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Chapter 9- Funerals
"Miss Evans, can you please come here?" McGonagall said in a strained voice.
"Yes, Professor." Lily walked over to the Marauders, who surprisingly, were looking guilty and gloomy.
"These boys somewhat mentioned your name when they were found in the Slytherin common room a few minutes ago, and I was wondering if you could perhaps explain your participation on this idiocy, seeing as the boys refused to explain your participation," McGonagall said. Lily felt a rush of gratitude for the boys, but was still angry at them for mentioning her.
"Well, you see, I discovered today what they were planning to do, and I tried to stop them, but they wouldn't listen to me."
"I see. May I ask how you discovered their plan?"
"Er...er, I overheard them this morning."
"Very well. Thank you, Miss Evans. Follow me boys." The Marauders followed her to their doom and glanced at Lily for what they thought was one last time. She was staring at her feet.
"Thanks, Lily, for not mentioning me. I wonder what McGonagall will do to them," Alex said, looking at the portrait hole.
"Dunno. Though she's probably going to put them in separate detentions. I guess I'm going to sleep, okay?" Lily smiled at the girls, and went to her dormitory.
Meanwhile, James and Remus were talking quietly, as they tried to devise a way of getting Sirius and Peter, who were on the upstairs room.
"Well, we cannot scream to them because these wretched floors are like three feet thick(A/N: I don't know if British use the metric system, like us in Brazil, or the feet system, whatever that is called, so don't complain if they do use the metric system!), so there would be absolutely no way of them hearing us," James said, looking all over the room for an opening.
"James, why do you think McGonagall put us this far from each other?" Remus asked his friend, as if speaking to a simpleton.
"So that we won't run away while we're supposed to be cleaning these stupid cauldrons."
"Well done, Jamsie-poo! So you do realise that the chances we do get out are none, and even if we can, we won't be able to do the same thing for two weeks. Someone will be bound to notice."
"There must be away!" James removed a mirror he had begun carrying in his pocket so that people could see his supposedly wind-blown hair.
"James, what's the point of ruffling your hair if the Quidditch season has not begun yet?" To which James glared at him.
"I've got it! And I'm sure Sirius is thinking the same thing I am," James said suddenly.
"Oh? And what is that?"
"Sirius also carries a mirror just like this one around. And they're both the same exact shape and size, so I'm sure there must be a way of connecting them, just like Priori Incatatem, but just a little different."
"Who told you about Priori Incatatem?"
"Dad. Anyway, do you know a spell?"
"Yeah, but the question is, does Sirius? And how do you know he's thinking the same thing you are?"
"I can hear someone dropping things upstairs, and depending on the noises, the noises mean words. And he told me what he had thought of."
"So you and Sirius are not simpleton's like I thought. Impressive."
"Remus, if I need sarcastic comments about my intelligence I'll just ask you, okay? Now tell me what is the spell."
"It's quite simple actually. Just point your wand at the mirror, and say, 'Conetius!' I reckon that if you pretend it's Transfiguration, you could do alright."
James tried doing so, but Remus stopped him and said, "No, no, no, you're doing it all wrong. The pointing is alright, but you say, 'Co-ne-tius!' not 'Co-ne-tius!'"
"Right." James tried it again, and suddenly Sirius image appeared on the mirror. Smiling, James asked Sirius how he knew what the spell was and Sirius replied, "I didn't really. It's just that when I was eight Mum made me take Latin classes, and happened to remember that conetius meaned connect, so I tried pointing my wand at the mirror, and ta-daa! I see this ugly monkey staring at me."
"Funny, Sirius. Not. Look, this is the plan. Remus and I will pretend to be going to the loo, and five minutes later, the two of you do the same. If McGonagall notices we just say that our lunch didn't agree with us."
"That's brilliant. Except that no one will believe us. Except maybe Alex, but she doesn't count."
"C'mon, Sirius, mate. Do you want to be stuck in here every night for two weeks?"
"Okay, James. But if it earns us another week-worth detention, I get ahead on the detention competition, okay?"
"Yeah. We're leaving now." James pocketed the mirror and both he and Remus left the room, after casting a cleaning spell on the cauldrons. They ran to the common room, and about five minutes later, they met Sirius and Peter. High-fiving each other, they went to bed.
The next morning, when James sat down on the table, Lily promptly stood up and went to her next class. That went on for a while, but on the day that Gryffindor was playing Ravenclaw, no matter how much she hated James, she went to the game, which was, after all, the first game of the season. If they had luck, they would win the cup again this year, and make up for the Marauders points.
The Quidditch pitch was packed, and the Gryffindor second years ran to the top row, where they could see everything. Alex had been in doubt if she cheered for Ravenclaw, since Jake had managed to get in the team, or Gryffindor. She'd finally settled for Gryffindor and was wearing red and gold, as well as holding a roaring baby lion. McGonagall didn't allow her to keep that, though, because the baby lion had begun biting people. The Gryffindor team entered the pitch, and the second-years saw Sirius's and Jame's slighlty green face. They laughed at the sight, just as the Ravenclaw team appeared. Tyler Jordan, a Gryffindor fourth year, was announcing the players. A few second later, Madam Hooch appeared and released the Quaffle.
"And Potter grabs that Quaffle. He passes it to Bell, who passes it to Johnson, back to Potter, and HE SCORES! Ten zero to Gryffindor! Oh no! Clearwater just hit a Bludger at Potter, and it hit him squarely on the back! He says he's alright, and goes right back to the game. Arg, no! Ravenclaw in possesion, Stebbins, Perry, Timms, back to Perry, he sends the Quaffle and...and Wood saves it! Ha! Black just hit a bludger at Perry, who probably broke his ankle, but he too continues playing," Sirius grinned at Alex as he flew near them, and she glared back at him. The game finally ended when Spinnet, the Gryffindor seeker, caught the Snitch. Gryffindor won 180 to 30.
As soon as Jake lept of his broomstick, Alex was beside him, helping him to the Hospital Wing. Carrie went to Sirius, who was laughing at the sight.
"Alex asked me to tell you that you better start running because as soon as she get's her hands on you, you'll be dead meat," Carrie said, grinning at the boys.
"My, isn't Alex darling violent! I was just playing the game, the fact that I don't like Perry had nothing to do with the Bludger," Sirius said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Yeah, Sirius we'll pretend we believe you. Now what is that you have in mind?" Remus said, his grin as mischivous as the one the other Marauders had on.
"Well, I was thinking of doing this...."
Twenty minutes later, Alex climbed the portrait hole into the Gryffindor common room. When she realised what she was seeing she almost fell back with shock. The Marauders had bewitched teddy bears to sing something she didn't quite realise what it was. When she got nearer them, she paled, for now she understood exactly what they were saying. They were singing, "Alex and Perry, sitting on a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes love...." Trying her best to remain calm, Alex shrieked, "JAMES POTTER, SIRIUS BLACK, REMUS LUPIN, AND PETER PETTIGREW COME DOWN HERE THIS INSTANT!!!" Curious looking Marauders appeared. When they heard the teddy bears, they broke out laughing.
"Well, well, Alex, I never thought that you and Perry..."
"Oh dear! When is the wedding?"
"Perry and you? You deserve better, love."
"STOP IT! I am not having an affair with Jake, there isn't going to be a wedding! I'm twelve for heavens sake!" Alex shrieked.
"Ooh, Alex, you have to start controlling your temper, you know? I know this excellent psychiatrist who might be able to help you," Sirius said.
"I do not need a psychiatrist! You sick-minded boys need! Stop these stupind teddy bears right now and I might not hurt you guys to badly." Just then, the portrait whole opened and Tobias Spinnet, who hadn't noticed the teddy bears, said, "Hey, Owens, Perry wants to speak to you outside. He says you forgot something and he wanted to give it to you personally... What's this awful singing?" Tobias paused, just as the teddy bears had begun singing again. Alex turned to the portrait hole to find a blushing Jake outside. She groaned and left, slamming the door behind her.
A few minutes later it reopened and Alex began running after the boys, who were all laughing histerically. She jumped onto Sirius and began pounding her fists at him, while he laughed even more.
Finally she stopped beating him up, and stood up. Alex recomposed herself, and told them that she would let that pass, since Jake had understood everything, but if they did something like that again they would pay dearly.
The next months passed quickly. Soon the Christmas holiday arrived. It was on a week before Christmas Day, during breakfast, that Alex and Audrey both received a black letter. They choked at their juices, and with tears on their eyes they opened the letter. It said:
Dear Miss Owens,
We're sad to inform you that last night, at precisely 11:33, Mr. Richard Owens passed away. His body was found by your father, Mr. Eric Owens. His funeral will be held next week, on Christmas Day. If you present this letter to your headmaster he'll allow you to attend to the funeral, even if the Hogwarts Express has already left to take the students who are going away on vacation.
Yours,
Cornelius Fudge
Minister of Magic
Alex gasped at the letter, and fainted, though this time no one was there to hold her. She hit her head on the stone floor, and at the Ravenclaw house, Audrey had done the same. James and Sirius jumped, and Remus snatched the letter. He read it out loud, while James and Sirius tried to carry Alex. Jake appeared holding Audrey, and asking them what had happened. The boys told him that the girls uncle had died, and that they should take them to the HW. Jake nodded grimly and with a lot of effort, carried Audrey.
When they arrived at the HW, Dumbledore was already there. He looked at the girls with a sad look and motioned the boys to put them on the beds. As soon as Jake put Audrey down, he hurried to Alex's side, trying to help the boys put her down. The HW door opened once more, and the Gryffindor girls entered, followed by a friend of Audrey's, Rena White. Rena hurried to Audrey's side, and the girls to Alex's. Madam Bonamy and Poppy apeared at that instant, and while Madam Bonamy went to Audrey's bedside, Poppy went to Alex's. Dumbledore hovered near Alex's bedside.
After half an hour of analizing the girls, both of the nurses decided that nothing was wrong with them, excpect that when they woke up they would feel a horrible headache.
Suddenly, Alex began convulsing. Her body became rigid and was trembling a lot. Everyone panicked, including Dumbledore and the nurses, who had never seen convulsion, as it was usually a muggle thing. Alex began screaming her head off, and Jake rushed to her side. He began saying soothing things to her, and her screams soon stopped. Her convulsion, however, did not. Sirius and James caught on on Jake's trick, and began saying nice things as well. Soon enough, she stopped, and opened her eyes, a terrified look on her face. She turned around quickly and retched noisily on the sink.
"What-what happened?" She asked shakily.
"You fainted when you received the...letter, hit your head on the floor, and started shaking like mad, and screaming your head off. Jake managed to stop your screaming, but James and I had to help him to stop the shaking. Then you vomited your breakfast, which was really-" Sirius said.
"Spare me the details, Sirius. Funny, though. I don't remember shaking, though I do remember vaguely of hearing screaming."
"Well you should, you almost blasted my ears off-" Sirius was interrupted by Dumbledore.
"Alex, did you see anything while you were, er, sleeping?"
"Yes, Professor. It was a strange dream, really. I-I appeared on this dark room that I vaguely recognized. Inside it were seven people, six of the hooded. The seventh was my uncle, Uncle Richard. One of the hooded people, a tall man with dark, red eyes, was holding his wand, pointing at my uncle. The other five were tied by an invisible rope, which I suppose my uncle did. Uncle Richard and the hooded man were discussing, when suddenly there was a flash of green light, that's when I heard the screaming, and the next thing I saw was my uncle, alone, sprawled on the floor, with his eyes open, staring at me," Alex said all that really fast, and her face was covered in tears. Her beautiful blue eyes were now swollen and red.
"So you think you saw your uncle die?" Dumbledore asked her, staring into her eyes. Alex merely nodded. "Well, that is very odd. Usually when people have visions, it before or during the event, and you saw everything after. Odd, very odd."
"Professor? Was the hooded man Voldemort?" Poppy and Madam Bonamy gasped at the name, but Dumbledore nodded. Just then Audrey woke up, getting the attention of everyone. Alex sank into the bed and closed her eyes, and soon enough she was sleeping.
The next morning, all of the Gryffindors appeared next to Alex's bedside, followed by three strangers and Dumbledore. The adults were a couple, followed by a boy, and they were Alex's family. The lady, a tall lady with strawberry blond hair and piercing blue eyes, Lily recognized as Viviane, Alex's mother. The man, a tall man with tawny hair, like Alex's and a face remarkably like hers, was probably her father. He had the saddest look on his face, as if no one could stop his grief. The boy was a replica of his father, though he looked puzzled to see his older sisters on the HW.
Alex opened her eyes and when she saw her parents she jumped up and hugged her father, not letting go for a while. She did the same to her mother, and to her borther she simply smiled at him, and gave him a piece of chocolate that Madam Bonamy had asked her to eat. He grinned at her, the most charming smile Lily had ever seen.
"Lily, Carrie, Esther, and Ellen, these are my parents, Eric Owens, Viviane Owens and little William Owens. Mum, Dad, Will, these are my friends, Lily, Carrie, Esther and, Ellen. Jake, James, Remus, Sirius, and Peter you already know, right?"
Alex's parents nodded at the students, and James stood up to hug them. Viviane smiled at him, and went over to Audrey's bed, where Audrey was still sleeping. Alex hugged William and sat down with him on her lap.
About two hours later, Alex and her family left to go to their house, until Christmas. The Gryffindors hugged Alex and said a few comforting words. She smiled widely at them, and left.
The next few days were very gloomy. It was strange that Alex wasn't there, even if it was for only a few days. Lily decided to write to her parents, and when the common room was nearly empty, she got a bit of parchment and began writing.
Dear Mum and Dad,
Hullo! How are you doing? I'm writing this letter to say hello and happy Christmas. A few days ago, Alex's uncle, (Alex is a friend of mine) died. His funeral will be held tomorrow, during Christmas. Isn't that sad? Everything here is okay, the classes are excellent, and I'm having the time of my life here. Well, I don't know what to say anymore, so I guess that's it.
Love,
Lily
The next morning Carrie woke everyone up, which was quite a surprise. They hurried down to the nearly empty common room(almost everyone had gone home) to find the boys there already. They hadn't opened their presents yet because they wanted to wait for the girls.
The girls laughed at that and attacked their presents. Lily loved all of her presents. Carrie had given her Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, Esther and Ellen had given her chocolate, Peter gave her a huge stack of chocolate frogs, Sirius gave her a frisbee, though Lily was sure she didn't want to play with it, James gave her Fizzing Whizbees, Remus gave her a book, her parent's gave her a jewerly box, and Petunia gave her nothing. When the Gryffindor's were going to the Great Hall, Artemis, Alex's owl, appeared carrying a lot of parcels. She dropped everything and flew away.
Curiously, the Gryffindors gathered around the parcels. Each one was labeled with a name, and Lily picked hers up. Inside was a very thick book, filled with interesting spells. When she opened the book, a note fell out. It said, "Hullo Lily, how are you? The funeral is going to be in a while, so I must hurry up. Just wanted to wish you a happy Christmas, Alex." Lily smiled at the note, pocketed it, and went to the Great Hall, with Carrie next to her.
After breakfast, the Gryffindors went outside and began a huge snowball fight. The boys won the fight in the end, so they made the girls walk around school with horrid pink cardigans. All in all, Christmas was excellent.
The next day the girls were surprised by Alex, who had appeared suddenly on their dormitory. Her eyes were a little bloodshot, but she looked happy. Pressing a finger to her mouth, she slowly crept to the boys dormitory. When she got there, she began screaming, "Get up, you lazy boys this instant! I have not raised you for you to sleep all day! Now, now, now!!! Get up!"
The boys reaction was very funny. James paled at the sound of Alex's voice, and fell of his bed. Sirius jumped about five feet on the air, Peter began praying, and Remus looked at Alex with his eyes all glazed up. When James recovered himself, he said:
"Geez, Alex, did you have to imitate Mum? It's bad enough having her at home, screaming like that, now you have to copy her? Though, I must say you imitation was perfect. I could swear she was here."
"Yeah. When you began screaming, I thought, 'Oh no, what is Aunt Catherine doing here?'" Sirius grumbled.
"I know, I do imitate her quite well, don't I?" Alex said smugly.
A/N: Hi everyone!!! I've changed the story a bit, by making Ted a sixth year, so the chapters are all changed. I'd like to thank the reviewers and say that chapter 10 is on the way, although I don't have much time to finish it, since my Algebra teacher gives me homework every single day. Thankfully the school has made a new rule that no homework should be given during weekends, so I'll have more time to work on the fanfic. Thanks again to the reviewers, and bye!!
P.S.: If anyone can draw(I suck at drawing) can you please send me a drawing of the MWPP era, so that I can use it for the fanfic????