Sirius's Top Ten

Wow! Another chapter! I'm really not in the mood for studying! The first bit's through the eyes of an outsider, Belinda (Oliver's girlfriend!)… Just for some fun! Kinda shows how the group's changed over the few months…

Everything is J.K. Rowling's except the plotline, Abby, Cass, Oliver, and Charlie. Plus all the new muggle friends we have. You know this.

Chapter 17: Life's So Simple

Belinda Trafo smiled nervously as Lily Evans beckoned her closer. Belinda wasn't normally shy, but she had seen Lily angry and was being cautious. Besides that, she knew her place. There were unspoken hierarchies within the students of Hogwarts. The Marauders and their 'troupe' were at the top, though the girls didn't seem to notice it.

Lily smiled warmly, sitting in her cot, propped up by several pillows, her flame-red ringlets now brushed and defrizzed, to fall softly about her face. She looked tired, but pleased to see Belinda.

"Don't worry, Belinda, she's not going to eat you." Cassidy Flemmings, one of Lily's best friends, joked, causing Belinda's freckled cheeks to flush. Cassidy was the boldest of the group, except when it came to arguing with James Potter, in which, Lily took the prize.

Despite Cass's words, Belinda did feel very out of place, amid the 'beauties' of Hogwarts, as many of the boys in her year called them. She could name at least twenty girls who would do almost anything to be friends with Lily Evans, Cassidy Flemmings, or Abigail Scott. At the moment, Abigail was writing on a scrap of parchment, hunched over her letter privately, allowing her dark brown hair to fall sleekly over her shoulder, keeping her face from view. Cassidy had her dirty blonde hair pulled up messily in a ponytail, which accented the different shades of brown and blonde. These girls were thought to be perfect. They had perfect lives, perfect looks, and perfect friends…

"I won't!" Lily agreed with a bright smile. "Promise!"

Belinda smiled for a moment, before feeling very self-conscious again, and pulling softly at the hem of her skirt. She was short, and even Lily, who stood at a trying five-foot-seven, seemed like a giant to her measly five-foot-two. She had straight strawberry-blonde hair that fell in layers just past her shoulders, a square-shaped head, and blue-green eyes.

Lily frowned slightly at the girl's hesitation. "Well, I wanted to thank you for sending me that cute get well card."

"You mean the one that plays music?" Cass asked, frowning before Lily nodded. "Oh yeah, that one's great. I love the song. What is it, any way?"

"All You Need is Love." Belinda said, before realizing that Lily was answering at the same time.

"A muggle band." Lily added quickly, clearing Cass's blank look.

"Oh, one of your muggle bands, eh Tig? Is that 'The Cockroaches' one, or something?" Cass asked.

"You mean, 'The Beatles', Cass?" Lily replied, with a grin.

Belinda couldn't help but laugh, and Cass was silently glad that she had gotten a rise out of the fifth year. Cass didn't like the way Belinda was acting as if she were in the presence of royalty or something, and judging from the look Lily was wearing as Belinda doubled over, she felt the same.

Abby chuckled weakly, but was really intent on writing her letter. At first, it seemed like it would be easy, and she had written with determination that she thought trying a relationship would be a good idea. But now, she didn't really like what she had written.

The door to the infirmary burst open, causing Belinda to stiffen immediately, and she stood in awe as James Potter, infamous leader of the Marauders swept past her to Lily, looking extremely concerned.

Lily's face brightened as she saw him, and as soon as he reached her, the two embraced like they hadn't seen each other in years. They were both muttering to one another softly, James running his hand through her hair, Lily nuzzling him softly. Belinda had never seen two people so in love.

"I'm so sorry." James whispered quietly into her ear, ignoring the fact that a fifth year was staring at them.

"It's not your fault, don't be sorry." Lily replied calmly, feeling slightly irked by Belinda's stare, but ignoring her for a moment and trying to calm James down as he breathed heavily.

"I shouldn't have gone after it… Should have waited for it to move elsewhere…" James muttered to himself through deep breaths. He was so glad just to see her awake.

"James." Lily said firmly, pushing out of their embrace, with a stern look on her face. "I don't want you to blame yourself for anything. It's water under the bridge – I'm fine, you're fine, and we're going to get back at the Slytherins together."

Cassidy, who had been staring in the opposite direction to give the two privacy, turned and looked at her friend in disbelief.

"Lily Evans! Did you just agree to prank the Slytherins?" she asked incredulously.

Belinda smiled to herself, feeling she was somehow part of their group, although for the moment everyone, other than Lily had forgotten about her.

"I suppose." Lily replied nonchalantly, as James joined her on her cot, lying next to her with one arm across her stomach. Feeling Belinda's eyes, she looked up and smiled at the fifth year, who was watching them in utter admiration.

"James, this is Belinda Trafo, she sent me this card." Lily said gesturing first to Belinda, and then offering the card to James.

Belinda felt her face burn in embarrassment as James gave her a smile and a nod, and then looked at the card, flipping it open. Immediately the card began to play 'All You Need is Love', and James smiled.

"Interesting song choice, Belinda. Are you a fan of the Beatles as well?" he asked, shutting the card just before it hit the chorus.

Belinda nodded meekly, amazed that James Potter, who was a pureblood, knew about the Beatles. Her father was a muggle, which prompted her to enjoy muggle trends and music, and excel at Muggle Studies. The change in James amazed her, and she knew it was Lily's doing. He used to be totally arrogant and superficial. Beforehand, he probably wouldn't even have talked to her, or made a conversation with her. He was less cocky now, nicer.

"Weird choice of song for a card though." James said, not accusingly, more like a state of fact.

"It was the only one they had." Belinda murmured. James nodded, and glanced over at Abby, who was looking stricken because of her letter.

"Having trouble finding the words, Abs?" James asked slyly, and Abigail threw him a dirty look.

Belinda frowned. Was that friction between the Marauders?

"No." Abigail replied shortly, before turning her attention to Belinda, who was watching quietly. "Sorry I didn't introduce myself. I'm Abby."

"Belinda."

"It's nice to meet you Be – "

The infirmary door banged open again, and Belinda knew she wouldn't be surprised if the door came off its hinges completely. Remus Lupin appeared, looking flushed and breathing heavily, beads of sweat forming on the side of his cheek.

"Abby, I need to talk to you." He spoke urgently, before recognizing Belinda and giving her a nod of acknowledgement. "Hi Belinda. How's Care of Magical Creatures coming?"

Like Lily, Remus had tutored Belinda last year, but he had helped with Care of Magical Creatures.

"Good." Belinda replied softly.

Remus smiled, before looking at Abby Scott again, who Belinda knew was his girlfriend. "Abby?"

"I'm busy, Remus." Abby replied coldly, shocking Belinda. How could anyone talk to Remus like that? Remus was one of the most patient people Belinda knew, also one of the nicest. He, like Lily, Cassidy, Abby, and even James (somewhat) had shown that night, was oblivious to his popularity,

"No. I need to talk to you. Belinda, do you mind stepping out for a moment?" Remus asked persistently, but politely.

"Sure…" Belinda offered, stepping away from the group and closing the infirmary door behind her. Then she slumped down against the wall, waiting. She wasn't sure why. They would probably forget about her anyways. Her time would be better spent going back up to the common room. So she left, glad to know that the Marauders' lives definitely weren't perfect.

Abby groaned, reluctantly allowing Remus to drag her off to a secluded spot in the infirmary, ignoring her surprise at the strength of his grip.

"Okay, Abs, I'm telling you something very important." Remus began; hurt by Abby's disinterested look, but knowing he couldn't stop now. "I know you hate me – "

"I don't hate you Remus." Abby said quietly. Remus frowned, tried to catch her eye, but she was attempting the opposite, and would not meet his glance. Instead, she stared at a cabinet right behind his left ear, and concentrated on it with all her might.

"However you feel, Abby, especially after I tell you this, I have to ask that you keep this a secret. Only a few people know."

"Fine. I won't tell anyone." Abby replied swiftly.

"Promise?" Remus asked softly, knowing he sounded pretty immature.

"Promise." Abby agreed.

"Okay, Abs. I'm really sorry I didn't tell you before, but… Okay, here goes. When I was about four, I got lost in a forest with my cousin. I was bitten by a werewolf."

Abby was silent for a moment. Suddenly she felt like an idiot. Of course Remus had his reasons for not telling her. This was a big secret. "So that's why… every month…"

"Every month I go to the Shrieking Shack and transform." Remus complied. "I'm so sorry I couldn't tell you, Abs, really I am. I wanted to, but Dumbledore said not to tell too many people. If word got out, a lot of parents wouldn't want me coming to the school with their kids."

"So Dumbledore knows?" Abby asked quietly.

"Yeah. And McGonagall. James and Sirius figured it out in the third year… I had to tell Lily in fifth because I would miss prefect meetings and rounds… And of course, my parents."

Abby nodded, her face unreadable. She had nothing against werewolves, and now, she had nothing against Remus. She had been horrible to him. Remus looked nervous, anxious. "Why are you telling me this?" she asked softly.

"Because…" Remus trailed off. He took a deep breath. "I'm still… I am… I always have… I love you."

"Remus… I…" Abby faltered, feeling more and more guilty. "I'm sorry!" Abby flung her arms around Remus like an old friend, and gripped him tightly. "I'm so sorry. For everything."

"So, Cass, have you forgiven Amos?" Lily asked nonchalantly, finishing off her mashed potatoes.

"Yeah. I sent him an owl this morning saying he could have the honour of taking me to Hogsmeade next weekend, and being my valentine." Cass said with a grin as she helped herself to the dessert that had magically appeared before her.

"The 'honour'? That's a bit big-headed, if you ask me." James commented, he too starting his dessert.

"Your opinion does not count, Mr. I'm-King-of-the-World Potter." Cass replied snidely.

"Cass!" Lily exclaimed, looking shocked, though really, she found it all very amusing.

"What, coming to James's defense, Mrs. Potter?" Cass asked with a wicked grin, which silenced both James and Lily, and caused them to flush a deep red.

"Abs? What about you and Remus?" Lily asked softly, catching her friend's eye and trying to change the subject.

"What about us? We're… awkward friends." Abby answered quickly.

She hadn't taken him back. Lily offered a supportive smile, but really, she felt badly for Remus. Abby was one of her best mates though, so it was her duty to offer support. To both of them.

Down the table, Sirius and Remus were having a similar conversation, keeping their voices low.

"So, she's still not with you?" Sirius asked, looking stunned as he looked at Remus, who looked tired and upset.

"No. We're just friends." Remus said with a weak smile, taking a Cauldron Cake and putting it on his plate.

"D'you know why?" Sirius persisted, though the level of his voice had dropped considerably.

"No."

"Oh."

"Attention all students – "

All conversations in the Great Hall were interrupted as Dumbledore stood urgently, his face grave. "The village of Hogsmeade is being attacked by supporters of Lord Voldemort."

Many people flinched at the mention of the dark wizard's name, while others were paling. Lily's hand gripped James's tightly. She had gotten out of the Hospital Wing that morning, and though she was a little stiff, but had started classes again, and had been constantly under James's watchful eye all day. James looked at her and offered a soft, reassuring smile. Sirius was too pale to quip about it.

"In the circumstances that his supporters make their way up to the castle, I ask that all of you, calmly, make your way to your house common rooms with your head of house. All other teachers, as well as the Prefects and Head Boy and Girl will assist me in locking down the castle. I ask all other students to refrain from going anywhere, aside from their common room."

What followed could be described as mass hysteria. The Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws jumped up and many girls shrieked. Many of the Slytherins were muttering about joining the Death Eaters in Hogsmeade, before flashing innocent smiles at Dumbledore. The Gryffindors sat at their table solemnly, most of them in lost in shock. There was a stampede of sorts toward the door, and Cass worried when she lost sight of Abby amid the herd of people.

"Remus! Help me find Abs!" she screeched, grabbing onto the closest Marauder, and looking at the crowd desperately.

"Can't. I have to help Dumbledore." Remus objected frostily, pulling from Cass's grip. "Come on, Lily." He looked at Lily, who was still seated on the bench, looking dazed, as if this was all a dream. Weren't they safe at Hogwarts? Was anyone safe? Was her family safe?

"Oh right." She muttered, standing quickly, and brushing herself off. She ignored James's pleading look, kissed him quickly on the cheek, and followed Remus briskly up to the Teacher's Table.

She had never seen any of them look so grim, even when they told Peter he had failed yet another exam, or when they were pranked on by the Marauders. Because of her recent illness, Dumbledore assigned Lily and Remus to taking the Gryffindor first through third years up to the common room, incase they got lost in the hysteria.

"Calm down, everything will be fine." Lily reassured a timid group of first years, leading one girl, who was sobbing hysterically, up the stairs, holding her hand. "Just follow me." She led the long train of kids up the stairs, trying to keep a smile plastered on her face, but she was terrified.

"Are we gonna die, Lily?" a small first year boy, who reminded Lily a lot of Charlie asked softly, his face pale and his eyes full of fear.

"Of course not!" James said brightly, appearing behind them. Lily nodded, and the entire group seemed a bit calmer as James escorted the group to Gryffindor Tower. As soon as the last first year had climbed into the portrait hole, Lily smiled at James gratefully, and enveloped him in a hug.

"Why would anyone do something like this? Kill innocent people?" she choked out softly, brushing tears from her eyes.

"There are some people, Lils, who just have… very twisted minds."

"D'you think we'll be safe?" she asked, finding some comfort in his soft hazel eyes.

"I don't know, Lils…" James offered softly, leaning in to kiss Lily.

"Mr. Potter! Ms. Evans! Both of you are expected to be in the Tower. The passwords will be changed momentarily and a spell will be put on the Tower to prevent anyone from finding it." Professor McGonagall screeched as the portrait of the Fat Lady swung open, and the stern woman climbed out clumsily. "IN!"

Scared by her tone, Lily and James obliged, and climbed in swiftly, the portrait shutting promptly behind them. The common room was almost silent, everyone broken into appropriate groups of friends, whispering softly. Immediately, Lily's eyes scanned the room for her friends, and she relaxed as they fell upon Cass, Sirius, Remus, Peter, and a grudging Abby sitting a corner. Next, she looked for Belinda, who had left abruptly that last night when Remus asked her to step out. She had wanted to talk to Belinda since breakfast this morning, but had been unable to find her. She couldn't find her now, either. She's not here. A voice in Lily's head rang out in panic as the looked over the Gryffindors.

Let's be reasonable. She's probably in her dormitory. Lily left James's side without an explanation, and dashed up the stairs to the fifth year girls' dorm, and knocked quickly, before bursting in. The room was empty, aside from Oliver.

"Oliver?" Lily asked in amazement. "What are you doing here?"

"Lily, Belinda, she's not here." Oliver said quickly, his face full of concern.

Lily nodded. "I noticed. Let's go."

Oliver followed Lily back into the common room, Lily at a fast, determined pace. Immediately, Lily made her way to the portrait hole, and hopped out, followed quickly by Oliver.

Lily's heart was racing as she and Oliver slunk through the corridors, the light of the moon casting eerie shadows through the windows in the unlit hall, and several floors below, Lily could hear the muffled sounds of people yelling hexes, and curses.

Oliver had seen Belinda last by the Charms classroom, so they made their way there first, edging along the wall of the corridor, their wands out, both terrified. The relative silence was broken by a loud sob, and Lily ducked into the History of Magic classroom to see Belinda, hunched in a corner, tears streaming down her face.

Lily and Oliver made their way to her side, and she hugged Oliver before clutching onto Lily nervously. A loud bang erupted in the hallway, and before Lily could mutter any words of support or comfort, the three Gryffindors were surrounded by at least seven Death Eaters, all with wands drawn, pointed at Lily, Belinda, and Oliver.

"'ello." The Death Eater at the front of the group offered slyly, his face covered by a mask with slits for eyes.

"Hello." Lily offered coolly, sounding much more confident and calm than she was. Why hadn't she told someone where she was going?

"A fiery one, I see. And a prefect too." Another Death Eater commented, her voice trying to sound heartless.

Lily beamed proudly and nodded, though inside, she felt as though her heart was going to bulge out of her chest. More than anything she wanted to live through this, see her friends and family once more. Considering the track record of Death Eaters, however, chances of surviving this would be slim. But there was still so much for her to do in life, so many people to meet, experiences to have…

"Obviously your prefect friend isn't scared." The female Death Eater spoke up again, trying to get her voice in a taunting tone. "Are you?"

"N-no!" Belinda stuttered bravely, causing the Death Eaters to laugh.

"At least she's not hiding behind a mask." Lily said, breaking the laughter with her cool and collected tone.

"If I were in your position, Mudblood, I'd be a bit more polite." The first Death Eater spoke out again.

"Well how about we swap positions, and you can show me how?" Lily asked sarcastically, gaining stares of disbelief from the entire room, although she could only see the ones from Oliver and Belinda.

"Sounds like a plan! And I'll go next, hi Dad!" A voice called brightly from behind the Death Eaters. All seven turned to see Sirius Black, standing in the doorway, looking quite smug. "Heya, Lillers!" he added happily, as his cobalt eyes fell on the three, huddled on the floor. "Oliver! How are ya, mate? And you're Belinda Trafo, no?" Sirius began to walk over to them, as if he were going to introduce himself, before the Death Eaters turned their wands on him. "Tsk, tsk! You should know that dueling is not aloud in the hallways! Lillers, in your role as prefect, you should have informed them – "

"Shut up, you stupid child." A third Death Eater spoke out.

"I would appreciate that you not insult my students." A cold voice spoke out from the door, and there stood Albus Dumbledore, stony-eyed, with his wand extended at the Death Eaters, followed by several Aurors.

Belinda had been way off when she decided that the Marauders' lives weren't perfect. Life wasn't simple, for anyone, and the Marauders were no exception.

"STUPEFY!"

Gonna leave it at that… Firstly – cliffhanger, eh? So, do we want Abby and Remus together, or what? I'm not too sure what I'm doing with them, so for now, they're not.

Coming up:

- What happens in the History of Magic classroom?
- Will Lily, Oliver, Sirius, or Belinda live to celebrate Valentines Day?
- If they do, how will the group celebrate?