I don't own any of these characters. Silly.
This is a little chapter, but next chapter makes up for it. I promise!
Many thanks to Jersey Princess, who went through and painstakingly changed my grammar and spelling to make it authentically British. Also, PinkytheSnowman, your feedback was much appreciated.
Previously…
BANG!
Of the thousand students and teachers in the Great Hall, only three of them managed not to so much as flinch.
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Chapter 15, Finale…Or is it an Overture?
Earlier that same day…
5:00 PM…
James Potter shrugged, "Have it your way," he muttered as the bell rang to end Potions Class. He started for the door, yelling back over his shoulder, "And don't anyone forget about Quidditch tonight!" He left, inordinately happy that Potions was over a half-hour early that day because of a staff meeting.
He had a lot to do.
5:08 PM…
Libby the house elf took a deep breath, sucking in the smells of dinner cooking. It was going to be a wonderful meal; after all, it was Libby's job to make sure that all the students and teachers at Hogwarts were well-fed.
Libby hummed happily, buzzing around the kitchen to make sure that all was well. The lamb was coming along perfectly, and the cooking stew was emitting a wonderful aroma of vegetables and meat.
Abruptly, Libby was torn from her thoughts. The portrait hole swung open on perfectly oiled hinges, and in popped a messy-haired fifth-year.
"Mr Potter," Libby admonished, albeit with a smile. "You couldn't possibly be wanting food so close to dinner!"
The boy absently ran his fingers through his dark hair, making it stick up on end. Libby couldn't help but purse her lips. She liked things neat and tidy. Mr Potter, though, was the exception. While he was neither (neat or tidy), he was friendly, and it was an unusual day if he or one of his friends didn't stop down at the kitchen to say hello or pick up some food.
"Not wanting food?!" he gasped with a laugh. "Surely you're thinking of someone else, Libby. I always want food."
Libby craned her neck back to look up at the student, and couldn't help but laugh herself. "Ah, but Mr Potter, we've such a delicious dinner in store for tonight! You oughtn't ruin your appetite." Contrary to her own speech, Libby motioned for two of the other elves to wrap up a few sweets for the guest.
Libby turned around, smiling and handed him a bursting basket of sweets and fruits, and James smiled and accepted them. As he spun and left the room, Libby turned back to her own tasks.
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Outside the kitchen, James Potter smirked.
Unbeknownst to the many house elves, the moment Libby had turned her back to get James his food, he'd sprung into action. He reached into the pocket of his robes, and pulled out five pouches, emptying the contents of each packet separately into each of the five vats full of cooking stew.
Step one was complete.
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5:15 PM…
Nicholas De Mimsy Porpington shook his head, deep in thought. That, of course, brought him right out of said thoughts, as the movement had unbalanced his precariously perched cranium. He flipped it back to its rightful place with a frown of annoyance.
"Nearly Headless Nick!" a voice rang out across the empty Great Hall.
Nick turned. "Oh, hello, James," he answered, always happy to talk to a fellow Gryffindor. Then he narrowed his eyes. "You're mighty early for dinner tonight. Is something—" —up? What are you planning, Potter? "—is something the matter?"
"Oh, no," said the fifth-year, his hazel eyes flashing with a grin. "I was actually looking for the bloody baron." He paused, and Nick leaned in, trying to read the look in the boy's face. "You see, Peeves—" Potter trailed off.
"I know how it is," Nick answered with a smile of his own. "What's he done this time?"
"Well normally, I don't mind, but today he's down in the dungeons, wreaking havoc, throwing things…" James rolled his eyes. "You know, the works." James shrugged his shoulders. "And I have Potions tomorrow, so..."
"Ah," Now Nick understood. "Well, I'm no Bloody Baron, but I'll see what I can do, alright?"
"Would you?" James looked relieved. "That'd be great, thanks."
"Anything for a Gryffindor," Nick said proudly, tipping his head. He didn't bother to turn around, just wafted down through the floor, towards the dungeons.
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Alone inside the Great Hall, James grinned.
He got to work quickly, wanting to finish before the students started coming down to dinner. But the preparations didn't take long at all, and by 5:30, James was striding easily out the doors, whistling.
Behind him, something twinkled. It was the only indication that he'd done anything at all.
That and his words. "Step two. Complete."
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5:36 PM…
Peeves wasn't in the dungeons at all, as it happened. Oh, no, he was most definitely on the fourth floor. And having quite the good time, as it happened. He'd stolen a box of chalk, then taken self-punitary measures. He'd been "doing lines."
Unconventional lines.
On the walls.
In curse words.
It was quite fun, too. So fun that he'd already filled up an entire corridor in pink words that really oughtn't be repeated. He'd moved onto another hallway now, and was alternating colours. Red. Then orange. Then yellow. Green. Then blue. Indigo. And violet. And so on, of course. After all, Peeves knew a lot of curse words.
He was writing a green sentence about, well, it was a green sentence and we'll leave it at that, when he was interrupted. Peeves greeted the visitor with a loud raspberry, and turned around to see one James Potter, standing wide-eyed and slack-jawed in the centre of the hall.
Peeves blew a bigger raspberry, the first one having failed to attract any attention.
James seemed to snap quickly out of his reverie, and he grinned at Peeves. "That's really something," he said, slightly breathless. "I mean—wow. I don't think there are any repeats." James gestured at the curse-filled walls.
"Nay, Potty-wee-Potter, I know looooots of curses," Peeves replied in his most annoying sing-song voice.
"Yes, well—" James had to try again. He was still slightly shell-shocked from the sheer quantity of foul words. "I have a proposition," he finally managed to spit out.
"A proposition? And what makes the ickle student think that I'd accept a proposition?" Peeves asked, sticking out his tongue.
James explained.
And Peeves accepted.
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James hurried back to the Gryffindor common room, tasks complete. His mind was roiling with nerves and questions.
But he was happy.
Sure, he didn't have a clue where his co-conspirators were; sure he was near-positive that something was going to go wrong; sure he was probably about to deprive Gryffindor of nearly all its house points. But that didn't matter.
James knew for a fact that the moment he got into the common room, he'd flip out. He'd tear up homework, and snap at people for no reason, and scare most people out of the common room.
But for now, he was happy.
He trotted up to the Gryffindor common room, and if you were to listen really closely as he passed, you'd have heard his words.
"Preparations. Complete."
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6:12 PM…
Three of the four Marauders strode into the noisy Great Hall. The dinner hadn't appeared yet, but no one was worried. After all, they'd heard rumours that Peeves had been at the house elves earlier. Who could blame them for taking an extra twelve minutes with the food?
Nonetheless, everyone was getting rather hungry.
Sirius Black sat down at the Gryffindor table, and a moment later, James Potter followed. It wasn't long before Remus Lupin took his seat between them.
And that was when it happened.
BANG!
Of the thousand students and teachers in the Great Hall, only three of them managed not to so much as flinch.
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Okay, feeling really evil right now. I mean, I just used the same cliffie two chapters in a row. Not to fear, though, next chapter you do find out about this prank. As well as, oh, I don't know, maybe thirty others….Plus, you get to know what that "something important" is that James insists they're missing. Also, some Quidditch (although that's going to be more chapter 17) and James gets moving on Operation Lily-Love. You'll also see dear old Professor Avogadro again, and Professor McGonagall might just turn up to give out some detentions. Oh, and Dumbledore, he might say a quick hello. And Sirius, what's up with him? Hum, although it ought to be from the POV of Lily's gang, we haven't done that in a while. And Sara, she's been rather quiet for the last few chapters, so. Well, she'll be a major factor in the next few.
Whoa, lots of promises there. So chapter 16 ought to more than make up for how short 15 was. Although if it gets too long or confusing, I might have to cut it down.
Okay, chapter 16 should go up soon (from your point of view) because my internet connection was broken for a while. Chapter 16 is actually completed. Um, so expect it this weekend, yeah?
Also, don't forget to read "Oddments and Essays" and my new story, "Snape's Dialogue," which is going to be 3 chapters. It's fun, and I'm loving writing it. Let's see, also check out my collaborative effort with PinkytheSnowman, the name that we use is SiriuslyInsane62442. Also, anything by PinkytheSnowman is wonderful, as well as the work of StarzInHerEyes, and Lia Tween. I also happen to beta for Jedicren, and her stories are beyond wonderful.
Reviewers! I love you, and I would be ever so happy if everyone would drop just a little review for me!
Ethuiliel: Welcome to my story! Thanks so much for the pointer, and thanks even more for the compliment. I really hope to see you back here again for future chapters! This is a short one, but the next one's going to be tons of fun. And, lol, not many people actually thank me for cliffies…
Anochera: WOW! I loved your review so very much. I'm becoming increasingly aware of the clichés that come up so often in L/J stories, and as much as I try to steer away from them, I still think I'm embroiled in clichés. Thanks so very much for the "corrective feedback" (that's what it's called, according my instruction textbook). As of this chapter, I'm officially being betaed by someone from England, so hopefully that will solve some of my problems. Still, please let me know about anything you find! Oh, and shh, don't tell anyone, but I really courted cliché at one point next chapter…Thanks again for the wonderful review, and I can only hope that you'll keep sending them!
Avid Pianist: lol. Well, I'm enjoying your story, and I'm so glad that you spared a moment to review, even so late! Thanks a whooole bundle!
Jedicren: I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the mention of the lesson on electrical outlets. Oh, and I'm sure the dear marauders will ask about Sirius's problems, though they'll be busy for a while. As for betaing, I love you dearly, and if ever I feel like murdering a chapter with a blunt cooking utensil, I may just drop you an email asking for advice. Thanks so much!
The lovely lady lily: Thanks so much, dearie. Hmmm, you think you smell Sirius/Alanna coming in the future? Well, I've been getting that a lot lately. Cackles. Well, if I'm getting so predictable, perhaps I'll have to throw in a twist…we'll see.
StarzInHerEyes: Wow, I haven't updated this in a long time…um, yeah, WRITE, dear. Yes, Sirius is a bit off, but he's gotten good at hiding his feelings. I'd say more, but to be honest, I'd rather call you up on the fellytone and figure out that darn global packet…ick. Okay, then, thanks for the review!
Andy: I'm glad you liked the ending, though I'd bet you're getting rather tired of it by now. And yes, next chapter is the prank. No more procrastination…Don't worry, though, I hope it more than makes up for all the waiting. Thanks for the review!
Jersey Princess: Thanks for betaing! I love you, dear, and from now on, it will be burned into my brain: pants are underwear, and trousers are pants. Lol.
PinkytheSnowman: Thanks! I'm so glad you don't think I'm predictable! It's so hard not to get mucked up and lost in all the clichés, and I'm just trying to keep people guessing a bit here. Glad I'm succeeding. Btw, your new s/n makes me sooo happy. YAY!
A Cute But Psycho Bunny: Yes, I'm being cruel and making you wait a few more days to find out the prank…muahahaha. Hmm, and as far as dramatic twists go? Well, let's just say I've got at least one up my sleeve. But I'm not telling you who it's about…
DobbyGrl: Thanks for the review! Oh, and the nature of the prank must remain secret for just a few more days. This weekend you'll find out. On my honor.
Once again, thanks to all who reviewed, and I hope everyone who reads will take those 30 seconds to drop a word or three. Look for chapter 16 this weekend!
manchot du destin