Hello, Wow- I have had this story going on the HP boards for ages
and I've had a lot of positive feed back. And I put in on ff.net
ages ago but the formatting was not to good and I only had one
review. But after ages of not looking at it I decided the other day
to reformat all 8 chapters and add 2 more. The I was impressed
today to see 2 review's waiting 4 me in my inbox!
Thanx 4 the review's- I will post another Chapter and if that goes
well I have about 16 more typed up!
Luv ya Jessie xxx
Year 6
Chapter 1- A Heated summer
It was the first full day of the summer holidays, James was already
depressed. He already missed the magic, missed his mates, missed
Lily. This was the first time this year, which he had been home, in
his room. He hadn't missed this what so ever.
You may have said it was just another spoilt rich kid. But there
was always more to him then reached the eye. You see on the outside
he had everything. He was son of a famous Quidditch player, Rich,
Good looking, Popular, Smart, Had girls fawning over him, left
right and centre.
He had everything anyone would ever want, but these were just in
material things. James' family life was another story. James had
two sisters. One, Claire, was lovely, she would go to the end of
the earth and back for James and he would do the same for her.
But his other sister, Narcissa, was another story. Her being the
eldest and "Daddy's little Princess", always got favoured. She was
given anything and everything she wanted. Including all of their
fathers attention and was spared from his beatings. James, Claire
and their mother however, were not.
In fact this is why James resented his father.
And he even resented his mother for it. How could she stay in an
abusive relationship for so long? One where she was hit, cursed and
hexed. And even if she could handle the beatings, how could she sit
back and watch her two youngest children suffer them too? That was
wrong. James vowed from the first bruise he got, that he would
never let anyone he truly loved suffer like that.
He would never let a man, woman or child be abused like that. And
he would NEVER lay an abusive finger on his children. Where he
could he would prevent Claire from being touched by his father, he
used to for his mother to, but now he had no sympathy for her. She
could have left but she was just too chicken.
Narcissa, of course followed her father and had his views virtues
and beliefs bestowed into her. These were:
*Thou shall respect your elders (Well only the ones who could be of
use in the future)
*Thou shall beg, bribe and torture, to get what you want.
*Thou shall not respect Muggles or "Mudbloods".
*Thou shall use everybody to your advantage.
*Thou shall not pick a side, (At least not until the strongest side
is clear.)
*Thou shall not kill (Anyone who is in a higher position than you.)
Narcissa had just left Hogwarts, she had gotten ok...ish Newts and
was soon to be betroved. Anthony Potter wanted to make sure his
little princess was well looked after for the rest of her life, so
he had found a respectable wizarding family who shared the same
views, who had allot of money and who were as pure of blood, as the
grass is green. He had arranged for her to marry Lucius Malfoy, he
was also a seventh year leaver, gaining very high NEWT grades.
He was also as sly, manipulative and devious as he was smart.
They were to be married at Christmas. The Malfoys being very
respectable and high up in the ministry, had gotten the Minister of
Magic himself to say their vows to them. And the location was a
beautiful wizard only church, situated at the far end of Hogsmeade,
then the reception would be held in the Ministry of magic's grand
entrance hall, all purely for show.
The Malfoys of course were just as bad as the Potters; Lucius
marrying one of them instantly increased their publicity, wealth
and power. Mr Potter was VERY powerful and persuasive when need be.
A very good pawn to have in their pockets.
James where he could help it stayed out of his house. Most of the
time he would stay round Sirius'. Sirius' father never minded, he
liked the company and James was always a laugh, he had always been
more of a father to James, then James' real one. Nobody not one of
James' friends had ever been to James' house, except Sirius.
They had met his sisters at Hogwarts and his parents at parties.
Everyone knew the famous Robert Potter (A/N- James' dads name has
changed, he is no longer Harold Potter.)In public he put on such a
front! But nobody knew what went on behind closed doors!
James got up off his bed, he wasn't going to stay in this wretched
house a second longer, it just reminded him of his miserable excuse
of a family.
He sent one of his owls (He had many) to Sirius, warning him that
he would be arriving soon, then got his trunk and packed his usual
summer survival kit.
Meanwhile, Sirius was sitting with his dad, talking about his
school year which had just passed. Jonathan Black loved to hear all
the things Sirius and his mates got up to. Especially the pranks .
This may have sounded weird, for a parent to encourage such
activities, but ever since the demise of his wife, Jonathan had
become some what more lenient with Sirius.
This wasn't always a good thing, as Sirius sometimes had a mean
streak and needed rules to keep him in order.
"So James enchanted snowballs to attack Peter and Remus? A classic,
but still gre..." Sirius held his hand up to silence his father.
"3,2,1!" An owl flew through the window.
"James?" His father asked.
"Naturally." Sirius said before even opening the letter. "Yep, same
routine, he's coming over to stay."
"Excellent, it's been too quiet around here recently. Invite Peter
and Remus over too if you want."
"Yep already done, there coming on Friday. 4 Days for you to
prepare yourself and hide the breakables."
"Ow, I did that yesterday." Jonathan joked.
*POP* James arrived in the fire place. He set his stuff down, went
to the fridge to get a drink, then took his usual seat on the couch
next to Sirius.
"So James, my son tells me you got yourself a pretty red head!"
"Sirius!"
"What? I can't tell my dad? I tell him everything!"
"Yeah, of course you can, he's like the father I never had. It just
would've been nice to have asked me first!"
"Sorry, have I put my foot in it?"
"No, don't be silly. I got myself a very pretty red head. She's
gorgeous, smart and has a great personality. But Know one else must
know!" He looked pointedly at Sirius.
"Why not?"
"Because she's muggle born."
"Oh..."
"Yes, OH! My father will murder me when he finds out!" Sirius had
told Jonathan about James' father, he was not happy about it at
all, but James refused to let him handle it. It was his problem and
Sirius' dad had enough of his own problems.
"Well is she really worth it?"
"DAD!" Sirius couldn't believe what he had just said.
"Well, you boys are only young, and you do have a lot of flings.
All I'm saying is, is it really worth your father finding out and
killing you over it?"
"Yes, Lily is certainly worth it."
"James is totally head over heels for her!" James blushed and
Sirius smirked.
"I am not, I just really like her!" He defended himself.
"Well, anyway I will carry your stuff to your room James. I take it
you will be spending most of the summer here?"
"Yes sir, if you don't mind." James knew he wouldn't, Sirius' was
like his second home (Hogwarts was his first). Jonathan flinched at
his name.
"Of course it is fine, and how many times have I told you, call me
Jonathan, not sir." He hated formalities.
"Sorry, habit I suppose." Jonathan carried James' stuff to his room
and then came down to prepare lunch. He didn't have any house
elves, they would have been handy, but Michelle Black, Sirius'
mother had never wanted any. However much money she had, she would
always pull her own weight.
Unlike the Potters, the Blacks didn't want a big mansion, they
could have afforded on thrice over, but Michelle Black had always
wanted a nice homely house, a room for her and her husband, one for
each of her two children and one for any guests.
A living room, dinning room kitchen, a couple of bathrooms and
maybe an attic, but that's all she wanted and all she needed. And
she may not be here any more, but that's the way Jonathan Black
kept it. James had always admired Jonathan Blacks love for his wife
and son. He was James' idea of a proper father and he longed for
that.
"James if you wish to invite your girlfriend over, at anytime, then
do so, she can have the spare room. You can double up with Sirius."
(No one ever stayed in Sirius' sisters room- no one ever had or
ever would.)
"Yeah, that would b..."
"James, Remus and Peter are coming over Friday."
"Ow." James looked truly and deeply disappointed.
"Why don't you invite a couple of girls, then it won't look too
obvious." Jonathan suggested, James' face lit up once more.
"Yeah we could invite Crystal, Andi and Haley."
James owled Lily and came back with a sullen look on his face.
"Can she come?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah." James said, a frown plastered to his features.
"Then why the long face?"
"She can't make it till the last week, says her parents wouldn't
let her, as they don't see her all year."
"But she can still come?"
"Yeah but that's ages away!"
"I'll tell you what," Jonathan got up. "I'll drive you to see her
one day and you can perhaps go on a date somewhere." Sirius
$sniggered and James wore a face splitting smile. "But meanwhile
we'll have to keep you occupied. How are you two at shopping? I am
an absolute nightmare and am in need of dire assistance."
The boys both groaned. "Come on now, you want something nice to eat
whilst your staying here don't you?" So the three boys went
shopping and apart from an incident including James, Sirius, an old
lady and a shopping trolley, they had fun.
Jonathan managed to make it home with just half the store. The boys
added, lets say a few (When I say a few I mean a lot of) things to
the trolley. Thankfully this was a wizards store and the bags were
charmed to hold as much as you needed them to and to be weightless.
In the days leading to Friday, James and Sirius played a bit of
Quidditch, quite a few pranks on Jonathan and he in return did some
on them (He even went into James' room and hid all of his letters
from Lily. James went hysterical when he found they were gone!)
3 days after arriving at Sirius' house, James realised he needed
more underwear (typical boys!) So he flooed back to the Potter
manor. He rushed up to his room and grabbed a bag full of pants. As
he exited his room he heard sobbing, it was Claire. She looked a
little worse for wear.
Her eyes were red and swollen, as though she had been crying a lot,
her skin was pretty pale, he hair was tangled.
"He did this to you didn't he!" James didn't even have to ask.
"Grab some clothes, a toothbrush and heaven forbid, some underwear,
then your coming to Sirius' with me."
"Mr Black won't mind?" She sniffed, she felt awkward accepting
James' proposal but she knew she couldn't stay here.
"Nah, Sirius has practically the whole school over anyway." He
helped Claire pack some stuff, and they went down stairs.
"Where are you 2 off to?" James' mother saw them and asked.
"Sirius invited us over, ma'am. We probably will be there most of
the summer. You can owl us, if you need."
"Ok dear." Harriet Potter was glad her children were going, her
husband could no longer reach them.
"Mr Black." James called as he and his sister stepped out of the
fire place.
"James, I told you, call me Jonathan." Mr Black said entering his
living room.
"Sorry sir."
"James!"
"Sorry Jonathan, is it all right if my sister, Claire, stays with
us as well?" Jonathan now noticed the state of a girl standing next
to James. He couldn't believe their father could do such a thing,
he had worked with Robert Potter many years ago, on business.
That's how the two boys had met. But Robert seemed so nice to him?
Mind, he was head of magical games and sports in the ministry, at
the time and Robert had wanted his Quidditch team entered in the
cup that year. He couldn't really afford to not be nice.
"Of course she can James. She can have the spare room and you can
double up with Sirius." James took Claire's stuff up to the spare
room.
Claire stayed to freshen up and James went to find Sirius. He found
him hiding up a tree, throwing dung bombs at the kids playing down
his street.
"Hey Siri."
"Hey Jamesie, What's up?"
"I brought my sister to stay too, is that alright?"
"Claire's here! Groovy! She can help us get dad back for taking
that picture of us in our Pyjamas this morning!"
"Hey, I'm not bothered about that photo, your the one who chose to
sleep in just your Bunny boxer shorts!"
"Humph!"
"Hey guys, what we doing?" Claire had come down to greet them.
"Hey Claire." Sirius jumped up out of his tree to talk to her. He
so obviously fancied her, James thought.
"Hey sis, we were just talking 'bout Sirius' bunny boxers."
"Ow come on Prongs, you didn't have to tell her that!"
On Friday, Remus and Peter came over. They spent their time
conducting all sorts of plans and surprises for the rest of
Hogwarts on their return. Claire was seriously in need of some
female company and eagerly awaited the arrival of the Ravenclaw
girls, she herself was a Griffindor and Narcissa had been a
Slytherin.
On the Tuesday of the 3rd week of the holidays, James stood by the
mirror of the bathroom, dolling himself up.
"What you up to Prongs?" Remus asked.
"Ow, got some official party of my fathers to attend." He quipped.
"Why you smiling then?"
"Err... wind?" He replied.
In actual fact he had a date with Lily. Mr Black had promised to
drive them to a restaurant for the evening. Remus raised a
suspicious eyebrow.
"Ok then." He said sceptically. He knew James was lying, but he
would let it pass... this time.
Mr Black drove James to Lily's then on to Cerebro's, a wizarding
restaurant. Jonathan watched the couple talk animatedly in the back
seat. What Sirius had told him wasn't far off the truth. They
seemed made for each other.
Not one second of awkwardness passed between them. Their eyes were
glowing, just as James' had done when Jonathan had watched him
reading one of Lily's letters.
It was a boiling hot day and Lily wore a pair of hip huggers, a
tight black vest top and for some reason she wore a baggy white
jumper, which looked like it had seen it's day. Her long dark red
hair cascaded down her back. James was right, she was beautiful,
especially when she smiled.
"So Lily, how much did James have to pay you to go out with him?"
Jonathan joked. He sure missed Michelle. Lily blushed.
"Sorry, I forgot introductions, Lily Evans, meet Jonathan Black.
Sirius' dad."
"Ow, so your the one we have to blame for Sirius then!"
"'Fraid so."
"Where's your dad James?" Lily asked. James features hardened.
"Ow, he's at work, I believe. Don't worry about him, Jonathan is
more of a father then him." Lily knew to leave the subject.
"We're here!" Jonathan exclaimed, happy to change the subject.
Lily was very excited, she had never been to a wizards restaurant
before. They stepped inside a shabby looking building. Inside, it
was just as small. James walked up to a man in a black suit.
"Table, booked under the name Potter."
"Let me see... Ahh yes, here, Potter, table for two, Star light
dinner." He led them to a door, "Just through here, place your
orders through the menu's."
"Thank you."
"Enjoy your meal Mr Potter." They stepped through the door. Lily
could not believe her eyes, they were outside on a beach. There was
a table set up on the sand, the water just a few feet away. A light
breeze blowing through Lily's hair as she gazed up at the stars in
the black night sky.
"Do you like it?" James asked.
"It's perfect. How ever did you find such a lovely place?"
"Actually my family have attended many formal functions here. This
is their best table."
"How did you acquire it?"
"Well as my father says, use those with power, fame and fortune to
your advantage. He is the only one I ever apply it to though."
"You really don't get on with your father do you?"
"I would rather not discuss this matter tonight, I'm in too much of
a good mood."
"And what has brought that on?" Lily asked, as a cheeky grin formed
on her beautiful face.
"I think you know." he replied.
"so how do you order? I'm starving." James showed her how to order
and they enjoyed their first romantic dinner, under the stars as a
couple. James was amazed at how at ease he was with Lily.
Normally when he was out with a girl, he would be worried about
anything he did or said. He wouldn't want to upset them or sound
boring. But Lily was different, she had been his friend first.
He knew her pretty well, and she did him. He knew she wouldn't
judge him or expect him to be something he wasn't, after all she
didn't even know who he was to start with. Lily made him feel at
ease.
After dinner, the couple played in the sand, they just relaxed and
forgot about their lives, they just had fun in each others company.
And all too soon it was over.
"I had so much fun tonight James, it was perfect. Your perfect!"
"I had fun too, thanks for coming I really missed you."
"We've only been apart for like 3 weeks."
"It seemed like an eternity. You can still make it to Sirius'
right?"
"Yep, last week of the summer holidays. Crystal and Andi are coming
too. But Haley couldn't make it. Something about a sick aunt Val?"
"Ow well. My sister will be there so even numbers."
"I can't wait."
"Me neither, I'll be counting down the days." They met Mr Black and
he drove Lily home. James led her to her front door and she gave
him a simple and sweet kiss on the cheek. Then Mr Black drove James
home.
"The freaks got a freak boyfriend!" Petunia shrieked, when Lily
arrived home. "I saw you kissing on the front lawn! Imagine what
the neighbours must think. Kissing in broad day light! At your age!
I hope Vernon didn't see. He will think we are all sl*t's like you!
And then he will dump me."
"Petunia Evans! That is enough. I believe when you were 16 like
your sister, you had a boyfriend." She turned to Lily. "Lily dear.
now you are at the age which you are ready to date, I would like to
have a talk with you."
"Yeah Lily, we don't want any freaky babies running around!"
"Petunia you are excused."
"It's ok I want to stay!"
"No, I want to talk to Lily privately." Petunia sighed and left,
defeated.
"Now Lily, what Petunia said is not far off. You know I trust you,
but you are away at your school most of the year, and I know what
teenage hormones are like. Just be careful not to get too carried
away, that's all. Oh and don't let any one make you do anything
your not ready to do."
"Ok mum."
"This boy..."
"James."
"Yes James, he's a respectable young man, isn't he?"
"Yes of course mother."
"Good. Now makes sure he treats you right."
"Don't worry, he will."
"Good."
When James got back, he was greeted by 1 curious sister and 3
curious boys, (Well one just pretended to be curious!).
"James, Remus said you went to one of fathers work do's? Why didn't
I have to go?" Claire asked.
"Men only, Claire." James replied, not able to conceal a grin. He
was just so happy after his night out.
"Why you smiling?" Peter asked.
"'Cause I'm happy. Gees it's not against the law is it?"
"Yes, after spending a night with father it is!" Claire protested.
"Hey guys...and lady. leave poor Jamesie alone." Sirius started,
"He's had a busy night and is obviously smiling out of hysteria."
Every one backed down, but Claire was still not satisfied. Later
on, she approached James.
"Where were you really tonight?"
"Where I said." He replied. He couldn't lie to Claire to save his
life, but he had to try.
"You were with a girl, no?" she said as if she were a detective
closely examining a criminal.
"NO!"
"I think so. And Sirius and his father are in on it to! Aren't
they?" Dam how did she know this? James thought!
"In on what? there is nothing!"
"...And if I know you, and I do, I would say, it was that girl that
I made up for the ball... Lily, was it?" James was speech less. How
did she know?!
"How did you know?" He said finally voicing his thoughts.
"Lets just say, I found some interesting letters when I was going
through your stuff."
"Why were you going through my stuff?"
"James, somebody has to do your washing and I'm not leaving it all
to poor Mr Black. He's done enough for us"
"Ow, Claire please don't tell anyone? Especially not father!" James
pleaded.
"One, Why would I tell HIM? And two, why don't you want any one to
know?"
"I don't know, you might? And if father found out about her he
would not be happy."
"Why not?"
"Because she's muggle born." James lowered his head.
"James you can't let him dictate your life."
"He scares me, Claire. You know what he's like."
"I do. And he scares me too. But I'd rather be dead then have him
or anyone else dictate my life. James no matter what I will always
be on your side."
"Thanks Claire, the same goes for me." They embraced in a typical
brother/ sister type hug.
Claire was in hell (Well almost, anything was better than "home")
Being the only girl staying with 4 boys, 4 bored boys, was tough.
She was more often than not, the centre of their fun.
Being used as mainly a prank victim. Then one week before Lily came
round they went to far. They messed with her make up! Half way
through her day she found herself looking like a clown made up for
a carnival. She had worked hard on that, having made each and
every, lip stick, eye shadow and foundation there. For instance,
she had made a 24 hour lasting eye shadow in 30 different shades.
It was pay back time. NO ONE MESSED WITH CLAIRE POTTER'S MAKE UP!
James was a keen prankster. He was quite daring, creative and
clever. But that didn't mean that Claire had missed out in the gene
pool. She just chose to use her skills when needed. And now was
definitely time for them to be exposed. She spent the whole week
planning her revenge and she got it down to every last detail.
She had been informed that 3 girls (Her saviours) would be coming
over to stay the next week. She would entail, their help, after all
the boys never worked alone!
On the next Monday, James was up at 3 am. He was really excited,
because the girls, AKA, Lily, would be arriving later. He went down
into the kitchen and looked in the fridge. With nothing better to
do he decided on making a slap up breakfast for everybody. He only
had one problem, he didn't know how. After 5 minutes of thought, he
decided to go to his house and bring back Snuffles, his favourite
house elf.
Snuffles was a really weird elf. He didn't like his role and
wanted to be free. If James wasn't so scared of his father, he
would have freed Snuffles. When James was younger and was being
punished by his father.
His father would send him to his room with no supper. Snuffles
would sneak through the servant corridors with plates of food for
James. He was an elf in a million.
James retrieved Snuffles and brought him to the Black's kitchen.
"Does master want me to make him breakfast?" Snuffles asked headed
for the refrigerator.
"No, I want you to instruct me on how to make it. No doing, just
teaching." Snuffles instructed James in making a full English
breakfast- 2 eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns, tomato, toast,
beans and black pudding, for each person.
James had even made Snuffles a plate. Snuffles charmed the plates
(James, wasn't aloud to use magic) so the food would stay hot. And
they both cleared up. At about 8 o'clock everyone was downstairs
enjoying their breakfast. Mr Black was very grateful and James was
proud of himself and the first ever meal he had cooked himself. It
even tasted good and nobody felt sick afterwards (Well only Sirius,
as he ate everyone's left over's as well as all of his own!)
Sirius, seemed to have taken a liking to snuffles, and was talking
to him merrily.
"Sirius, I'm afraid I have to take Snuffles back now."
"Aww no, can't he stay a little longer?"
"I is very sorry master Black sir, but I must be getting back. My
master may be getting angry is I is gone here too long."
"OK Snuffles, keep well."
James took Snuffles back to the Potter manor, unfortunately he ran
into his father on the way back...
James took snuffles back to the Potter manor, unfortunately h ran
into his father.
"Ah so the boy returns does he? I was wondering if you were ever
going to show your face again."
"Sorry sir, I've been at the Black residence. My friend asked me to
stay."
"Your friend asked your sister too?"
"Yes sir."
"How pleasant." Robert Potter's voice was dripping with sarcasm and
resentment. "Why are you back now?"
"I just needed to ask one of the house elves something. Now I am
going back." James was scared, he knew his father was in a bad
mood, he knew his father would likely blow his top soon.
"So you thought you would come in for five minutes, use all of the
facilities which I have earnt and not even say hello to me? Is that
it?" Robert Potter's voice was raising with each word, his temper
hitting over load.
"No sir, I didn't come and say hello because I thought you may have
been asleep."
"Don't lie to me boy. You are ungrateful, unrespectful and you are
not what a respectable son should be!" He reached for his wand and
began hurling curses at James.
James ran for the fire place and yelled "The Black residence" into
it. He had escaped, but one of the curses had hit him hard. He was
now sporting a black eye and broken glasses.
At the Black's, everyone was sitting in the living room having
their routine morning chat and cup of coffee/ tea. When all of a
sudden James came flying out of the fire place covered with soot.
Everyone stared at him.
"James son, are you alright? What happened?"
"Oh... nothing, just a bit of a rough floo journey." He replied out
of breath. Mr Black knew better, but decided that James would come
to him when the time was right and until then he was safe here.
James wasn't too fazed by the mornings events, he was used to it.
He was however upset that he now had a black eye and that Lily
would be there any minute, so he had no time to do anything about
it. Claire had offered to cover it with make up, but received a
very rude response. Apparently boys don't wear make up! (Mr Black
would have magically healed it but he had gone to pick Lily up in
his car. Plus that wouldn't fit into the plot!)
Mr Black arrived home with Lily and her stuff at about 10. Crystal
and Andi were already there, they had flooed. Lily hugged and
greeted, first, Crystal and Andi, then Claire, then the boys
starting with Sirius and ending with James. She had of course only
hugged everyone as an excuse to hug James. When she got to him, she
hugged him, then looked up.
"Ow, what happened?" She said, lightly fingering the area around
his eye.
"Nothing, just a little flooing accident, don't worry." He found it
hard to prevent himself from kissing her at that point. She was so
close and her gentle touch tempted him badly.
"Lets go take you girls and your stuff upstairs then, you'll be
sharing with me." Claire said coming to James' rescue. She of
course knew how James had gotten that bruise. She took the girls up
to their room, there was a double bed, a single bed and a mattress.
(I said there was only 3 usable beds, I didn't say they weren't
big.)
"I will share the double with someone and the other 2 can fight
over who gets the mattress." Claire stated.
"Dibs on the single." Crystal said.
"I'll share with you Claire." Lily answered. (She was the only one
who knew Claire so it was only fair.)
"Ok I guess the mattress is good for me then." Andi replied.
"That's settled then, I'm so glad you all made it. The boys have
been flying me mad. Which reminds me, You girls wouldn't be up for
helping me get some well deserved revenge on them would you?"
Claire grinned evilly. The girls accepted the challenge and they
began to plot.
Meanwhile the boys were talking.
"So... I wonder who's idea it was to invite Lily and her friends."
Peter said, pointedly looking at James.
"Well, actually I thought it would be good to meet some new people,
instead of our usual line of bimbos" Sirius stated.
"Sure you did." Remus said. Remus loved James and Sirius, but
couldn't help sometimes feeling left out by the bond they shared.
He knew they told each other things that he would never know.
And they always stuck up for each other in fights, who ever was in
the wrong.
"So you telling me, it wasn't Prongs idea to invite Lily because he
fancied her, and the others as a cover up?"
"That's what we're telling you." James grinned. Oh what they didn't
know.
"Actually Moony, I thought that you may get on nicely with Lily
ow..." James kicked Sirius discreetly, "...Lily's friend Crystal,
and Peter with Andi."
"Yeah sure." Remus yawned. He was only just getting over the full
moon from two weeks ago. He had been especially wild, as his wolf
was now used to company. But due to the fact it was summer
holidays, none could be provided.
The girls came downstairs and they all went out into the back
garden. It was a lovely hot day, the kids talked and sunbathed.
Whilst Mr Black cooked them a barbeque lunch. They had a laugh and
talked. The only thing that was slightly wrong was that Sirius
didn't seem to get on too well with Andi.
"Your name is Andi?" Sirius questioned. "Isn't that a boys name?"
"It's short for Andromeda. But I hate that name so it's shortened."
After that Sirius insisted on calling her Andromeda and they ended
in numerous fights throughout the day.
Claire wasn't impressed that Lily was still wearing her baggy white
jumper everywhere, so on the Wednesday, when they visited Diagon
alley, Claire and the other girls dragged Lily into as many robe
stores as they possibly could. They bought her loads of clothes all
of which suited her nicely.
But Lily wasn't sure. She had, had her jumper since she had started
Hogwarts, her nan had bought it for her, just before she had died.
When ever she wore it she felt comforted. But now it was time to
let go, she could no longer dwell on memories. So that morning she
had let Claire confiscate it and allowed her to help get Lily a new
wardrobe. (Claire had even offered to pay.)
Whilst the boys bought school supplies and prank items, the girls
all worked on Lily's wardrobe. They had bought her a new jumper,
this one a little pink cardigan with pretty yellow flowers
decorating it. Some plain robes of green, white and black, but
which were fitted to her size, showing of her petite frame
elegantly. They also got her a new fancy cloak and some more dress
robes. They then got their school supplies and headed back to
Sirius'.
That night everyone was so tired, they fell asleep as soon as their
heads hit the pillows. For some reason though James woke up in the
early hours of the morning. He thought it must have been because of
the storm, which was now raging outside.
After 10 minutes of trying to fall back asleep, he gave up and
headed for the kitchen to get himself a drink. But as he passed the
girls room he heard a distant sobbing. Worried that it was Claire
again, James peeked in, but to his surprise it wasn't Claire, but
Lily.
"Lil?" he whispered. She looked up and saw him motioning for the
door. She obediently complied.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I'm scared." She said quietly.
"What of?"
"The storm." James' face lit up with a huge grin.
"You're scared of a storm?" He laughed. Lily couldn't help but
smile.
"Yes! Actually!" He pulled a mocking face, as if to say "Aww
baby!", making her laugh. James pulled her into a hug and she
immediately felt warm and safe, like she was wearing her jumper.
"I know..." He started, and ran up the stairs. Lily stood confused
for a second, but James shortly returned, a big fluffy red bear
under his arm.
"This is Brian, I've had him since before I can remember. When
ever I was upset or scared, he would make me feel better." *COUGH*
"I don't use him anymore, though." he added hastily. "So you can
have him if you want." Lily looked up at James, fresh tears shining
in her eyes.
"Really?"
"Yep."
"Oh my, thank you!" She embraced him in a tight hug and a well
deserved kiss.
Meanwhile Claire had awoken and had watched Lily and James. She
couldn't believe it.
James must REALLY like this girl, as he had just given up Brian. No
matter what he said he did still use Brian when he was upset. It
was usually hidden in his trunk under his invisibility cloak, so no
one knew. But Claire knew.
Lily and James went into the living room and stayed up a good deal
of the night, just enjoying each others company. Jonathan found
them having fallen asleep, on opposite sofa's facing each other.
Lily was cuddling Brian the bear.
He would have left them, but he knew if he did the other kids would
grow suspicious. So he shook them awake. They were none to pleased,
but complied. They went their separate ways and got back into their
beds, sleeping an extra couple of hours.
The week whizzed by faster than a bee could collect hunny. Lily and
James kept on finding ways and excuses to sneak off everywhere. But
still no one suspected their affair.
Lily had also become very close friends with Claire as well as the
others, almost as if they were sisters (Or what sisters were
supposed to be). Remus and Andi got on extremely well and grew very
close.
Where as Sirius and Andi got on completely opposite, arguing every
5 seconds. Sirius also flirted madly with Claire, he had a little
crush on the older woman. Especially because she didn't seem at all
interested.
("Playing hard to get, the way I like it!" He convinced himself.)
And Crystal and Peter got on like a house on fire, Crystal seemed
to enjoy Peter's boyish behaviour and cutie pie looks. All in all,
the group of girls and boys seemed to be a winning combination.
They would have to hang out more often.
The night before they went back to school, Claire and the girls
decided it was time for their prank...
The night before they ventured back to school, Claire and the girls
decided to lay their prank. Whilst the boys slept, the girls found
as many robes on the floor and charmed them to read different
things.
By the time they had left, not one robe could be found uncharmed.
When the boys got up and found their robes they didn't no what to
do. They didn't have any other clothes and even their school robes
had been charmed!
Each and every one of James' robes had been charmed by Lily, and
said "I love flowers, especially pretty ones!" Most people would
think that this sounded pretty gay, but James didn't mind it
because he knew it had a deeper meaning. Plus he got off lightly
compared to Sirius.
Claire thought that Sirius needed to be brought down a notch and
charmed all of his robes to say "Girls fall at my feet, but I don't
swing that way. You get what I mean!"
They all agreed that Remus was the quietest Marauder and needed to
be louder. So Andi charmed his robes to say "More than your average
boy, MUCH MUCH MORE!" If Remus wasn't so embarrassed, he would've
found it funny.
Finally Crystal had a funny idea for Peter. His robes read "I may
appear sweet, but I can be kinky too!"
The girls had apparently stayed up all night, as they seemed to
have had all their hair and make up done by none other than Claire.
Lily seemed to look most amazing, he dark red hair looked sleek and
thick, her face as pale as ever, but her eyes wore a light blue
shadow dusted over them, bringing the emerald which they were out.
Her lips had a shimmering to them, they shone a magical red colour.
The robes Lily wore were also different to normal. They were white
and tighter fitting than her usual ones.
Finally she wore a long green, velvet cloak, which joined with
silver fastenings. When James saw her, he forgot that he was mad
about his own robes and stood glued to the spot, mesmerised. If
anyone could make Slytherin colours look good, she could! He
thought. As Claire walked passed she closed his jaw giggling to
herself.
"Need help with your trunk, Lily?" James asked her.
"Yes please, she replied enthusiastically. So James took Lily's
trunk to the car, which Mr Black was using to drive them all to the
station in.
Lily wandered to herself how they would all fit, but as she peered
inside she was surprised to see that there was and extra row of
seats in the back and the boot was a lot more spacious on the
inside. Lily sensed there was something fishy going on, or should
she say magical.
She was also amused to see that all four marauders had opted to
wear their long thick winter cloaks (She had already taken hers
off), even though it looked as though they were sweating more than
they would in a steamer (Muggle invention). As it was a hot summers
day.
The marauders weren't about to show they had been pranked by a
bunch of girls!
and I've had a lot of positive feed back. And I put in on ff.net
ages ago but the formatting was not to good and I only had one
review. But after ages of not looking at it I decided the other day
to reformat all 8 chapters and add 2 more. The I was impressed
today to see 2 review's waiting 4 me in my inbox!
Thanx 4 the review's- I will post another Chapter and if that goes
well I have about 16 more typed up!
Luv ya Jessie xxx
Year 6
Chapter 1- A Heated summer
It was the first full day of the summer holidays, James was already
depressed. He already missed the magic, missed his mates, missed
Lily. This was the first time this year, which he had been home, in
his room. He hadn't missed this what so ever.
You may have said it was just another spoilt rich kid. But there
was always more to him then reached the eye. You see on the outside
he had everything. He was son of a famous Quidditch player, Rich,
Good looking, Popular, Smart, Had girls fawning over him, left
right and centre.
He had everything anyone would ever want, but these were just in
material things. James' family life was another story. James had
two sisters. One, Claire, was lovely, she would go to the end of
the earth and back for James and he would do the same for her.
But his other sister, Narcissa, was another story. Her being the
eldest and "Daddy's little Princess", always got favoured. She was
given anything and everything she wanted. Including all of their
fathers attention and was spared from his beatings. James, Claire
and their mother however, were not.
In fact this is why James resented his father.
And he even resented his mother for it. How could she stay in an
abusive relationship for so long? One where she was hit, cursed and
hexed. And even if she could handle the beatings, how could she sit
back and watch her two youngest children suffer them too? That was
wrong. James vowed from the first bruise he got, that he would
never let anyone he truly loved suffer like that.
He would never let a man, woman or child be abused like that. And
he would NEVER lay an abusive finger on his children. Where he
could he would prevent Claire from being touched by his father, he
used to for his mother to, but now he had no sympathy for her. She
could have left but she was just too chicken.
Narcissa, of course followed her father and had his views virtues
and beliefs bestowed into her. These were:
*Thou shall respect your elders (Well only the ones who could be of
use in the future)
*Thou shall beg, bribe and torture, to get what you want.
*Thou shall not respect Muggles or "Mudbloods".
*Thou shall use everybody to your advantage.
*Thou shall not pick a side, (At least not until the strongest side
is clear.)
*Thou shall not kill (Anyone who is in a higher position than you.)
Narcissa had just left Hogwarts, she had gotten ok...ish Newts and
was soon to be betroved. Anthony Potter wanted to make sure his
little princess was well looked after for the rest of her life, so
he had found a respectable wizarding family who shared the same
views, who had allot of money and who were as pure of blood, as the
grass is green. He had arranged for her to marry Lucius Malfoy, he
was also a seventh year leaver, gaining very high NEWT grades.
He was also as sly, manipulative and devious as he was smart.
They were to be married at Christmas. The Malfoys being very
respectable and high up in the ministry, had gotten the Minister of
Magic himself to say their vows to them. And the location was a
beautiful wizard only church, situated at the far end of Hogsmeade,
then the reception would be held in the Ministry of magic's grand
entrance hall, all purely for show.
The Malfoys of course were just as bad as the Potters; Lucius
marrying one of them instantly increased their publicity, wealth
and power. Mr Potter was VERY powerful and persuasive when need be.
A very good pawn to have in their pockets.
James where he could help it stayed out of his house. Most of the
time he would stay round Sirius'. Sirius' father never minded, he
liked the company and James was always a laugh, he had always been
more of a father to James, then James' real one. Nobody not one of
James' friends had ever been to James' house, except Sirius.
They had met his sisters at Hogwarts and his parents at parties.
Everyone knew the famous Robert Potter (A/N- James' dads name has
changed, he is no longer Harold Potter.)In public he put on such a
front! But nobody knew what went on behind closed doors!
James got up off his bed, he wasn't going to stay in this wretched
house a second longer, it just reminded him of his miserable excuse
of a family.
He sent one of his owls (He had many) to Sirius, warning him that
he would be arriving soon, then got his trunk and packed his usual
summer survival kit.
Meanwhile, Sirius was sitting with his dad, talking about his
school year which had just passed. Jonathan Black loved to hear all
the things Sirius and his mates got up to. Especially the pranks .
This may have sounded weird, for a parent to encourage such
activities, but ever since the demise of his wife, Jonathan had
become some what more lenient with Sirius.
This wasn't always a good thing, as Sirius sometimes had a mean
streak and needed rules to keep him in order.
"So James enchanted snowballs to attack Peter and Remus? A classic,
but still gre..." Sirius held his hand up to silence his father.
"3,2,1!" An owl flew through the window.
"James?" His father asked.
"Naturally." Sirius said before even opening the letter. "Yep, same
routine, he's coming over to stay."
"Excellent, it's been too quiet around here recently. Invite Peter
and Remus over too if you want."
"Yep already done, there coming on Friday. 4 Days for you to
prepare yourself and hide the breakables."
"Ow, I did that yesterday." Jonathan joked.
*POP* James arrived in the fire place. He set his stuff down, went
to the fridge to get a drink, then took his usual seat on the couch
next to Sirius.
"So James, my son tells me you got yourself a pretty red head!"
"Sirius!"
"What? I can't tell my dad? I tell him everything!"
"Yeah, of course you can, he's like the father I never had. It just
would've been nice to have asked me first!"
"Sorry, have I put my foot in it?"
"No, don't be silly. I got myself a very pretty red head. She's
gorgeous, smart and has a great personality. But Know one else must
know!" He looked pointedly at Sirius.
"Why not?"
"Because she's muggle born."
"Oh..."
"Yes, OH! My father will murder me when he finds out!" Sirius had
told Jonathan about James' father, he was not happy about it at
all, but James refused to let him handle it. It was his problem and
Sirius' dad had enough of his own problems.
"Well is she really worth it?"
"DAD!" Sirius couldn't believe what he had just said.
"Well, you boys are only young, and you do have a lot of flings.
All I'm saying is, is it really worth your father finding out and
killing you over it?"
"Yes, Lily is certainly worth it."
"James is totally head over heels for her!" James blushed and
Sirius smirked.
"I am not, I just really like her!" He defended himself.
"Well, anyway I will carry your stuff to your room James. I take it
you will be spending most of the summer here?"
"Yes sir, if you don't mind." James knew he wouldn't, Sirius' was
like his second home (Hogwarts was his first). Jonathan flinched at
his name.
"Of course it is fine, and how many times have I told you, call me
Jonathan, not sir." He hated formalities.
"Sorry, habit I suppose." Jonathan carried James' stuff to his room
and then came down to prepare lunch. He didn't have any house
elves, they would have been handy, but Michelle Black, Sirius'
mother had never wanted any. However much money she had, she would
always pull her own weight.
Unlike the Potters, the Blacks didn't want a big mansion, they
could have afforded on thrice over, but Michelle Black had always
wanted a nice homely house, a room for her and her husband, one for
each of her two children and one for any guests.
A living room, dinning room kitchen, a couple of bathrooms and
maybe an attic, but that's all she wanted and all she needed. And
she may not be here any more, but that's the way Jonathan Black
kept it. James had always admired Jonathan Blacks love for his wife
and son. He was James' idea of a proper father and he longed for
that.
"James if you wish to invite your girlfriend over, at anytime, then
do so, she can have the spare room. You can double up with Sirius."
(No one ever stayed in Sirius' sisters room- no one ever had or
ever would.)
"Yeah, that would b..."
"James, Remus and Peter are coming over Friday."
"Ow." James looked truly and deeply disappointed.
"Why don't you invite a couple of girls, then it won't look too
obvious." Jonathan suggested, James' face lit up once more.
"Yeah we could invite Crystal, Andi and Haley."
James owled Lily and came back with a sullen look on his face.
"Can she come?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah." James said, a frown plastered to his features.
"Then why the long face?"
"She can't make it till the last week, says her parents wouldn't
let her, as they don't see her all year."
"But she can still come?"
"Yeah but that's ages away!"
"I'll tell you what," Jonathan got up. "I'll drive you to see her
one day and you can perhaps go on a date somewhere." Sirius
$sniggered and James wore a face splitting smile. "But meanwhile
we'll have to keep you occupied. How are you two at shopping? I am
an absolute nightmare and am in need of dire assistance."
The boys both groaned. "Come on now, you want something nice to eat
whilst your staying here don't you?" So the three boys went
shopping and apart from an incident including James, Sirius, an old
lady and a shopping trolley, they had fun.
Jonathan managed to make it home with just half the store. The boys
added, lets say a few (When I say a few I mean a lot of) things to
the trolley. Thankfully this was a wizards store and the bags were
charmed to hold as much as you needed them to and to be weightless.
In the days leading to Friday, James and Sirius played a bit of
Quidditch, quite a few pranks on Jonathan and he in return did some
on them (He even went into James' room and hid all of his letters
from Lily. James went hysterical when he found they were gone!)
3 days after arriving at Sirius' house, James realised he needed
more underwear (typical boys!) So he flooed back to the Potter
manor. He rushed up to his room and grabbed a bag full of pants. As
he exited his room he heard sobbing, it was Claire. She looked a
little worse for wear.
Her eyes were red and swollen, as though she had been crying a lot,
her skin was pretty pale, he hair was tangled.
"He did this to you didn't he!" James didn't even have to ask.
"Grab some clothes, a toothbrush and heaven forbid, some underwear,
then your coming to Sirius' with me."
"Mr Black won't mind?" She sniffed, she felt awkward accepting
James' proposal but she knew she couldn't stay here.
"Nah, Sirius has practically the whole school over anyway." He
helped Claire pack some stuff, and they went down stairs.
"Where are you 2 off to?" James' mother saw them and asked.
"Sirius invited us over, ma'am. We probably will be there most of
the summer. You can owl us, if you need."
"Ok dear." Harriet Potter was glad her children were going, her
husband could no longer reach them.
"Mr Black." James called as he and his sister stepped out of the
fire place.
"James, I told you, call me Jonathan." Mr Black said entering his
living room.
"Sorry sir."
"James!"
"Sorry Jonathan, is it all right if my sister, Claire, stays with
us as well?" Jonathan now noticed the state of a girl standing next
to James. He couldn't believe their father could do such a thing,
he had worked with Robert Potter many years ago, on business.
That's how the two boys had met. But Robert seemed so nice to him?
Mind, he was head of magical games and sports in the ministry, at
the time and Robert had wanted his Quidditch team entered in the
cup that year. He couldn't really afford to not be nice.
"Of course she can James. She can have the spare room and you can
double up with Sirius." James took Claire's stuff up to the spare
room.
Claire stayed to freshen up and James went to find Sirius. He found
him hiding up a tree, throwing dung bombs at the kids playing down
his street.
"Hey Siri."
"Hey Jamesie, What's up?"
"I brought my sister to stay too, is that alright?"
"Claire's here! Groovy! She can help us get dad back for taking
that picture of us in our Pyjamas this morning!"
"Hey, I'm not bothered about that photo, your the one who chose to
sleep in just your Bunny boxer shorts!"
"Humph!"
"Hey guys, what we doing?" Claire had come down to greet them.
"Hey Claire." Sirius jumped up out of his tree to talk to her. He
so obviously fancied her, James thought.
"Hey sis, we were just talking 'bout Sirius' bunny boxers."
"Ow come on Prongs, you didn't have to tell her that!"
On Friday, Remus and Peter came over. They spent their time
conducting all sorts of plans and surprises for the rest of
Hogwarts on their return. Claire was seriously in need of some
female company and eagerly awaited the arrival of the Ravenclaw
girls, she herself was a Griffindor and Narcissa had been a
Slytherin.
On the Tuesday of the 3rd week of the holidays, James stood by the
mirror of the bathroom, dolling himself up.
"What you up to Prongs?" Remus asked.
"Ow, got some official party of my fathers to attend." He quipped.
"Why you smiling then?"
"Err... wind?" He replied.
In actual fact he had a date with Lily. Mr Black had promised to
drive them to a restaurant for the evening. Remus raised a
suspicious eyebrow.
"Ok then." He said sceptically. He knew James was lying, but he
would let it pass... this time.
Mr Black drove James to Lily's then on to Cerebro's, a wizarding
restaurant. Jonathan watched the couple talk animatedly in the back
seat. What Sirius had told him wasn't far off the truth. They
seemed made for each other.
Not one second of awkwardness passed between them. Their eyes were
glowing, just as James' had done when Jonathan had watched him
reading one of Lily's letters.
It was a boiling hot day and Lily wore a pair of hip huggers, a
tight black vest top and for some reason she wore a baggy white
jumper, which looked like it had seen it's day. Her long dark red
hair cascaded down her back. James was right, she was beautiful,
especially when she smiled.
"So Lily, how much did James have to pay you to go out with him?"
Jonathan joked. He sure missed Michelle. Lily blushed.
"Sorry, I forgot introductions, Lily Evans, meet Jonathan Black.
Sirius' dad."
"Ow, so your the one we have to blame for Sirius then!"
"'Fraid so."
"Where's your dad James?" Lily asked. James features hardened.
"Ow, he's at work, I believe. Don't worry about him, Jonathan is
more of a father then him." Lily knew to leave the subject.
"We're here!" Jonathan exclaimed, happy to change the subject.
Lily was very excited, she had never been to a wizards restaurant
before. They stepped inside a shabby looking building. Inside, it
was just as small. James walked up to a man in a black suit.
"Table, booked under the name Potter."
"Let me see... Ahh yes, here, Potter, table for two, Star light
dinner." He led them to a door, "Just through here, place your
orders through the menu's."
"Thank you."
"Enjoy your meal Mr Potter." They stepped through the door. Lily
could not believe her eyes, they were outside on a beach. There was
a table set up on the sand, the water just a few feet away. A light
breeze blowing through Lily's hair as she gazed up at the stars in
the black night sky.
"Do you like it?" James asked.
"It's perfect. How ever did you find such a lovely place?"
"Actually my family have attended many formal functions here. This
is their best table."
"How did you acquire it?"
"Well as my father says, use those with power, fame and fortune to
your advantage. He is the only one I ever apply it to though."
"You really don't get on with your father do you?"
"I would rather not discuss this matter tonight, I'm in too much of
a good mood."
"And what has brought that on?" Lily asked, as a cheeky grin formed
on her beautiful face.
"I think you know." he replied.
"so how do you order? I'm starving." James showed her how to order
and they enjoyed their first romantic dinner, under the stars as a
couple. James was amazed at how at ease he was with Lily.
Normally when he was out with a girl, he would be worried about
anything he did or said. He wouldn't want to upset them or sound
boring. But Lily was different, she had been his friend first.
He knew her pretty well, and she did him. He knew she wouldn't
judge him or expect him to be something he wasn't, after all she
didn't even know who he was to start with. Lily made him feel at
ease.
After dinner, the couple played in the sand, they just relaxed and
forgot about their lives, they just had fun in each others company.
And all too soon it was over.
"I had so much fun tonight James, it was perfect. Your perfect!"
"I had fun too, thanks for coming I really missed you."
"We've only been apart for like 3 weeks."
"It seemed like an eternity. You can still make it to Sirius'
right?"
"Yep, last week of the summer holidays. Crystal and Andi are coming
too. But Haley couldn't make it. Something about a sick aunt Val?"
"Ow well. My sister will be there so even numbers."
"I can't wait."
"Me neither, I'll be counting down the days." They met Mr Black and
he drove Lily home. James led her to her front door and she gave
him a simple and sweet kiss on the cheek. Then Mr Black drove James
home.
"The freaks got a freak boyfriend!" Petunia shrieked, when Lily
arrived home. "I saw you kissing on the front lawn! Imagine what
the neighbours must think. Kissing in broad day light! At your age!
I hope Vernon didn't see. He will think we are all sl*t's like you!
And then he will dump me."
"Petunia Evans! That is enough. I believe when you were 16 like
your sister, you had a boyfriend." She turned to Lily. "Lily dear.
now you are at the age which you are ready to date, I would like to
have a talk with you."
"Yeah Lily, we don't want any freaky babies running around!"
"Petunia you are excused."
"It's ok I want to stay!"
"No, I want to talk to Lily privately." Petunia sighed and left,
defeated.
"Now Lily, what Petunia said is not far off. You know I trust you,
but you are away at your school most of the year, and I know what
teenage hormones are like. Just be careful not to get too carried
away, that's all. Oh and don't let any one make you do anything
your not ready to do."
"Ok mum."
"This boy..."
"James."
"Yes James, he's a respectable young man, isn't he?"
"Yes of course mother."
"Good. Now makes sure he treats you right."
"Don't worry, he will."
"Good."
When James got back, he was greeted by 1 curious sister and 3
curious boys, (Well one just pretended to be curious!).
"James, Remus said you went to one of fathers work do's? Why didn't
I have to go?" Claire asked.
"Men only, Claire." James replied, not able to conceal a grin. He
was just so happy after his night out.
"Why you smiling?" Peter asked.
"'Cause I'm happy. Gees it's not against the law is it?"
"Yes, after spending a night with father it is!" Claire protested.
"Hey guys...and lady. leave poor Jamesie alone." Sirius started,
"He's had a busy night and is obviously smiling out of hysteria."
Every one backed down, but Claire was still not satisfied. Later
on, she approached James.
"Where were you really tonight?"
"Where I said." He replied. He couldn't lie to Claire to save his
life, but he had to try.
"You were with a girl, no?" she said as if she were a detective
closely examining a criminal.
"NO!"
"I think so. And Sirius and his father are in on it to! Aren't
they?" Dam how did she know this? James thought!
"In on what? there is nothing!"
"...And if I know you, and I do, I would say, it was that girl that
I made up for the ball... Lily, was it?" James was speech less. How
did she know?!
"How did you know?" He said finally voicing his thoughts.
"Lets just say, I found some interesting letters when I was going
through your stuff."
"Why were you going through my stuff?"
"James, somebody has to do your washing and I'm not leaving it all
to poor Mr Black. He's done enough for us"
"Ow, Claire please don't tell anyone? Especially not father!" James
pleaded.
"One, Why would I tell HIM? And two, why don't you want any one to
know?"
"I don't know, you might? And if father found out about her he
would not be happy."
"Why not?"
"Because she's muggle born." James lowered his head.
"James you can't let him dictate your life."
"He scares me, Claire. You know what he's like."
"I do. And he scares me too. But I'd rather be dead then have him
or anyone else dictate my life. James no matter what I will always
be on your side."
"Thanks Claire, the same goes for me." They embraced in a typical
brother/ sister type hug.
Claire was in hell (Well almost, anything was better than "home")
Being the only girl staying with 4 boys, 4 bored boys, was tough.
She was more often than not, the centre of their fun.
Being used as mainly a prank victim. Then one week before Lily came
round they went to far. They messed with her make up! Half way
through her day she found herself looking like a clown made up for
a carnival. She had worked hard on that, having made each and
every, lip stick, eye shadow and foundation there. For instance,
she had made a 24 hour lasting eye shadow in 30 different shades.
It was pay back time. NO ONE MESSED WITH CLAIRE POTTER'S MAKE UP!
James was a keen prankster. He was quite daring, creative and
clever. But that didn't mean that Claire had missed out in the gene
pool. She just chose to use her skills when needed. And now was
definitely time for them to be exposed. She spent the whole week
planning her revenge and she got it down to every last detail.
She had been informed that 3 girls (Her saviours) would be coming
over to stay the next week. She would entail, their help, after all
the boys never worked alone!
On the next Monday, James was up at 3 am. He was really excited,
because the girls, AKA, Lily, would be arriving later. He went down
into the kitchen and looked in the fridge. With nothing better to
do he decided on making a slap up breakfast for everybody. He only
had one problem, he didn't know how. After 5 minutes of thought, he
decided to go to his house and bring back Snuffles, his favourite
house elf.
Snuffles was a really weird elf. He didn't like his role and
wanted to be free. If James wasn't so scared of his father, he
would have freed Snuffles. When James was younger and was being
punished by his father.
His father would send him to his room with no supper. Snuffles
would sneak through the servant corridors with plates of food for
James. He was an elf in a million.
James retrieved Snuffles and brought him to the Black's kitchen.
"Does master want me to make him breakfast?" Snuffles asked headed
for the refrigerator.
"No, I want you to instruct me on how to make it. No doing, just
teaching." Snuffles instructed James in making a full English
breakfast- 2 eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns, tomato, toast,
beans and black pudding, for each person.
James had even made Snuffles a plate. Snuffles charmed the plates
(James, wasn't aloud to use magic) so the food would stay hot. And
they both cleared up. At about 8 o'clock everyone was downstairs
enjoying their breakfast. Mr Black was very grateful and James was
proud of himself and the first ever meal he had cooked himself. It
even tasted good and nobody felt sick afterwards (Well only Sirius,
as he ate everyone's left over's as well as all of his own!)
Sirius, seemed to have taken a liking to snuffles, and was talking
to him merrily.
"Sirius, I'm afraid I have to take Snuffles back now."
"Aww no, can't he stay a little longer?"
"I is very sorry master Black sir, but I must be getting back. My
master may be getting angry is I is gone here too long."
"OK Snuffles, keep well."
James took Snuffles back to the Potter manor, unfortunately he ran
into his father on the way back...
James took snuffles back to the Potter manor, unfortunately h ran
into his father.
"Ah so the boy returns does he? I was wondering if you were ever
going to show your face again."
"Sorry sir, I've been at the Black residence. My friend asked me to
stay."
"Your friend asked your sister too?"
"Yes sir."
"How pleasant." Robert Potter's voice was dripping with sarcasm and
resentment. "Why are you back now?"
"I just needed to ask one of the house elves something. Now I am
going back." James was scared, he knew his father was in a bad
mood, he knew his father would likely blow his top soon.
"So you thought you would come in for five minutes, use all of the
facilities which I have earnt and not even say hello to me? Is that
it?" Robert Potter's voice was raising with each word, his temper
hitting over load.
"No sir, I didn't come and say hello because I thought you may have
been asleep."
"Don't lie to me boy. You are ungrateful, unrespectful and you are
not what a respectable son should be!" He reached for his wand and
began hurling curses at James.
James ran for the fire place and yelled "The Black residence" into
it. He had escaped, but one of the curses had hit him hard. He was
now sporting a black eye and broken glasses.
At the Black's, everyone was sitting in the living room having
their routine morning chat and cup of coffee/ tea. When all of a
sudden James came flying out of the fire place covered with soot.
Everyone stared at him.
"James son, are you alright? What happened?"
"Oh... nothing, just a bit of a rough floo journey." He replied out
of breath. Mr Black knew better, but decided that James would come
to him when the time was right and until then he was safe here.
James wasn't too fazed by the mornings events, he was used to it.
He was however upset that he now had a black eye and that Lily
would be there any minute, so he had no time to do anything about
it. Claire had offered to cover it with make up, but received a
very rude response. Apparently boys don't wear make up! (Mr Black
would have magically healed it but he had gone to pick Lily up in
his car. Plus that wouldn't fit into the plot!)
Mr Black arrived home with Lily and her stuff at about 10. Crystal
and Andi were already there, they had flooed. Lily hugged and
greeted, first, Crystal and Andi, then Claire, then the boys
starting with Sirius and ending with James. She had of course only
hugged everyone as an excuse to hug James. When she got to him, she
hugged him, then looked up.
"Ow, what happened?" She said, lightly fingering the area around
his eye.
"Nothing, just a little flooing accident, don't worry." He found it
hard to prevent himself from kissing her at that point. She was so
close and her gentle touch tempted him badly.
"Lets go take you girls and your stuff upstairs then, you'll be
sharing with me." Claire said coming to James' rescue. She of
course knew how James had gotten that bruise. She took the girls up
to their room, there was a double bed, a single bed and a mattress.
(I said there was only 3 usable beds, I didn't say they weren't
big.)
"I will share the double with someone and the other 2 can fight
over who gets the mattress." Claire stated.
"Dibs on the single." Crystal said.
"I'll share with you Claire." Lily answered. (She was the only one
who knew Claire so it was only fair.)
"Ok I guess the mattress is good for me then." Andi replied.
"That's settled then, I'm so glad you all made it. The boys have
been flying me mad. Which reminds me, You girls wouldn't be up for
helping me get some well deserved revenge on them would you?"
Claire grinned evilly. The girls accepted the challenge and they
began to plot.
Meanwhile the boys were talking.
"So... I wonder who's idea it was to invite Lily and her friends."
Peter said, pointedly looking at James.
"Well, actually I thought it would be good to meet some new people,
instead of our usual line of bimbos" Sirius stated.
"Sure you did." Remus said. Remus loved James and Sirius, but
couldn't help sometimes feeling left out by the bond they shared.
He knew they told each other things that he would never know.
And they always stuck up for each other in fights, who ever was in
the wrong.
"So you telling me, it wasn't Prongs idea to invite Lily because he
fancied her, and the others as a cover up?"
"That's what we're telling you." James grinned. Oh what they didn't
know.
"Actually Moony, I thought that you may get on nicely with Lily
ow..." James kicked Sirius discreetly, "...Lily's friend Crystal,
and Peter with Andi."
"Yeah sure." Remus yawned. He was only just getting over the full
moon from two weeks ago. He had been especially wild, as his wolf
was now used to company. But due to the fact it was summer
holidays, none could be provided.
The girls came downstairs and they all went out into the back
garden. It was a lovely hot day, the kids talked and sunbathed.
Whilst Mr Black cooked them a barbeque lunch. They had a laugh and
talked. The only thing that was slightly wrong was that Sirius
didn't seem to get on too well with Andi.
"Your name is Andi?" Sirius questioned. "Isn't that a boys name?"
"It's short for Andromeda. But I hate that name so it's shortened."
After that Sirius insisted on calling her Andromeda and they ended
in numerous fights throughout the day.
Claire wasn't impressed that Lily was still wearing her baggy white
jumper everywhere, so on the Wednesday, when they visited Diagon
alley, Claire and the other girls dragged Lily into as many robe
stores as they possibly could. They bought her loads of clothes all
of which suited her nicely.
But Lily wasn't sure. She had, had her jumper since she had started
Hogwarts, her nan had bought it for her, just before she had died.
When ever she wore it she felt comforted. But now it was time to
let go, she could no longer dwell on memories. So that morning she
had let Claire confiscate it and allowed her to help get Lily a new
wardrobe. (Claire had even offered to pay.)
Whilst the boys bought school supplies and prank items, the girls
all worked on Lily's wardrobe. They had bought her a new jumper,
this one a little pink cardigan with pretty yellow flowers
decorating it. Some plain robes of green, white and black, but
which were fitted to her size, showing of her petite frame
elegantly. They also got her a new fancy cloak and some more dress
robes. They then got their school supplies and headed back to
Sirius'.
That night everyone was so tired, they fell asleep as soon as their
heads hit the pillows. For some reason though James woke up in the
early hours of the morning. He thought it must have been because of
the storm, which was now raging outside.
After 10 minutes of trying to fall back asleep, he gave up and
headed for the kitchen to get himself a drink. But as he passed the
girls room he heard a distant sobbing. Worried that it was Claire
again, James peeked in, but to his surprise it wasn't Claire, but
Lily.
"Lil?" he whispered. She looked up and saw him motioning for the
door. She obediently complied.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I'm scared." She said quietly.
"What of?"
"The storm." James' face lit up with a huge grin.
"You're scared of a storm?" He laughed. Lily couldn't help but
smile.
"Yes! Actually!" He pulled a mocking face, as if to say "Aww
baby!", making her laugh. James pulled her into a hug and she
immediately felt warm and safe, like she was wearing her jumper.
"I know..." He started, and ran up the stairs. Lily stood confused
for a second, but James shortly returned, a big fluffy red bear
under his arm.
"This is Brian, I've had him since before I can remember. When
ever I was upset or scared, he would make me feel better." *COUGH*
"I don't use him anymore, though." he added hastily. "So you can
have him if you want." Lily looked up at James, fresh tears shining
in her eyes.
"Really?"
"Yep."
"Oh my, thank you!" She embraced him in a tight hug and a well
deserved kiss.
Meanwhile Claire had awoken and had watched Lily and James. She
couldn't believe it.
James must REALLY like this girl, as he had just given up Brian. No
matter what he said he did still use Brian when he was upset. It
was usually hidden in his trunk under his invisibility cloak, so no
one knew. But Claire knew.
Lily and James went into the living room and stayed up a good deal
of the night, just enjoying each others company. Jonathan found
them having fallen asleep, on opposite sofa's facing each other.
Lily was cuddling Brian the bear.
He would have left them, but he knew if he did the other kids would
grow suspicious. So he shook them awake. They were none to pleased,
but complied. They went their separate ways and got back into their
beds, sleeping an extra couple of hours.
The week whizzed by faster than a bee could collect hunny. Lily and
James kept on finding ways and excuses to sneak off everywhere. But
still no one suspected their affair.
Lily had also become very close friends with Claire as well as the
others, almost as if they were sisters (Or what sisters were
supposed to be). Remus and Andi got on extremely well and grew very
close.
Where as Sirius and Andi got on completely opposite, arguing every
5 seconds. Sirius also flirted madly with Claire, he had a little
crush on the older woman. Especially because she didn't seem at all
interested.
("Playing hard to get, the way I like it!" He convinced himself.)
And Crystal and Peter got on like a house on fire, Crystal seemed
to enjoy Peter's boyish behaviour and cutie pie looks. All in all,
the group of girls and boys seemed to be a winning combination.
They would have to hang out more often.
The night before they went back to school, Claire and the girls
decided it was time for their prank...
The night before they ventured back to school, Claire and the girls
decided to lay their prank. Whilst the boys slept, the girls found
as many robes on the floor and charmed them to read different
things.
By the time they had left, not one robe could be found uncharmed.
When the boys got up and found their robes they didn't no what to
do. They didn't have any other clothes and even their school robes
had been charmed!
Each and every one of James' robes had been charmed by Lily, and
said "I love flowers, especially pretty ones!" Most people would
think that this sounded pretty gay, but James didn't mind it
because he knew it had a deeper meaning. Plus he got off lightly
compared to Sirius.
Claire thought that Sirius needed to be brought down a notch and
charmed all of his robes to say "Girls fall at my feet, but I don't
swing that way. You get what I mean!"
They all agreed that Remus was the quietest Marauder and needed to
be louder. So Andi charmed his robes to say "More than your average
boy, MUCH MUCH MORE!" If Remus wasn't so embarrassed, he would've
found it funny.
Finally Crystal had a funny idea for Peter. His robes read "I may
appear sweet, but I can be kinky too!"
The girls had apparently stayed up all night, as they seemed to
have had all their hair and make up done by none other than Claire.
Lily seemed to look most amazing, he dark red hair looked sleek and
thick, her face as pale as ever, but her eyes wore a light blue
shadow dusted over them, bringing the emerald which they were out.
Her lips had a shimmering to them, they shone a magical red colour.
The robes Lily wore were also different to normal. They were white
and tighter fitting than her usual ones.
Finally she wore a long green, velvet cloak, which joined with
silver fastenings. When James saw her, he forgot that he was mad
about his own robes and stood glued to the spot, mesmerised. If
anyone could make Slytherin colours look good, she could! He
thought. As Claire walked passed she closed his jaw giggling to
herself.
"Need help with your trunk, Lily?" James asked her.
"Yes please, she replied enthusiastically. So James took Lily's
trunk to the car, which Mr Black was using to drive them all to the
station in.
Lily wandered to herself how they would all fit, but as she peered
inside she was surprised to see that there was and extra row of
seats in the back and the boot was a lot more spacious on the
inside. Lily sensed there was something fishy going on, or should
she say magical.
She was also amused to see that all four marauders had opted to
wear their long thick winter cloaks (She had already taken hers
off), even though it looked as though they were sweating more than
they would in a steamer (Muggle invention). As it was a hot summers
day.
The marauders weren't about to show they had been pranked by a
bunch of girls!