laugh, which the boy in the hall echoed. "Fancy that," Lestrange mused, turning his head to face Bellatrix and the other two. "The half-breed ordering about her betters. Tell me, Mudblood, didn't your worthless Muggle parents teach you to respect your superiors?"
"Watch your mouth!" James shouted. In his fury, he flew towards Lestrange, fists drawn back. Ani gasped, but quicker than a thought, Remus was on his feet, his arms bound tight around his best friend, effectively stopping him from attacking the larger boy. James struggled and fumed, but Remus held tight, murmuring something low and soothing. Within a few moments, James' anger had ebbed.
"At least some of your brother's friends have a bit of sense, Regulus," Lestrange commented, his voice still icy and smooth. Ani went rigid as realization cleared her mind. Of course the younger boy looked familiar—his face was an echo of Sirius'! A look at Sirius confirmed the truth. He was staring at Regulus with eyes so cold they burned, and the younger boy silently returned the icy glare. Clearly there was no love lost between the brothers.
"We just stopped by for a visit," Lestrange went on. He reached out to Bellatrix, lacing his long fingers through her hair. She turned seductive, worshipful eyes towards him as he pulled back and looked around the room once more. He met Ani's gaze once more and, appearing intrigued, took a step towards her. She felt the tension in the room shift as both Sirius and Remus went board stiff. Hoping she didn't look as petrified as she felt—Lestrange had proven many times in her years at Hogwarts that he was not one to be crossed—Ani exhaled slowly. "I was wondering if you'd like to join us in our compartment up near the front, my dear," he said smoothly, the very epitome of good manners and charm. "It's so crowded back here, and we've plenty of room."
Ani's fingers clenched. She hated him. The urge to reach up and claw at Lestrange's handsome, self-righteous face, leaving bloody stripes across the porcelain skin overtook her. How dare he talk to her in that arrogant, assuming tone! She opened her mouth to retort, but a glance at Lily made her think twice. Her best friend's expression flitted between pure rage and pure terror. Ani's mind cleared. Lily was the one who was really at stake here. For her sake, Ani had to get rid of Lestrange and Bellatrix as soon as possible.
She lowered her voice to ice and said firmly, "Thank you, Rodolphus, but no. I have my owl's cage here, and I'd like to stay with my friends."
The older boy shrugged, nonchalant, but his eyes warned that he was not used to rejection. "As you will." He reached out with long, molded fingers and softly brushed a strand of hair away from Ani's cheek. She pressed her hands hard in her lap and resisted the compulsion to slap his hand away. Instead she schooled herself to stillness as he trailed light fingertips over the curve of her cheek and down the line of her neck. Her pulse pounded in her throat. A glance at Bellatrix nearly froze her blood—the older witch was looking at her with a look that bordered on loathing. Perfect, Ani moaned inwardly. An enemy in Bellatrix Black… just what I need!
Lestrange went on. "I just thought it would do you some good to associate with your own kind. The right kind of wizard." His polar eyes cut to Remus and Lily's words echoed in her mind: Let's just say your recent befriending of a certain good-looking fifth year has not gone unnoticed around the school.
Bile burning her throat, Ani forced a smile. Lestrange's fingers lingered at her throat, just above the necklace where the silver baby dragon's tooth her father had given her in her first year hung. "I like my associations just fine, thank you," she replied.
Bellatrix's eyes flashed. Turning to Lestrange, she said in a kittenish voice, "Oooh, a blood traitor. Is that the kind of girl you fancy now, Rodolphus?"
He gave her a warning glance and she instantly silenced. He looked down at Ani again, apologetic. "You'll have to excuse Bella," Lestrange said as he withdrew his hand from Ani's creeping flesh. "She requires my attentions be upon her at all times." He glanced up at Remus and James, both of whom were vibrating with indignation, and Sirius, whose handsome face was blank as parchment. Peter and Lily, frightened, were still. "It seems to me that our presence is no longer welcome, so I believe we shall depart." He reached out for Ani's hand and raised it to his lips, never taking his eyes from hers. "Have a good holiday, Andromeda," he murmured. "I'm certain we'll be seeing each other again."
With a dismissive wave of his hand, he ushered Bellatrix—who sent Ani a scalding glare—out of the compartment. Regulus Black, his face focused on his brother's, leaned through the door, Snape hanging behind him. When he spoke, despite his youth, his voice was cold and dark. "I'll see you at home, brother," he hissed as Sirius bared his teeth in a snarl. "This tale will please Father, I'm certain."
He turned and left. Snape gave his peers one last sneering look. "Just as well," he said to Ani, his voice as greasy as his hair. "You have spent an awful lot of time with Evans, Hellsing. We wouldn't want to taint those of pure blood with her ilk." He sniffed disdainfully then turned down the hall after his compatriots.
In a flurry of movement, James pushed out of Remus' arms and into the hallway. Framed in the doorway, his wand raised in wrath, his voice shook the glass as he bellowed, "SEVERUS!"
Ani shoved to the doorway just in time to see Snape, as well as Bellatrix, Lestrange and Regulus Black turn on heel to face James. Snape reached for his wand, but James was too fast. Before any of them could stop him, Peter squealing and Sirius and Remus shouting, James screamed out, "DIFFINDO!" A shriek of horror that must have been Ani's echoed through the train as James' spell collided with Snape's face. One pallid cheek was ripped apart, blazing red blood gushing instantly down Snape's face. He collapsed to the floor.
With a wordless roar of rage, Lestrange rushed down the corridor back towards James, wand drawn. Coming to himself, Sirius shoved past Ani and grabbed James by the back of his robes. Hauling him bodily into the compartment, Sirius quickly slammed the door shut while Remus shouted, "Colloportus!" The door sealed instantly behind them and the compartment was suddenly eerily silent.
For a few tremulous moments the only sound that could be heard was deep, shaky breathing. Ani's hands were shaking uncontrollably, her flesh cold. Her mind seemed a blank. Wordlessly, she pushed to her feet and glanced through the glass into the hall. The others must have taken Snape back to their compartment to heal his face. The corridor was empty.
It was Lily who broke the silence.
Her voice was ragged with unshed tears. She whirled on James, her face a study of contempt. "With his back turned, James!" she shouted at him, shooting daggers at the shocked look on his face. "You tore his bloody face open without so much as a warning! What kind of monster are you?!"
"Me?" James bellowed, throwing his hands up in disbelief. "Did you hear what they called you? Did you see the way that bastard touched Ani? And you're onto me for giving Snivellus just what he deserved?!"
"You're disgusting, Potter!" Lily cried, and Ani could see that her cheeks were wet. With a shuddering gasp, she pushed out of the compartment, tears pouring off her face, slamming the door again behind her.
"You've got to be joking!" James shouted in frustration. He spun and smashed his fist into the wall of the compartment. "I was defending you!" he hollered after her. "Oi, Evans! Can you hear me? It was his own bloody fault, Lily! NOT MINE!"
Ani opened the door once more when a hand closed around her wrist. Sirius' face, distorted, peered down at her, his eyes holding hers. She let out a long sigh. She wanted to explain for Lily, how her fear and anger and disgust had mingled and come out in an outburst misdirected at James. But she found she didn't have the strength. Giving Sirius a weary smile, she exited the compartment and turned down the hall to find Lily.
What a way to start the summer.