Disclaimer: If I owned them, I'd have a heck of a lot more money than I do
now!
A/N: Sorry, but there's a little French in here. Well, not a little. Anyway, using my oh-so-keen knowledge of both languages, I was able to translate it for you, as my mother and cousin Anna are French citizens.
Chapter Three-A Forming of Bonds with Former Enemies
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I'd never been more shocked in my life than in the moment we saw Roselyn Wise unconscious on the ground of an unused corridor on the third floor. I never thought I'd see the strong and determined girl laying in a huddle of her own blood and robes. I immediately turn to my fellow Marauders.
"James, go find Lily, Sirius, you go get Madam Pomfrey, and Peter, go find any teacher."
I give out my instructions quickly, and they are only too eager to obey. Seeing the girl laying there out cold on the floor seemed to have stirred something inside each of them. Sirius, being the fastest, was the one I sent to the strict school nurse, and Peter was bound to find someone.
I gently grab Roselyn's shoulders and slowly sit her upright. She whimpers and her silver-gray eyes flicker open, unfocused and scared, she doesn't even know it's me. I slide down to sit next to her and do the only thing I know to do.attempt to comfort her. Another thing that scares me is that she doesn't even try to back away, which is her usual reaction around me. She whimpers again and looks away. She obviously doesn't want to be seen like this.
I reach out and put my arm over her shoulder, finding myself surprised when she leans into my side. It's at that moment that I notice all three boys returning, Lily, Professor McGonagall, and Madam Pomfrey in their wake. McGonagall gasps and takes a step back, Lily's eyes well up with unshed tears, and Pomfrey's hands are shaking as she takes tentative steps towards the girl I feel I'm sheltering protectively.
Reluctantly, I remove my arm as Madam Pomfrey conjures a stretcher and lays the half-conscious Roselyn on it. McGonagall turns to the five of us left. She tries to give us her usual stern expression, but fails terribly. We all know that of all the students, Roselyn was one of her personal favorites, as her work in Transfiguration is exquisite. As her lips tremble as she tries to purse them, she finally gives up.
"Do you five know anything about this?" We all shake our heads dumbly. "Fine, then I'll ask you all to return to your Common Room. I'm sure Ms. Wise is fine and that she just needs rest, now go!"
I was lost in thought as I walked with my companions up to Gryffindor tower after our departure. I couldn't help but wonder if this had anything to do with her existing bruises that she'd referred to as a result of a Quidditch accident. Also, though none of us bothered to notice it then, there was a bond that formed between us, strange though it may seem, caused by our concern for the safety of a girl who'd been beaten into a pulp.
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Lily turned to the four boys as they closed the portrait hole behind them. She then did the most unexpected thing, and hugged all four stunned boys, before turning and trotting up the stairs to the girls' dorms two at a time. After they all finished gawking, Sirius broke the silence.
"I think she nearly scared Moony into sprouting a few more gray hairs."
"Shut it."
"Sorry oh grouch of a werewolf, just trying to lighten the situation! None of you were too keen to stop gawking," Sirius said calmly, stepping slightly away from Remus as though he were a walking virus.
"So, what do we do?" James asked.
"I dunno, I mean-," Sirius stopped there as they heard footsteps coming down the girls' dormitory steps. "Lily? What are you doing?"
"Sneaking to the hospital wing," she replied shortly. It was then that the boys noticed a black and white cat on her heels.
"What's with the cat?" Peter asked. He had a fear of cats, as his Animagus form was a rat.
"It's Roselyn's cat, and he wouldn't stop pestering me as soon as I can through the door. So now I've got to sneak to the hospital wing and make sure he gets there."
"Well," James said thoughtfully, "as I'm sure that you don't want to be caught, I'll help you get there. You guys can go to bed if you want."
"Are you kidding? I'm not missing out on sneaking around the school!" Sirius cried mock-indignantly.
"How can you help?" Lily asked suspiciously.
"We have a certain map we created dear Lily," Sirius said, bowing as James removed the map from his robe pocket. "This map contains all details of Hogwarts, including the people in it. Feel very lucky to be trusted with this secret."
"Well, if you get me to the hospital wing without being caught, your secret is well kept," Lily pledged, hand on her heart. Remus hadn't said anything as of yet, but chuckled lightly at her behavior. "What?"
"What a sudden change of heart," Remus commented.
"Well, Roselyn got me thinking earlier today, and it does seem that you all have lightened up a bit, matured a little perhaps." she trailed off.
"Truce?" James asked, extending his hand.
"Truce." Lily shook his and the other Marauders' hands vigorously before exiting the portrait hole together, Leander the cat following them as silently as a shadow.
Lily soon learned the contents of this map, known as the Marauder's Map. Quite appropriate really. She was completely fascinated for a moment by the small ink dots moving about the castle, representing different people.
James smiled at Lily's almost childlike fascination. It was quite amusing to she the most often times strict and demanding prefect sneaking out with the famous Marauders and wandering the castle gazing intently at a piece of parchment. Her fascination hadn't quite died when they reached the door of the hospital wing. It was amazing how fast she bolted through it, yet still maintaining the deadly silence.
The five found Roselyn in a far better state. Her bleeding had stopped and she was well cleaned up. The only sign that anything had every happened was the bruise on her left cheek, which refused to disappear. Other than that, the only things wrong were the tears. The sixteen-year-old Gryffindor sat with her arms hugging her legs and her forehead rested on her knees.
Lily sat down on the right side of the bed, followed by James and Peter. Remus and Sirius crossed to the left side and sat at the edge. Lily draped her arm around Roselyn's shoulder and Remus rubbed her back soothingly.
"Hey," Roselyn croaked, finally looking up, having dried her tears.
"Hey."
"Hello."
"Hiya."
"'Lo, Roselyn!"
"Hi."
Roselyn smiled and leaned back slightly so that she rested her head on Lily's shoulder but didn't stray far from Remus. The five smiled at her interaction.
"So, when do you get to come back?" Sirius asked. "Or do you want us to break you out now?"
"I'd say now," she replied, "But then Madam Pomfrey'd kill me herself."
"After what happened," Lily joked, "please don't say that. You scared me out of my wits when I couldn't find you anywhere."
"Well," Roselyn said thoughtfully, "I don't even know where I was. Sorry Lils, but I couldn't have told you anyway."
"Can you tell us something else then?" Lily asked.
"What?" Roselyn asked wearily, as though she knew what was coming. When Lily seemed to be unable to put it into words, Remus cut in.
"Who?"
Roselyn heaved a deep sigh and tears almost sprung again at the memory. "I'm s-sorry. I just can't tell."
"That's okay," Remus whispered, continuing the rub her back. "You need to tell us sometime, but right now you don't have to."
Peter nearly fell off the bed as the black and white cat hopped up onto the bed and sprung towards Roselyn. James, Sirius, and Remus chuckled as though it were some sort of inside joke, confusing Lily and Roselyn, who exchanged quick looks.
"Dear Leander wouldn't stop harassing me," Lily sighed.
"Is that the reason prefect Lily Evans is out of bed at night with the infamous Marauders?" Roselyn joked.
"Well, she could be in-," Sirius started thoughtfully before James smacked him in the back of the head. Roselyn chuckled lightly while Lily shook her head slowly, but her eyes betrayed her and amusement shone through.
"Laugh Lily," Roselyn said, "You need it. As well as sleep, you look dead on your feet. You too James, you probably had a rough Quidditch practice. The rest of you could probably do with sleep as well."
"Anything you need?" Remus asked.
"Just bring me regular food in the morning if you can, please," Roselyn groaned.
"Can do!" Sirius said.
"Well, goodnight," Lily said, hugging her friend tightly before getting up and walking towards the door.
"'Night, Roselyn," James yawned, before following Lily. Sirius and Peter said their good-byes and they all waited by the door for Remus.
"Sleep well," Remus said, "that way we can." He brought his arm up from her back to around her shoulders in an one-armed hug. "And if anyone tries to hurt you again, call us Marauders to save the day." Remus winked, squeezed her shoulders and followed the others. Feeling much better, Roselyn and her cat Leander fell into a peaceful sleep in the hospital wing.
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"Oh my God Lily, wake up!" Paige squealed, beating Lily in the head with a pillow.
"What d'you want?" Lily yawned.
"Is it true that you sneaked off with the Marauders last night?" her attacker asked incredulously.
"Yeah," Lily stretched while she spoke. "Your cousin," she pointed at Josie, "was in the hospital wing, so they helped me get there."
"Well," Gwen sighed, not at all her energetic self, "news spreads fast around this school. You and Rosie are so lucky!" she squealed.
"What do you mean 'news spreads fast'?" Lily asked her.
"Well, someone found out and it spread like wildfire. The school has already christened you and Rose as the Gryffindor Girls," Josie sighed. "So incredibly lucky you two are. I wish I could just TALK to Sirius, much less sneak out with him."
"Then try," Lily sighed before heaving herself out of bed. She dressed in her normal Hogwarts attire, grabbed some clothes for Roselyn, and walked quickly down the girls' dormitory steps. In the Common Room, she found all four Marauders waiting there with bundles of food.
"Swiped it from the kitchens," Sirius grinned, "We thought we could all keep Roselyn company for breakfast."
The five of them made their way to the hospital wing amid whispers and glances from their peers. Jealousy was obvious on the face of most of the girls, while incredulity adorned the faces of the boys. The four Marauders seemed confused, but Lily understood perfectly.
"What's wrong with everyone?" Sirius asked. "Peter, you did shower recently, didn't you?"
"Shut up," Peter cried, swatting madly at Sirius' head and turning scarlet.
"Here we are," Remus said, breaking up the two in their squabble. He opened the hospital wing door and all five trooped in. They all said their greetings and talked like old friends, instead of enemies who had resolved their problems.
"Are you coming back to classes today?" Lily asked.
"Yes, although I'm sure I nearly drove Pomfrey crazy with my begging. I don't think I could stand this place much longer," Roselyn looked around the room in disgust. Sirius chuckled to himself.
"So our little friend doesn't like being locked up?"
"You have no idea, and just because I'm small doesn't mean anything. Besides, Lily's nearly a head shorter than me!" she cried indignantly.
"Excuse me," Lily said irritably, "I'm not that short."
"If you're shorter than me, you're short," Roselyn sighed. "Well, what's the first class for Gryffindor today?"
"History of Magic," James said, stretching, "In other words, I can catch up on my sleep."
"You sleep all the time," Lily said exasperatedly. "How do you pass exams?"
"I ask myself that too," he flashed a grin, "just luck I think."
"Well," Lily said, finishing her breakfast, "I brought you some clothes, so you boys better back off." Lily stood up and began twitching the curtains around the infirmary bed closed around the area.
"And suppose we decide to sit right here?" Sirius asked smugly, crossing his arms and settling back in the chair.
"I'll hex you," Roselyn grinned, brandishing her wand.
"Well, that solves that," James said, pulling Sirius back behind the curtain.
Lily turned to the four boys and for the first time when facing the Marauders, smiled. She stood there for a moment looking thoughtful before finally speaking up.
"You know that Roselyn and I have a nickname now thanks to you four?"
"Why?" Peter asked.
"Someone found out that I sneaked out with you all and it obviously spread around the school. Jocelyn said they're calling us the Gryffindor Girls," Lily laughed.
"The Marauders and the Gryffindor Girls?" Sirius cackled. "Oh, they'll never stop!"
"Anyway," Lily continued, "that's why they were giving you all funny looks this morning. It was not through anyone's failure to bathe." Sirius then began laughing even harder. "Is he alright?"
"Never has been," Remus sighed, "And we doubt he ever will be."
"Don't tell me that this is the first experience of the insanity of Sirius Black, Lily?" Roselyn asked, straightening her scarlet and gold Gryffindor tie as she stepped around the curtain. "I've noticed it since first year when he humbly introduced himself to us."
"Ah! You remember!" Sirius cried.
"I have good memory," she mumbled, more to herself than anyone else. "Well, let's get to Transfiguration. I don't fancy Binns barking monotonously in my face right after getting out of here."
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Weeks passed by as the friends grew closer. It wasn't hard to tell that James and Lily DID like each other, in a more than just friendly fashion. For the rest of them though, Lily and Roselyn fit the little sisters of the group picture. The only problem with this was that Roselyn and Peter were always on edge with one another, Lily seemed to lose her temper easily with Sirius and Peter, and Remus was too protective of Roselyn for it to be a brotherly way.
Now that the two girls were a part of the Hogwarts life, they of course began to receive a bit more extra attention, especially from the opposite sex. Most girls were stricken with jealousy as the 'Gryffindor Girls' made their way from class to class with the handsome Marauders at their sides. Most guys however, were green with envy of the Marauders for having the company of the likes of Lily Evans and Roselyn Wise. Even more were kicking themselves for not realizing that there were two beautiful girls in Hogwarts who none of the other males had managed to notice.
James immediately noticed his fellow males' reactions and became Lily's constant shadow. Sirius, feeling brotherly towards both girls, made sure that no male could come within ten feet of either of them with less-than- good intentions. Remus was increasingly protective of Roselyn, especially since she HAD been beaten by an unknown group of students. And Peter, well, acted like Peter and followed one of the others.
As the days made their way towards Christmas break, they'd managed to forge bonds that to most people would barely make sense, as all of them were so different. James was the ringleader type, leading the way for all. Sirius was naturally the charming mischievous one, with a smile to worm his way out of anything. Remus was the quieter, shier, more studious type, often assisting the others and lending notes and such. Peter was the follower, born to walk the well-beaten path that his friends had made. Lily was the neutralizer, keeping all of them in line, even though she had the stereotypical redhead temper. Roselyn was the dangerously independent one, never going the same way as the others, and only calmed by Lily, Remus, and sometimes even Sirius.
As James was Lily's shadow, the day found him in the Hogwarts library.researching some war or whatnot for History of Magic. Or so he said. Really, he was looking at the lovely Lily Evans as she attempted to grab a book from the top shelf. James laughed inwardly, remembering a height difference between the Marauders and the girls, Lily being the shortest of them all.
He hastily stood and walked up behind her, taking only seconds to retrieve the book for her. He was immediately engulfed in the scent of lilies, which, to no one's surprise, was the redhead's favorite scent. For a second, James felt like he was falling through a fluffy cloud, at least until Lily took the book gently from his hands and cast him a grateful smile that easily reached her bright green eyes.
'She has beautiful eyes, I'd fancy getting lost in them,' James laughed inwardly. He stared into the emerald depths for a few moments longer before turning away. This greatly disappointed Lily, as she was having trouble with his handsome, mischievous chocolate brown orbs.
As they always say, bonds are always formed in the most unlikely ways, and with the most unlikely people.
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Christmas break was two days away, but the six friends would be staying at Hogwarts for the holidays. The full moon had been two nights ago, leaving Remus looking tired and pale as he sat in front of the fire in the Gryffindor Common Room. Even though he had his friends with him, the transformations were still terrible, and always just as tiring. He didn't even notice when someone sat down beside him.
"Remus?" a tentative voice asked from his left.
"Hmm?" he inquired, turning slightly and seeing Roselyn. His stomach churned slightly and he felt lightheaded, but chose to ignore it.
"No offense, but you look terrible. How was your grandmother?"
"Wha-? Oh, my grandmother. Yes, she's fine for now, but I'll have to go see her again soon." Ah yes, the famous 'my grandma is ill' lie. He'd hated having to use it full force again against Lily and Roselyn, especially Roselyn. He didn't know if it was just him, or if she didn't really believe him.
"Well," she said unbelievingly, "I'd figure that you were the ill one with the way you look. If you need some sleep I can cover for you."
"Thanks," Remus said, standing up as his stomach got that pleasurably feeling again when he looked in her eyes. "I think I'll just go rest a bit."
Remus staggered up the stairs and flopped down on his bed. As tired as he was, sleep wouldn't come. All he could see were Roselyn Wise's silver-gray eyes swimming in his mind, and he smiled to himself as he remembered how close they'd been while sitting in front of the fire.
'Oh God,' Remus thought to himself, 'I can't think this. Sure I've had harmless crushes and such, but this seems so much different. But I can't let that happen. Werewolves mate for life, meaning I'll only truly fall in love with one person during my lifetime. May as well save myself the pain and not fall at all. Damn those bloody eyes.'
Remus sighed exasperatedly as he found that he was going to be awake for a long time. Throwing away that idea, he thought for a moment about going back down to dinner, since right around now that's where everyone should be. But he abandoned that idea when he realized that he'd have to be near Roselyn, too soon at the moment. He rummaged around his trunk, pulled out a large Defense Against the Dark Arts book, and tried to read before hurling the book across the room.
"Is this what James goes through?" Remus thought aloud.
"What do I go through? And why the bloody hell did you throw that book all the way across the dorm. I thought that bookworm Moony would have more respect for literature," James' voice said from the dormitory door as he, Sirius, and Peter entered.
"Nothing James," Remus growled as he punched his pillow quickly. The three boys exchanged quick glances before going to stand beside Remus' bed as he flopped down on it.
"What up, Remus?" Sirius asked, sounding concerned.
"It's nothing, just a little stress is all."
"Stress? I didn't know that pillow would become such an innocent victim to just stress," James joked.
"Well it did," Remus snapped. Peter stepped backwards, but James and Sirius continued to look concerned and confused. "Sorry for snapping, I'm just a bit lost is all."
"You're not the only one," James said, sitting down on the edge of his own bed. "I have these feelings for Lily that I can barely put into words, yet now that we finally get along.I don't want to lose it that quickly."
"Ah, our poor lovesick Jamesie. What's wrong with you Remus?" Sirius asked, sitting next to James and facing Remus.
"Just stress.far too much stress, and lack of sleep too," Remus yawned.
"Well, while you were all cozy in your attempted sleep, Prongs and I found something very interesting in the library," Sirius smirked.
"Wha-wha-what?" Remus yawned again.
"You know how the stairs to the girls' dormitories are charmed to not allow any boys to go up there?"
"Yes."
"We found the counter charm!" James cheered.
"You're kidding.right?" Remus gaped.
"Nope! Imagine how badly we'll scare them!" Sirius cackled.
"No, then they might just think that you're a bit.um, feminine?" Remus suggested, dodging a flying pillow.
"We'll scare them over Christmas break," Sirius shrugged, choosing not to retaliate with words. "That way Paige, official member of the Sirius Black fan club won't be there. And no, I'm not exaggerating or being self- absorbed. There seriously is a Sirius Black fan club, and Paige is seriously in it. Pun very well intended."
"There's a serious atrocity if there ever was one," Remus shook his head.
"Hush you!" Sirius snapped, before laughing hysterically. "Atrocity.such a strange word."
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"Hey Sirius," Peter decided to cross a deadly line one-day. "What does.Toujous Pur mean?"
"I don't know," Sirius snapped. It was indeed stupid of Peter to ask, as that was his family's motto.
"Always pure," Roselyn and Lily both mumbled from across the library table. Somehow, they'd all managed to get James and Sirius in the library.
"At least in French that's what Toujous Pur means," Lily added.
"You two speak French?" James snorted.
"My family's of French descent, so they make their children learn it. And I taught Lily, because Josie and I occasionally lapse into French. My family has a similar motto.Le Plus Pur Du Sang."
"Pur.that's pure, right? I took a little bit of French in my Muggle school. I hated it too. Never got a single thing," Remus said with raised eyebrows. Remus' mother was a Muggle, and had insisted on his attending a Muggle primary school.
"What does the rest mean?" Sirius asked impatiently. His family motto upset him.
"Purest of blood," Roselyn mumbled, ignoring Sirius' questioning glance.
"I don't get it," Sirius finally said through gritted teeth in frustration.
"Don't get what?" Peter asked in utter oblivion.
"What the whole deal is with pureblood and half-blood and Muggle-born business."
"It simply goes back to people like Malfoy," Roselyn spat out the name, "thinking that they are almighty because their blood is 'untainted.' It I ever get married, I'll try to make sure I fall in love with a Muggle."
"Same here," Sirius sighed, then perked up. "My parents would love that. Aren't you related to Malfoy?"
"Yes," Roselyn sighed. "Last I heard, my cousin dearest is courting your cousin."
"WHAT?" Sirius nearly fell out of his chair. "The family is bad enough! We don't need more pollution. Can you imagine their kids? Which cousin of mine?"
"Narcissa."
"Ew." Sirius muttered, an odd shiver passing over his face. "Blonde, stupid, ugly, and pureblooded.not a good combination if you ask me."
"What's this you have against blondes?" James asked mock indignantly. "Dear Moony here is one himself!"
"No he's not!" Sirius snorted. "Moony's gray!"
"Haha, Padfoot," Remus mumbled. "I'm not THAT gray. And may I add, I'll never be anywhere near as blonde as Malfoy or Narcissa."
"Who could?" James snorted. "Poor Lucy's last year at Hogwarts with us. Now Snapey will be all alone."
"I wish," Roselyn mumbled. "There's still Crabbe and Goyle, and Avery too. What a terrible crowd for anyone to associate with."
"Don't forget how stupid Macnair is," Sirius added thoughtfully, "He may very well fail."
"Disgusting," Peter said. "I think we could go for a change of subject."
"Okay," James said with a mischievous smile. "Have you all seen the Quidditch standings yet?"
Groans of disgust were heard all around.
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Christmas morning was upon them, and with just the six Gryffindors in the tower, all was quiet as they slept. Roselyn, being an early riser, carefully woke Lily before heading into the boys' dormitory with her.
"Wake up," Lily said, sharply tapping James on the head before moving to Peter's bed beside him. Roselyn had had no trouble waking Remus up, but Sirius was another story.
All of them gathered around the bed snickering while Roselyn impatiently tapped Sirius, and James held a glass of cold water over him. Rose threw her hands in the air in defeat and watched as James began tilting the cup dangerously over Sirius' head.
"AH!" Sirius exclaimed as the cold water cascading over his face, neck, and chest. "What'd you do that for?!"
"You wouldn't wake up," Lily said pointedly.
"It's Christmas. Letting me sleep could've been your present to me," Sirius grumbled, but his smirk gave him away.
"Nope," Roselyn said, "We already gave you a gift."
"Then you need to get into the spirit of giving."
Christmas that day was a fun affair. They all opened their presents before heading down to breakfast where the staff and few remaining students greeted them cheerfully. After they enjoyed the delectable food, they headed back upstairs for cloaks so that they could have an 'every man (or woman) for themselves' snowball fight. Sirius won, after charming the snowballs to repeatedly strike their victim.
They all went to bed that night fulfilled. None of them could complain that anything had gone wrong, except Peter, who was knocked out when he took one of Sirius' snowballs to the head.
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"You'll be getting plenty of owls this year," Lily said to Roselyn as they boarded the Hogwarts Express, the Marauders right behind them.
"Yeah, Rosie," Sirius added, "No telling what those owls will bring you."
"Lils, I think we should be scared," Rose said, eyeing the four boys warily.
"What are you lot doing this summer?" James asked them once they'd claimed a compartment. "My dad has me working in the Auror department, Sirius too. Filing."
"Benjamin has me working in his department. Says I've got to start earning my keep," Roselyn snorted.
"I've got a Muggle job over the summer," Lily said thoughtfully.
"I'll probably end up volunteering at the Ministry with my parents," Peter sniffed disdainfully.
"Same here," Remus added. "Either that or my Mum will have me getting a Muggle job like Lils here."
"Poor Lily," Sirius said in mock sadness. "All of us are working at the Ministry and she'll be all alone."
"I don't think so," Lily laughed. "I don't care what your parents say, Rose. I'm not spending another summer with just Petunia for company!"
"Perhaps I'll see you then," Rose smiled.
They conversed happily for the rest of the trip, occasionally playing games of Exploding Snap and Chess. When the train pulled into Platform 9 ¾, they began their good-byes.
"Sirius," James asked, "Aren't those your parents?" James was pointing out his window at Sirius' mother and father.
"Yes," Sirius growled. "They're here to get Regulus."
"You have a sibling here too?" Roselyn asked in disgust as she spotted her own family.
"Yes, and you?"
"I have a two sisters, only one of them is still at Hogwarts though. I'm a middle child."
"What's your sister's name?"
"Jesimae. My parents chose to name her something that means wealthy and bitter," Rose laughed.
"Interesting," Sirius said thoughtfully. "Well, see you at the Ministry."
"Bye." Sirius and Rose embraced like siblings before he got off the train to look for Mr. Potter. James came up to Roselyn and gave her a brotherly one-armed hug before moving on to Lily, who he hugged a little longer than most normally would. When James and Lily looked back, Roselyn, Remus, and Peter were openly snickering.
"Er, bye," James said, before hurrying after Sirius. Peter and Lily then left soon after, leaving Roselyn and Remus to scout the crowd. They both stared out the window of the train until the crowd began thinning.
"Well, I suppose that we should at least get off the train," Remus sighed reluctantly.
"Yes," Roselyn said, not quite meeting his eyes.
"Perhaps I'll see you at the Ministry," Remus said, standing up and helping Roselyn from her seat. Her wrapped his arms around her and noticed her trembling slightly. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Remus. I suppose we should go," she replied, her voice slightly muffled from the hug. She began to pull away, but Remus held her to him.
"Rose, what's wrong?" he asked quietly. Roselyn only came up to slightly above his shoulder, so he easily laid his head onto her soft hair.
"It's nothing, Remus," she repeated, looking up at him for the first time, their eyes meeting. Remus began to move downward slightly, and Roselyn moved even closer to him, if that was possible, that is, until the door burst open.
"Roselyn" a voice sniffed in disgust. "Father is waiting, and I don't think that he'll find this," she motioned towards her and Remus, who were still holding one another, "as a very amusing reason for him to have waited."
"Yes, Jesimae," Roselyn sighed, slowly extracting herself from the hug. She gathered her trunk, Rhiannon, and Leander's cages before leaving the compartment, chancing just one glance back at Remus.
Remus heaved a defeated sigh before he followed suit and left Hogwarts behind.
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A/N: Sorry for the wait. I know, I'm a terrible person.
I'd like to thank Anna, my cousin, once again, for getting me ADDICTED to fanfiction.net. If you like Post-OotP stories from Harry's era, I'd definitely suggest reading Sixth Year and a Lifetime of Worries, by my cousin, Anna Dearest. -Adelaide Dearest
A/N: Sorry, but there's a little French in here. Well, not a little. Anyway, using my oh-so-keen knowledge of both languages, I was able to translate it for you, as my mother and cousin Anna are French citizens.
Chapter Three-A Forming of Bonds with Former Enemies
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I'd never been more shocked in my life than in the moment we saw Roselyn Wise unconscious on the ground of an unused corridor on the third floor. I never thought I'd see the strong and determined girl laying in a huddle of her own blood and robes. I immediately turn to my fellow Marauders.
"James, go find Lily, Sirius, you go get Madam Pomfrey, and Peter, go find any teacher."
I give out my instructions quickly, and they are only too eager to obey. Seeing the girl laying there out cold on the floor seemed to have stirred something inside each of them. Sirius, being the fastest, was the one I sent to the strict school nurse, and Peter was bound to find someone.
I gently grab Roselyn's shoulders and slowly sit her upright. She whimpers and her silver-gray eyes flicker open, unfocused and scared, she doesn't even know it's me. I slide down to sit next to her and do the only thing I know to do.attempt to comfort her. Another thing that scares me is that she doesn't even try to back away, which is her usual reaction around me. She whimpers again and looks away. She obviously doesn't want to be seen like this.
I reach out and put my arm over her shoulder, finding myself surprised when she leans into my side. It's at that moment that I notice all three boys returning, Lily, Professor McGonagall, and Madam Pomfrey in their wake. McGonagall gasps and takes a step back, Lily's eyes well up with unshed tears, and Pomfrey's hands are shaking as she takes tentative steps towards the girl I feel I'm sheltering protectively.
Reluctantly, I remove my arm as Madam Pomfrey conjures a stretcher and lays the half-conscious Roselyn on it. McGonagall turns to the five of us left. She tries to give us her usual stern expression, but fails terribly. We all know that of all the students, Roselyn was one of her personal favorites, as her work in Transfiguration is exquisite. As her lips tremble as she tries to purse them, she finally gives up.
"Do you five know anything about this?" We all shake our heads dumbly. "Fine, then I'll ask you all to return to your Common Room. I'm sure Ms. Wise is fine and that she just needs rest, now go!"
I was lost in thought as I walked with my companions up to Gryffindor tower after our departure. I couldn't help but wonder if this had anything to do with her existing bruises that she'd referred to as a result of a Quidditch accident. Also, though none of us bothered to notice it then, there was a bond that formed between us, strange though it may seem, caused by our concern for the safety of a girl who'd been beaten into a pulp.
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Lily turned to the four boys as they closed the portrait hole behind them. She then did the most unexpected thing, and hugged all four stunned boys, before turning and trotting up the stairs to the girls' dorms two at a time. After they all finished gawking, Sirius broke the silence.
"I think she nearly scared Moony into sprouting a few more gray hairs."
"Shut it."
"Sorry oh grouch of a werewolf, just trying to lighten the situation! None of you were too keen to stop gawking," Sirius said calmly, stepping slightly away from Remus as though he were a walking virus.
"So, what do we do?" James asked.
"I dunno, I mean-," Sirius stopped there as they heard footsteps coming down the girls' dormitory steps. "Lily? What are you doing?"
"Sneaking to the hospital wing," she replied shortly. It was then that the boys noticed a black and white cat on her heels.
"What's with the cat?" Peter asked. He had a fear of cats, as his Animagus form was a rat.
"It's Roselyn's cat, and he wouldn't stop pestering me as soon as I can through the door. So now I've got to sneak to the hospital wing and make sure he gets there."
"Well," James said thoughtfully, "as I'm sure that you don't want to be caught, I'll help you get there. You guys can go to bed if you want."
"Are you kidding? I'm not missing out on sneaking around the school!" Sirius cried mock-indignantly.
"How can you help?" Lily asked suspiciously.
"We have a certain map we created dear Lily," Sirius said, bowing as James removed the map from his robe pocket. "This map contains all details of Hogwarts, including the people in it. Feel very lucky to be trusted with this secret."
"Well, if you get me to the hospital wing without being caught, your secret is well kept," Lily pledged, hand on her heart. Remus hadn't said anything as of yet, but chuckled lightly at her behavior. "What?"
"What a sudden change of heart," Remus commented.
"Well, Roselyn got me thinking earlier today, and it does seem that you all have lightened up a bit, matured a little perhaps." she trailed off.
"Truce?" James asked, extending his hand.
"Truce." Lily shook his and the other Marauders' hands vigorously before exiting the portrait hole together, Leander the cat following them as silently as a shadow.
Lily soon learned the contents of this map, known as the Marauder's Map. Quite appropriate really. She was completely fascinated for a moment by the small ink dots moving about the castle, representing different people.
James smiled at Lily's almost childlike fascination. It was quite amusing to she the most often times strict and demanding prefect sneaking out with the famous Marauders and wandering the castle gazing intently at a piece of parchment. Her fascination hadn't quite died when they reached the door of the hospital wing. It was amazing how fast she bolted through it, yet still maintaining the deadly silence.
The five found Roselyn in a far better state. Her bleeding had stopped and she was well cleaned up. The only sign that anything had every happened was the bruise on her left cheek, which refused to disappear. Other than that, the only things wrong were the tears. The sixteen-year-old Gryffindor sat with her arms hugging her legs and her forehead rested on her knees.
Lily sat down on the right side of the bed, followed by James and Peter. Remus and Sirius crossed to the left side and sat at the edge. Lily draped her arm around Roselyn's shoulder and Remus rubbed her back soothingly.
"Hey," Roselyn croaked, finally looking up, having dried her tears.
"Hey."
"Hello."
"Hiya."
"'Lo, Roselyn!"
"Hi."
Roselyn smiled and leaned back slightly so that she rested her head on Lily's shoulder but didn't stray far from Remus. The five smiled at her interaction.
"So, when do you get to come back?" Sirius asked. "Or do you want us to break you out now?"
"I'd say now," she replied, "But then Madam Pomfrey'd kill me herself."
"After what happened," Lily joked, "please don't say that. You scared me out of my wits when I couldn't find you anywhere."
"Well," Roselyn said thoughtfully, "I don't even know where I was. Sorry Lils, but I couldn't have told you anyway."
"Can you tell us something else then?" Lily asked.
"What?" Roselyn asked wearily, as though she knew what was coming. When Lily seemed to be unable to put it into words, Remus cut in.
"Who?"
Roselyn heaved a deep sigh and tears almost sprung again at the memory. "I'm s-sorry. I just can't tell."
"That's okay," Remus whispered, continuing the rub her back. "You need to tell us sometime, but right now you don't have to."
Peter nearly fell off the bed as the black and white cat hopped up onto the bed and sprung towards Roselyn. James, Sirius, and Remus chuckled as though it were some sort of inside joke, confusing Lily and Roselyn, who exchanged quick looks.
"Dear Leander wouldn't stop harassing me," Lily sighed.
"Is that the reason prefect Lily Evans is out of bed at night with the infamous Marauders?" Roselyn joked.
"Well, she could be in-," Sirius started thoughtfully before James smacked him in the back of the head. Roselyn chuckled lightly while Lily shook her head slowly, but her eyes betrayed her and amusement shone through.
"Laugh Lily," Roselyn said, "You need it. As well as sleep, you look dead on your feet. You too James, you probably had a rough Quidditch practice. The rest of you could probably do with sleep as well."
"Anything you need?" Remus asked.
"Just bring me regular food in the morning if you can, please," Roselyn groaned.
"Can do!" Sirius said.
"Well, goodnight," Lily said, hugging her friend tightly before getting up and walking towards the door.
"'Night, Roselyn," James yawned, before following Lily. Sirius and Peter said their good-byes and they all waited by the door for Remus.
"Sleep well," Remus said, "that way we can." He brought his arm up from her back to around her shoulders in an one-armed hug. "And if anyone tries to hurt you again, call us Marauders to save the day." Remus winked, squeezed her shoulders and followed the others. Feeling much better, Roselyn and her cat Leander fell into a peaceful sleep in the hospital wing.
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"Oh my God Lily, wake up!" Paige squealed, beating Lily in the head with a pillow.
"What d'you want?" Lily yawned.
"Is it true that you sneaked off with the Marauders last night?" her attacker asked incredulously.
"Yeah," Lily stretched while she spoke. "Your cousin," she pointed at Josie, "was in the hospital wing, so they helped me get there."
"Well," Gwen sighed, not at all her energetic self, "news spreads fast around this school. You and Rosie are so lucky!" she squealed.
"What do you mean 'news spreads fast'?" Lily asked her.
"Well, someone found out and it spread like wildfire. The school has already christened you and Rose as the Gryffindor Girls," Josie sighed. "So incredibly lucky you two are. I wish I could just TALK to Sirius, much less sneak out with him."
"Then try," Lily sighed before heaving herself out of bed. She dressed in her normal Hogwarts attire, grabbed some clothes for Roselyn, and walked quickly down the girls' dormitory steps. In the Common Room, she found all four Marauders waiting there with bundles of food.
"Swiped it from the kitchens," Sirius grinned, "We thought we could all keep Roselyn company for breakfast."
The five of them made their way to the hospital wing amid whispers and glances from their peers. Jealousy was obvious on the face of most of the girls, while incredulity adorned the faces of the boys. The four Marauders seemed confused, but Lily understood perfectly.
"What's wrong with everyone?" Sirius asked. "Peter, you did shower recently, didn't you?"
"Shut up," Peter cried, swatting madly at Sirius' head and turning scarlet.
"Here we are," Remus said, breaking up the two in their squabble. He opened the hospital wing door and all five trooped in. They all said their greetings and talked like old friends, instead of enemies who had resolved their problems.
"Are you coming back to classes today?" Lily asked.
"Yes, although I'm sure I nearly drove Pomfrey crazy with my begging. I don't think I could stand this place much longer," Roselyn looked around the room in disgust. Sirius chuckled to himself.
"So our little friend doesn't like being locked up?"
"You have no idea, and just because I'm small doesn't mean anything. Besides, Lily's nearly a head shorter than me!" she cried indignantly.
"Excuse me," Lily said irritably, "I'm not that short."
"If you're shorter than me, you're short," Roselyn sighed. "Well, what's the first class for Gryffindor today?"
"History of Magic," James said, stretching, "In other words, I can catch up on my sleep."
"You sleep all the time," Lily said exasperatedly. "How do you pass exams?"
"I ask myself that too," he flashed a grin, "just luck I think."
"Well," Lily said, finishing her breakfast, "I brought you some clothes, so you boys better back off." Lily stood up and began twitching the curtains around the infirmary bed closed around the area.
"And suppose we decide to sit right here?" Sirius asked smugly, crossing his arms and settling back in the chair.
"I'll hex you," Roselyn grinned, brandishing her wand.
"Well, that solves that," James said, pulling Sirius back behind the curtain.
Lily turned to the four boys and for the first time when facing the Marauders, smiled. She stood there for a moment looking thoughtful before finally speaking up.
"You know that Roselyn and I have a nickname now thanks to you four?"
"Why?" Peter asked.
"Someone found out that I sneaked out with you all and it obviously spread around the school. Jocelyn said they're calling us the Gryffindor Girls," Lily laughed.
"The Marauders and the Gryffindor Girls?" Sirius cackled. "Oh, they'll never stop!"
"Anyway," Lily continued, "that's why they were giving you all funny looks this morning. It was not through anyone's failure to bathe." Sirius then began laughing even harder. "Is he alright?"
"Never has been," Remus sighed, "And we doubt he ever will be."
"Don't tell me that this is the first experience of the insanity of Sirius Black, Lily?" Roselyn asked, straightening her scarlet and gold Gryffindor tie as she stepped around the curtain. "I've noticed it since first year when he humbly introduced himself to us."
"Ah! You remember!" Sirius cried.
"I have good memory," she mumbled, more to herself than anyone else. "Well, let's get to Transfiguration. I don't fancy Binns barking monotonously in my face right after getting out of here."
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Weeks passed by as the friends grew closer. It wasn't hard to tell that James and Lily DID like each other, in a more than just friendly fashion. For the rest of them though, Lily and Roselyn fit the little sisters of the group picture. The only problem with this was that Roselyn and Peter were always on edge with one another, Lily seemed to lose her temper easily with Sirius and Peter, and Remus was too protective of Roselyn for it to be a brotherly way.
Now that the two girls were a part of the Hogwarts life, they of course began to receive a bit more extra attention, especially from the opposite sex. Most girls were stricken with jealousy as the 'Gryffindor Girls' made their way from class to class with the handsome Marauders at their sides. Most guys however, were green with envy of the Marauders for having the company of the likes of Lily Evans and Roselyn Wise. Even more were kicking themselves for not realizing that there were two beautiful girls in Hogwarts who none of the other males had managed to notice.
James immediately noticed his fellow males' reactions and became Lily's constant shadow. Sirius, feeling brotherly towards both girls, made sure that no male could come within ten feet of either of them with less-than- good intentions. Remus was increasingly protective of Roselyn, especially since she HAD been beaten by an unknown group of students. And Peter, well, acted like Peter and followed one of the others.
As the days made their way towards Christmas break, they'd managed to forge bonds that to most people would barely make sense, as all of them were so different. James was the ringleader type, leading the way for all. Sirius was naturally the charming mischievous one, with a smile to worm his way out of anything. Remus was the quieter, shier, more studious type, often assisting the others and lending notes and such. Peter was the follower, born to walk the well-beaten path that his friends had made. Lily was the neutralizer, keeping all of them in line, even though she had the stereotypical redhead temper. Roselyn was the dangerously independent one, never going the same way as the others, and only calmed by Lily, Remus, and sometimes even Sirius.
As James was Lily's shadow, the day found him in the Hogwarts library.researching some war or whatnot for History of Magic. Or so he said. Really, he was looking at the lovely Lily Evans as she attempted to grab a book from the top shelf. James laughed inwardly, remembering a height difference between the Marauders and the girls, Lily being the shortest of them all.
He hastily stood and walked up behind her, taking only seconds to retrieve the book for her. He was immediately engulfed in the scent of lilies, which, to no one's surprise, was the redhead's favorite scent. For a second, James felt like he was falling through a fluffy cloud, at least until Lily took the book gently from his hands and cast him a grateful smile that easily reached her bright green eyes.
'She has beautiful eyes, I'd fancy getting lost in them,' James laughed inwardly. He stared into the emerald depths for a few moments longer before turning away. This greatly disappointed Lily, as she was having trouble with his handsome, mischievous chocolate brown orbs.
As they always say, bonds are always formed in the most unlikely ways, and with the most unlikely people.
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Christmas break was two days away, but the six friends would be staying at Hogwarts for the holidays. The full moon had been two nights ago, leaving Remus looking tired and pale as he sat in front of the fire in the Gryffindor Common Room. Even though he had his friends with him, the transformations were still terrible, and always just as tiring. He didn't even notice when someone sat down beside him.
"Remus?" a tentative voice asked from his left.
"Hmm?" he inquired, turning slightly and seeing Roselyn. His stomach churned slightly and he felt lightheaded, but chose to ignore it.
"No offense, but you look terrible. How was your grandmother?"
"Wha-? Oh, my grandmother. Yes, she's fine for now, but I'll have to go see her again soon." Ah yes, the famous 'my grandma is ill' lie. He'd hated having to use it full force again against Lily and Roselyn, especially Roselyn. He didn't know if it was just him, or if she didn't really believe him.
"Well," she said unbelievingly, "I'd figure that you were the ill one with the way you look. If you need some sleep I can cover for you."
"Thanks," Remus said, standing up as his stomach got that pleasurably feeling again when he looked in her eyes. "I think I'll just go rest a bit."
Remus staggered up the stairs and flopped down on his bed. As tired as he was, sleep wouldn't come. All he could see were Roselyn Wise's silver-gray eyes swimming in his mind, and he smiled to himself as he remembered how close they'd been while sitting in front of the fire.
'Oh God,' Remus thought to himself, 'I can't think this. Sure I've had harmless crushes and such, but this seems so much different. But I can't let that happen. Werewolves mate for life, meaning I'll only truly fall in love with one person during my lifetime. May as well save myself the pain and not fall at all. Damn those bloody eyes.'
Remus sighed exasperatedly as he found that he was going to be awake for a long time. Throwing away that idea, he thought for a moment about going back down to dinner, since right around now that's where everyone should be. But he abandoned that idea when he realized that he'd have to be near Roselyn, too soon at the moment. He rummaged around his trunk, pulled out a large Defense Against the Dark Arts book, and tried to read before hurling the book across the room.
"Is this what James goes through?" Remus thought aloud.
"What do I go through? And why the bloody hell did you throw that book all the way across the dorm. I thought that bookworm Moony would have more respect for literature," James' voice said from the dormitory door as he, Sirius, and Peter entered.
"Nothing James," Remus growled as he punched his pillow quickly. The three boys exchanged quick glances before going to stand beside Remus' bed as he flopped down on it.
"What up, Remus?" Sirius asked, sounding concerned.
"It's nothing, just a little stress is all."
"Stress? I didn't know that pillow would become such an innocent victim to just stress," James joked.
"Well it did," Remus snapped. Peter stepped backwards, but James and Sirius continued to look concerned and confused. "Sorry for snapping, I'm just a bit lost is all."
"You're not the only one," James said, sitting down on the edge of his own bed. "I have these feelings for Lily that I can barely put into words, yet now that we finally get along.I don't want to lose it that quickly."
"Ah, our poor lovesick Jamesie. What's wrong with you Remus?" Sirius asked, sitting next to James and facing Remus.
"Just stress.far too much stress, and lack of sleep too," Remus yawned.
"Well, while you were all cozy in your attempted sleep, Prongs and I found something very interesting in the library," Sirius smirked.
"Wha-wha-what?" Remus yawned again.
"You know how the stairs to the girls' dormitories are charmed to not allow any boys to go up there?"
"Yes."
"We found the counter charm!" James cheered.
"You're kidding.right?" Remus gaped.
"Nope! Imagine how badly we'll scare them!" Sirius cackled.
"No, then they might just think that you're a bit.um, feminine?" Remus suggested, dodging a flying pillow.
"We'll scare them over Christmas break," Sirius shrugged, choosing not to retaliate with words. "That way Paige, official member of the Sirius Black fan club won't be there. And no, I'm not exaggerating or being self- absorbed. There seriously is a Sirius Black fan club, and Paige is seriously in it. Pun very well intended."
"There's a serious atrocity if there ever was one," Remus shook his head.
"Hush you!" Sirius snapped, before laughing hysterically. "Atrocity.such a strange word."
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"Hey Sirius," Peter decided to cross a deadly line one-day. "What does.Toujous Pur mean?"
"I don't know," Sirius snapped. It was indeed stupid of Peter to ask, as that was his family's motto.
"Always pure," Roselyn and Lily both mumbled from across the library table. Somehow, they'd all managed to get James and Sirius in the library.
"At least in French that's what Toujous Pur means," Lily added.
"You two speak French?" James snorted.
"My family's of French descent, so they make their children learn it. And I taught Lily, because Josie and I occasionally lapse into French. My family has a similar motto.Le Plus Pur Du Sang."
"Pur.that's pure, right? I took a little bit of French in my Muggle school. I hated it too. Never got a single thing," Remus said with raised eyebrows. Remus' mother was a Muggle, and had insisted on his attending a Muggle primary school.
"What does the rest mean?" Sirius asked impatiently. His family motto upset him.
"Purest of blood," Roselyn mumbled, ignoring Sirius' questioning glance.
"I don't get it," Sirius finally said through gritted teeth in frustration.
"Don't get what?" Peter asked in utter oblivion.
"What the whole deal is with pureblood and half-blood and Muggle-born business."
"It simply goes back to people like Malfoy," Roselyn spat out the name, "thinking that they are almighty because their blood is 'untainted.' It I ever get married, I'll try to make sure I fall in love with a Muggle."
"Same here," Sirius sighed, then perked up. "My parents would love that. Aren't you related to Malfoy?"
"Yes," Roselyn sighed. "Last I heard, my cousin dearest is courting your cousin."
"WHAT?" Sirius nearly fell out of his chair. "The family is bad enough! We don't need more pollution. Can you imagine their kids? Which cousin of mine?"
"Narcissa."
"Ew." Sirius muttered, an odd shiver passing over his face. "Blonde, stupid, ugly, and pureblooded.not a good combination if you ask me."
"What's this you have against blondes?" James asked mock indignantly. "Dear Moony here is one himself!"
"No he's not!" Sirius snorted. "Moony's gray!"
"Haha, Padfoot," Remus mumbled. "I'm not THAT gray. And may I add, I'll never be anywhere near as blonde as Malfoy or Narcissa."
"Who could?" James snorted. "Poor Lucy's last year at Hogwarts with us. Now Snapey will be all alone."
"I wish," Roselyn mumbled. "There's still Crabbe and Goyle, and Avery too. What a terrible crowd for anyone to associate with."
"Don't forget how stupid Macnair is," Sirius added thoughtfully, "He may very well fail."
"Disgusting," Peter said. "I think we could go for a change of subject."
"Okay," James said with a mischievous smile. "Have you all seen the Quidditch standings yet?"
Groans of disgust were heard all around.
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Christmas morning was upon them, and with just the six Gryffindors in the tower, all was quiet as they slept. Roselyn, being an early riser, carefully woke Lily before heading into the boys' dormitory with her.
"Wake up," Lily said, sharply tapping James on the head before moving to Peter's bed beside him. Roselyn had had no trouble waking Remus up, but Sirius was another story.
All of them gathered around the bed snickering while Roselyn impatiently tapped Sirius, and James held a glass of cold water over him. Rose threw her hands in the air in defeat and watched as James began tilting the cup dangerously over Sirius' head.
"AH!" Sirius exclaimed as the cold water cascading over his face, neck, and chest. "What'd you do that for?!"
"You wouldn't wake up," Lily said pointedly.
"It's Christmas. Letting me sleep could've been your present to me," Sirius grumbled, but his smirk gave him away.
"Nope," Roselyn said, "We already gave you a gift."
"Then you need to get into the spirit of giving."
Christmas that day was a fun affair. They all opened their presents before heading down to breakfast where the staff and few remaining students greeted them cheerfully. After they enjoyed the delectable food, they headed back upstairs for cloaks so that they could have an 'every man (or woman) for themselves' snowball fight. Sirius won, after charming the snowballs to repeatedly strike their victim.
They all went to bed that night fulfilled. None of them could complain that anything had gone wrong, except Peter, who was knocked out when he took one of Sirius' snowballs to the head.
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"You'll be getting plenty of owls this year," Lily said to Roselyn as they boarded the Hogwarts Express, the Marauders right behind them.
"Yeah, Rosie," Sirius added, "No telling what those owls will bring you."
"Lils, I think we should be scared," Rose said, eyeing the four boys warily.
"What are you lot doing this summer?" James asked them once they'd claimed a compartment. "My dad has me working in the Auror department, Sirius too. Filing."
"Benjamin has me working in his department. Says I've got to start earning my keep," Roselyn snorted.
"I've got a Muggle job over the summer," Lily said thoughtfully.
"I'll probably end up volunteering at the Ministry with my parents," Peter sniffed disdainfully.
"Same here," Remus added. "Either that or my Mum will have me getting a Muggle job like Lils here."
"Poor Lily," Sirius said in mock sadness. "All of us are working at the Ministry and she'll be all alone."
"I don't think so," Lily laughed. "I don't care what your parents say, Rose. I'm not spending another summer with just Petunia for company!"
"Perhaps I'll see you then," Rose smiled.
They conversed happily for the rest of the trip, occasionally playing games of Exploding Snap and Chess. When the train pulled into Platform 9 ¾, they began their good-byes.
"Sirius," James asked, "Aren't those your parents?" James was pointing out his window at Sirius' mother and father.
"Yes," Sirius growled. "They're here to get Regulus."
"You have a sibling here too?" Roselyn asked in disgust as she spotted her own family.
"Yes, and you?"
"I have a two sisters, only one of them is still at Hogwarts though. I'm a middle child."
"What's your sister's name?"
"Jesimae. My parents chose to name her something that means wealthy and bitter," Rose laughed.
"Interesting," Sirius said thoughtfully. "Well, see you at the Ministry."
"Bye." Sirius and Rose embraced like siblings before he got off the train to look for Mr. Potter. James came up to Roselyn and gave her a brotherly one-armed hug before moving on to Lily, who he hugged a little longer than most normally would. When James and Lily looked back, Roselyn, Remus, and Peter were openly snickering.
"Er, bye," James said, before hurrying after Sirius. Peter and Lily then left soon after, leaving Roselyn and Remus to scout the crowd. They both stared out the window of the train until the crowd began thinning.
"Well, I suppose that we should at least get off the train," Remus sighed reluctantly.
"Yes," Roselyn said, not quite meeting his eyes.
"Perhaps I'll see you at the Ministry," Remus said, standing up and helping Roselyn from her seat. Her wrapped his arms around her and noticed her trembling slightly. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Remus. I suppose we should go," she replied, her voice slightly muffled from the hug. She began to pull away, but Remus held her to him.
"Rose, what's wrong?" he asked quietly. Roselyn only came up to slightly above his shoulder, so he easily laid his head onto her soft hair.
"It's nothing, Remus," she repeated, looking up at him for the first time, their eyes meeting. Remus began to move downward slightly, and Roselyn moved even closer to him, if that was possible, that is, until the door burst open.
"Roselyn" a voice sniffed in disgust. "Father is waiting, and I don't think that he'll find this," she motioned towards her and Remus, who were still holding one another, "as a very amusing reason for him to have waited."
"Yes, Jesimae," Roselyn sighed, slowly extracting herself from the hug. She gathered her trunk, Rhiannon, and Leander's cages before leaving the compartment, chancing just one glance back at Remus.
Remus heaved a defeated sigh before he followed suit and left Hogwarts behind.
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A/N: Sorry for the wait. I know, I'm a terrible person.
I'd like to thank Anna, my cousin, once again, for getting me ADDICTED to fanfiction.net. If you like Post-OotP stories from Harry's era, I'd definitely suggest reading Sixth Year and a Lifetime of Worries, by my cousin, Anna Dearest. -Adelaide Dearest