I have had at least two reviews about when I should put in more Lily and James stuff. Just wait! I have a plan, it will get there, but things have to be made clear! I'm working with building my characters. If you want to know what I'm going to do, ask, and I might tell you! I know I'm spending too much time in the beginning of third year, but I'm going to get past the first month! In this chapter! I'm moving on.
I AM SO SORRY THIS IS TAKING SO LONG! My computer got a virus, and was gone for about a week and a half! It was horrible! But I'm back now, and hopefully it won't take me long!
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, the wonderful, talented J.K. Rowling does!
Karina
"…She didn't know how to describe it. It was the single most incredible experience of her life. Her first kiss. The one kiss you are sure to remember for the rest of your life, and she had it with the one person she had always wanted…"
'Too bad things like this don't really happen like that.'
I looked at my watch. It was three thirty in the morning. Saturday morning to be exact.
Tap, tap
I quietly went to the window and opened it. It was Lily's owl, Dmitri.
"Thanks Dmitri. Go on up to the Owlery to rest." I got a hoot of thanks and he flew off.
I quietly went to my bed and sat down. Glancing at the other beds, to make sure Gina and Denise were asleep, I pried open the letter.
Kari,
Sorry it's taking me so long to get back! Mum wants me to stay longer; she's so scared about losing me. I finally told her about Voldemort last night, and now she is almost refusing to let me come back! I can't believe this! I should have kept my mouth shut! Why do I do things like that? ARGH! If I don't get out of this house I'm going to scream! Petunia is driving me insane! If she calls me a freak one more time…anyways, moving on.
Thanks for sending my books and assignments! I'd be even more behind without you! Two weeks is way too long to miss school!
How have you been? Still ignoring Lupin? I'm guessing you are cause I still am! Why can't he just tell us!? It's so frustrating! Is Liz mad at us for ignoring him? I sure hope not cause she doesn't understand the 'situation'.
Moving on from that dreadful subject, are you and Jason doing alright? I bet you are. He really likes you Kari! I can tell. Is Michael mad at me? UGH! I hate being cut off from you guys! At least I have Dmitri to get me letters!
Have the Marauders been pranking you? I would think they'd be decent enough not too, but with them who knows! Stupid Marauders! A weeks worth of detention! Why were they in McGonagall's office in the first place? I'm surprised they weren't suspended! Would have served them right!
Dad's calling! You know, he is dead set against me going back to school! Mum is leaning towards letting me go back but he keeps saying no! I guess I should remind them for the umpteenth time that Hogwarts is the safest place for me right now! I hope they listen! Wish me luck!
Hugs and Bundles of Love,
Lily
I frowned deeply.
'Keep Lily from Hogwarts? She's the best witch in the year and her parents know that!'
Getting up, I went to the window seat to look at the grounds. The moon was in its crescent form, and its low pale glow was illuminating the grounds.
This had been my place every night since Lily left. I was still pissed at Lupin, so I avoided the common room at all times. He tried to talk to me during class, I flicked him off. He has no right to talk to me.
I got up from the window seat and decided to write Lily back. She needs someone besides her insane family to talk to right now.
Lils,
Who switched your parents with mine? What are they thinking? You can't just not come back to Hogwarts! Write to Dumbledore! He'll help you talk some sense into your mum and dad. Voldemort is more likely to attack a muggle house than Hogwarts so you'd be a lot safer here. Did you explain that to them? The Daily Prophet says that every day. Maybe I should send you a copy to show your parents?
You're thanking me for sending assignments? I always knew you had a few loose screws! The professors are beginning to worry about you catching up, but I told them if anyone could, you could. They believed me. But there only so much the books can teach you, and we know some new spells. ARGH! Your parents are so frustrating!
Life is weird here. Without you, ya know. I mean, in a lot of classes I sit by myself, and in others sit with the girls and Jason and Michael. By the way, Michael says hi and that he misses you. I haven't told Michael about your parents yet, but he knows why you're gone. Almost the whole student body does.
Lupin has been trying to talk to me, but I end up giving him the bird and he stops. Then, he tries again during the next class. I really want to strangle him right now. Erg! Liz isn't mad at us, but she does want to know why. I told her to ask Lupin, but she says he won't tell her. I think that's going to cause problems. He's her boyfriend and he hasn't told her. I understand him not telling us on some level, but his own girlfriend? Drama, drama, drama. It really sucks.
Pranks? On me? They know better by now. Plus, I think Lupin is stopping them. I don't need him to protect me.
I think the Marauders were trying to transfigure all the furniture in her room as a prank, but they got caught. The detentions keep Remus from the common room until late, so I've had it for a little while each night. Then he comes back and I sit in our room till morning. Speaking of morning, it's four in the morning. It's finally Saturday! No classes, they're so boring without you, even though you do pay attention.
Go knock some sense into your parents! Make them listen to you! Try and be back by tomorrow! I know for fact you don't want to miss another week of school!
Love and Hugs!
Kari
I rolled up the letter and set it on my bedside table.
'Breakfast doesn't start till six and I have nothing to do for two hours.'
I picked up my book and tried to get back into it, but it was useless. I was distracted, so I did what was natural. I grabbed my radio and headed out, to the quidditch pitch.
The common room was empty, to my relief. No Remus or Marauders to ruin my morning.
As quietly as possible I made my way through the hallways. No one was awake, the corridors were empty. It was eerie. No ghosts or anything.
I snuck out of the Entrance Hall and ran across the dark grounds. Even Hagrid's hut was empty and silent.
In the pitch, I set the radio down on the stands, and turned it on to the muggle rock station I had found.
You know it's alright
I said it's alright
You know it's all in my heart
You'll be my only, my one and only
Is that the way it should start?
"Led Zeppelin! I approve highly." I said grinning, "As Lily would say, 'you and your music'"
Standing in the grass on the pitch, I began to stretch my legs and arms.
I told your momma I'd get you home
But I didn't tell her I had no car
I saw a lion he was standing alone
With a tadpole in a jar
I started swaying with the music. Slowly at first, but then, I realized, no one was up. I got lost in the music, in the rhythm. Banging my head, holding up my arms, and singing along.
Dancing days are here again
As the summer evening grows
You are my flower, you are my power
You are my woman who knows
The song finished, and felt exhilarated. Breathing in deeply, I caught the scent of autumn leaves and water.
I took off at a jog around the field. I have energy and no Lily! I already had too much for my friends to handle. I was singing with the music (Dream On by Aerosmith) and coming to a peace of mind. Something I hadn't done in a while.
Finishing up my last lap, I picked up my radio and looked at my watch. Five thirty. Perfect. Time to take my shower and get to breakfast first.
I jogged all the way up to Gryffindor tower, humming to Aerosmith, when I literally ran into the four people I would rather not see. Yup, you guessed it, the Marauders.
"What are you doing out Karr?"
"None of your business Potter, now excuse me, I'm sweaty and would like to take a shower." I pushed past them and went into the common room.
It was empty, but I wasn't having breakfast alone.
Thirty minutes later, fully showered and dressed, I went to breakfast.
Like I expected, the Marauders were there. Potter and Black were both sporting identical grins, the ones usually reserved for when they pulled a prank.
I waved to Professor Dumbledore like usual, and almost groaning, I sat in my seat, expecting something to happen to me.
Nothing happened.
Looking around curiously, I saw them looking expectantly at the Slytherin table.
Letting out and exasperated sigh, I turned back to my doughnuts and grape juice.
I ate in silence for about an hour till the Slytherins started coming in. They were huffing and puffing and looking really angry.
They sat down and started eating, when a female shriek pierced the Great Hall.
"WHAT IS THIS!?"
Laughter erupted from the other end of the table. Fabian and Gideon Prewett, and Frank Longbottom had joined the Marauders.
Gagging sounds were coming from the Slytherins and some were running out with their hands covering their mouths.
"WHATS WRONG WITH OUR FOOD!" Bellatrix screeched, spitting out her food, which I noticed, wasn't food. It was slugs. Slimy, fat slugs.
"POTTER! BLACK!" Snape started yelling, turning a deep red, and stomping over to our table.
"Yes Snivelly?" Black said sniggering.
"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO OUR FOOD?"
"Language, language Snivellus." Potter taunted him.
Bellatrix was recovering from her nausea, and she joined Snape in glowering at the Marauders. Her little gang followed, and, sneaking around to me, I saw Callie.
"Callie, why are all of the Slytherins here so early?" I whispered, so no one else would hear.
"We were woken up to the portraits screaming insults about Slytherin. It would have been funny if it wasn't so damn early in the morning. They all decided to come eat breakfast, so I waited till they were all gone and I followed. I had a feeling the Marauders were up to something."
I glanced down at them, "Aren't they always up to something?"
"Fair point." she picked up some bacon.
We ate while watching the Slytherins get detention for 'disturbing the peace' and the Marauders get off with nothing, there being no proof to convict them.
"I'm have to go send an owl, wanna come?" I asked, after my last sip of juice.
"Sure, I don't have anything else to do."
We walked up to the Owlery, laughing about some joke Liz said the other day, when a rough hand grabbed my arm and pulled me around.
"Go away Avery." I said coldly.
"Stay away from my sister Mudblood."
"I'm not your sister! And what I do is my own business." Callie hissed, trying to tug her arm away.
"If it involves a Mudblood, let alone two, then it does concern us. You are one of the younger generation for our leader, he needs you, now come with us and forget this foolishness."
"Let's get some things straight right now. I do not want to be a Death Eater. I am not your sister. I think you all are scumbags." Callie said these things slowly for emphasis.
Laughter was heard coming towards us, Avery tightened his grip and hissed into my ear, "You'll pay for this Mudblood. You and your friend." and he was gone.
"Callie, he's out of his bloody mind."
Callie nodded her head earnestly.
Voices were floating up towards us, the people that had been laughing and made Avery leave.
"As funny as that was guys, you aren't helping my situation with them."
It was the Marauders.
Callie motioned to a tapestry, and I followed her behind it. There was a small niche behind it, and we hid there.
"Will you ever tell us what happened between you and them?"
"I guess so Peter. Well, we were walking down to breakfast, and we were talking about sleep, and the subject on why I'm an insomniac popped up, and I wouldn't tell them, so they got mad, and there you go."
"They don't know?" Potter asked surprised.
"I think they know, but they want me to tell them. I want them to know, but then again, I don't want them to know."
"I think I understand mate. You don't want them to think lowly, or differently about you."
"Wow Sirius. That was deep."
"Thanks Jamesie."
"Don't call me that Siri."
"Guys, don't start."
"Sure Pete."
"Remus…"
"Sorry Peter, you walked right into that one."
"Aww Remmy just likes us having nicknames."
"Guys, I'm trying to think, please keep it down."
"Sure Remmy." Black whispered.
They were gone. They had walked past us and were headed towards some unknown location.
We stepped out from the tapestry and finished walking to the Owlery in silence.
"Dmitri, take this to Lily."
The tawny owl hooted and flew off.
Callie looked a me, then, as if she decided something, said cautiously, "Are you ever going to tell us about the fight?"
I turned around and looked out the window.
Sure I was pissed at Lupin, but could I really tell my friends what me and Lily believe. That he's a werewolf. He's still my friend, and I don't even know if it's true. I don't think they could handle it either. Liz, Callie, and Sarah. They grew up in the wizarding world, where werewolves are thought lowly of, and even have hate crimes against them. Plus, it wasn't my secret to tell.
"He doesn't trust us." I said slowly, thinking carefully over my words.
"What makes you think that?" Callie sounded scandalized.
"Its not my place to tell." I said, without looking at her. It's awful not being able to tell her.
"Well, if you need me, I'm here. Lily isn't your only friend," she sounded angry, and a slam of the door told me she was.
Looking out on the grounds, I said to no one, "I'm only thirteen! Why is my life so dramatic!?"
"You're going through the best and worst years of your life. There has to be drama to keep it that way."
"Professor! I didn't know you were here." I turned around, my face flushing with embarrassment, not looking directly at Dumbledore, more like his feet.
"Obviously, or you would not have said that aloud." he smiled a little and his blues eyes twinkled mischievously.
"Actually, I probably would have, but I would have asked you instead of the grounds." I grinned.
"I have no doubt. Professor Hasta has told me all about your ability to voice your opinions and concerns."
I felt my face burn with embarrassment. Hasta was telling Dumbledore about me? That was really not her business to be telling him.
"Well, I have very strong views about the things she says, and since I sit in the back of the classroom, I have to speak loudly." I lied.
That was complete and total bullshit. I say my thoughts out loud because they are against Gryffindor and they are utterly biased, her being head of Slytherin house.
"I have no doubt Ms. Karr. The reason I was looking for you was not to discuss dramatic teenage lives, but Ms. Evans."
"Professor, her parents are scared for her safety. That's why they won't let her come back. They're scared of Voldemort."
"Thank you Ms. Karr, now I believe I may be able to help. She has been gone two weeks, has she not? I will have to owl her parents."
"Thank you Professor." I smiled hopefully.
Lily should be back soon. Now I have to patch things up with Callie.
It was absolutely impossible to find a person in Hogwarts. Especially if you wanted to find them. The only place I haven't looked to find Callie was her dorm. In the Slytherin dungeon.
Feeling defeated, I walked into the Great Hall for lunch. A big blur of brown attacked me, and after a little disorientation, I realized it was Callie, begging for me to accept her apology.
"Oh, I dunno, maybe I should make you suffer…" I said playfully, rubbing my chin.
"Or you could stop being stubborn and accept."
"That way is easier. I accept your humble apology and ask you to accept mine."
"Why are you apologizing?"
"Cause I can't tell you."
"That doesn't make sense."
"Maybe not to you, but it makes sense to me."
"ARGH! You're so confusing! Let's just go eat."
Callie dragged my hand and pulled me to the Ravenclaw table, where we decided to eat today. Jason pulled me down next to him and gave me a kiss. I smiled and looked to Michael.
"Lily should be back by tomorrow. Hopefully. Dumbledore's owling her."
"Good, I'm sick of you two making kissy faces without me and Lily to compete."
"We do not make kissy faces." Jason argued.
"Yes you do. 'Kari, you look so cute today.' 'Not as cute as you Jason.' Its rather sickening." Liz cut in, giggling.
"Well you and Lupin are just like that! Only sometimes its worse! Talk about sickening." I stuck my tongue out.
"Please shush. You know how I hate arguments." Sarah said, putting an end to our conversation.
"Hey, can I join you guys?"
"Sure Alice, we all know you have no friends." Sarah said, jokingly.
"Don't make me start with you Sarah. I have so much blackmail on you its amazing."
"Is that a threat?"
"No, it's a promise!"
"I see how it is." Sarah faked a sniff, and then burst out laughing.
"Oh little sister of ours!" a male voice cut into Sarah's laughing.
"Go away Fabian." Alice voiced had a hint of annoyance in it.
"But sister dear! We only wish to converse with your highness Ravenclaw!"
"Gideon and Fabian Prewett, if you don't go away, I'll hex you to Tuesday!"
"Sarah, our dear cousin and friend!"
"Shut your bloody mouth and go away!"
I couldn't help it; I burst into peals of laughter.
"And who might this be? A Gryffindor? At the Ravenclaw table?" Gideon looked closer, "What year are you in?"
"I'm laugh in third laugh year."
"Name?" Fabian asked, looking interested.
"Karina Karr." my laughter was beginning to subside.
"And you're friends with our dear Ravenclaw sister Alice?"
"Fabian and Gideon Prewett's sister, why yes, you could say we're friends."
"Are you implying something?" Gideon asked, crossing his arms and sitting on one side of me.
"You know us?" Fabian sat on my other side.
"Alice doesn't like pranks before classes."
"Ohh…"
"You didn't answer my question."
"I'm not implying anything."
"Gideon, lets adopt her."
"WHAT!" Gideon said loudly, and I screeched.
"Yeah, she's clever. We should teach her in our ways instead of her bookworm-ish qualities."
Gideon sat there and pondered it while Alice and Sarah went into a tirade.
"You can't do that!"
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN ADOPT!"
"We don't need any more corrupted students running around this school."
"You'll never get Kari away from books."
Fabian just grinned and Gideon looked up.
"She's adopted."
"Without my consent?" I butt in, trying to hide my smile.
"And mine. Doesn't the boyfriend count for anything in this?" Jason added in frowning.
"Aww Jason, you know you count."
"We weren't implying anything like that! Don't worry." Fabian said, a little offended.
"What about Lily?"
"Lily Evans?" Gideon asked.
"Yeah. She's Karina's best friend, and they hang out all the time, except for these past two weeks…" Liz added in, smirking.
"We'll adopt her too." Fabian said smiling.
"Obviously Gideon is the brains of the duo." I whispered to Alice, and she laughed.
"Fabian's just out for a good time." Alice whispered back, looking pointedly at her brother.
"Its official now. We've adopted you." Gideon smiled, and draped his arm over my shoulders.
"Yup, you're stuck with us now." Fabian put his arm over my shoulders too, and I was trying hard not to laugh.
"Fabian, Gideon, she has a boyfriend." Alice frowned.
"We know. We've got to get back to Gryffindor table anyways, Frank is probably waiting for us." Gideon stood up.
"Bye Little K." Fabian grinned and followed his brother.
"Little K?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.
"His bad attempt at nicknames." Alice rolled her eyes.
"Really bad. Remember when I was quid?" Sarah started laughing again.
"YES! That was hilarious!"
"For you maybe! Your just lil sis!"
"Erg! I hate that name."
"What do you think of them Kari?" Jason asked, scooting back next to me. He put his arm around my waist protectively.
"Well, they're…interesting. I guess I'll just have to wait and see."
"Yeah, I guess so…"
"Wait a second, are you…jealous?"
"Me? Jealous of them? No!"
"Jason you're a bad liar. Calm down. You've for nothing to worry about. They'll probably forget about me by the next quidditch practice."
He offered me a small smile, and I smiled widely back.