Eve: chapter 4!
Mike: yawn
Eve: Yeah it's late.
Mike: I'm bored.
Eve: we are boring the reviewers.
Mike: It's A reviewer, don't give yourself too much credit.
Eve: I have more than one, read there reviews. But right now we're BORING THEM!
Mike: sorry...hey did you know that more people are killed annually by donkeys then die in plane crashes.
Eve: Liar.
Mike: It's true!
Eve: Okay cool...I guess. The reviewers are going to leave unless we entertain them some how.
Cota: I promise to read some Jack Handy's philosophy's as soon as they finish.
Mike: Yay!!
Cota: now, ON WITH THE FIC!!
James stared out the window at the snow still falling even though the storm had passed. He was worried and somehow he felt that as long as he kept watch he could make the storm stay away. As long as he was watching, there was still a chance that Cota would come back. Lilly had gone into the family room and Sirius had gone with her. They had no trouble sneaking tea past James, as he wouldn't look away long enough to acknowledge them.
Derek wasn't talking to James because he still thought he could have found Cota in time if James had just let him go. He sighed and stared out a window opposite from James, the shield was holding up and they were safe. He just hoped Cota was safe. James had written the Academy a letter saying that Cota was coming. They hadn't responded yet and his worry grew by the minute.
Derek had been saved by Cota his first year at the academy. He had been alone and was attacked by the DarkThorn. Derek had been fighting for a long time and had given up all hope of winning. He dropped to the ground and prepared for the end. That was when he heard footsteps and a clash of steal.
"Another one?" One of the attackers had called out it surprise.
"Don't you know? Riders travel in packs. As of this moment, YOU, oh foolish ones, are surrounded," A new voice declared, his voice steady and mocking while at the same time heroic and powerful.
The attackers had hesitated and two attacked the newcomer, but he used a few spells and fought them off. Derek had opened his eyes to see another teenager's smiling face extending his hand to help him up. Derek grabbed his hand and was pulled up, they stood their ground and the attackers left.
"Thanks...thanks a lot...umm, how did you know I was here?" Derek asked the newcomer.
"Truth is, I didn't" He smiled a strangely comforting smile, it was as if he was nervous, but too happy his plan had worked to show it.
"Then how did you get people to come here? Aren't only two riders supposed to come to this area?" Derek had asked.
"Umm, I uh...well, I was bluffing...we aren't surrounded by riders who will come to our aid. And yes this area is supposed to only have two riders, I'm that other rider" He grinned and scratched the back of his head in an embarrassed expression.
"You're a beginner? Wow...this means that if you're here... you and I are partners?" Derek asked.
"Yeah, I was chosen to be a true Zagan Rider, my names Cota," Cota laughed, it was obvious that he was used to being the leader of his group and new to be a good host.
"I'm Derek," Derek had laughed and they'd shaken hands.
From then on they were friends; they were partners, and they were a perfect team. Cota was calm and good at everything, but tended to forget things from time to time. Derek was energetic and needed help on things, he wrote everything down and Cota helped him to understand the lessons and in doing so it helped Cota remember the lessons. Derek wrote everything down so incase Cota DID forget they could just look it up.
Derek remembered this and it made him angrier that he was stuck here when he should be helping Cota. He should have been upholding the unspoken promise of a best friend. He should have been out there searching, even if only be in the same situation as Cota, instead of in a warm house that smelt of sugar cookies and vanilla.
"I'm sorry about this. The storm must have come quite suddenly otherwise we would have been warned," Lilly apologized to Remus and Dumbledore as they relaxed and waited for the storm to let up so they could begin the party. False hopes were bouncing off the walls as everyone tried to convince themselves that Cota had gotten to the academy and was safe. Probably enjoying a nice big mug of hot chocolate.
"It's quite alright my dear. You couldn't predict it, and we can wait" Dumbledore smiled calmingly at Lilly, knowing that she must have felt like her own child was missing and it was her fault.
"Besides, Peter isn't here yet so we would have had to wait anyway," Remus added, bouncing another false hope off the wall as he assumed Peter hadn't been caught in the storm.
Sirius was leaning against a wall thinking about what it could be that was bothering James so much. He'd let out a grunting sound every now and then whenever someone said his name, but was not listening to the conversation. Remus knew this, but decided to ignore it for the time being.
James blinked; his eyes were dry from his mourning stare and he had to rub his eyelids in order to stop the burning sensation. He looked over at Derek, who was –understandably- pouting. James let out a sigh and realized how lucky he'd had it. He looked at most other squires as immature, but really he was just comparing them to Cota. He stared at Derek and realized just how advanced Cota was.
He tried his hardest and had grown in many ways. He was the best in his class and James realized he'd never taken the time to congratulate him or even tell him that he was proud of him. If he was gone now, the academy had lost their most potential student... and a great kid.
'Stop it,' James told himself. 'It sounds like you're already writing his eulogy.'
He stared out the window again. The snow had died down and left a thick blanket across the land. Being at the bottom of a hill, the Potter house was only protected on one side and no other houses blocked the storm. James stared at the top of the hill, wondering how his neighbors had faired. That was when he saw it; a small dot, quickly growing in size; an owl.
"Lilly!" He called over his shoulder, to let her know that the academy was responding.
Derek perked up and came over to watch as the owl came. He threw all harsh feelings out the window and stood next to James. He saw nothing, until... there, an owl! James opened the door and in flew the owl. It circled above their heads with the grace that the guild of birds taught their finest owls.
It swooped onto the back of a chair, bowing to James with its winds still outstretched, then held out its leg and stood perfectly still. James took the letter from it and read it to himself. There were too letters.
"Well?" Derek and Lilly asked in unison, not bothering to hide their anxiety.
James crumpled up the letters in his hand. He stared out the window at the damage the storm had caused. The damage could easily be repaired, but a person could not. It had been hours since Cota had left.
"They...They say that Cota never made it to the academy. The last person who saw him was Hagrid and he says Cota was on the mountain path when the storm hit," James explained and lowered his head.
"Oh no," Lilly whispered. "No, it's my fault. I shouldn't have made him go!"
"It's my fault too," Remus conceded as he came through the door. He had not seen James in over two months, but a surprise lost its happy effect after such grieving news.
"Remus?!" James gasped in surprise, for a moment he though he was seeing things.
"I'm sorry. I know it ruins the surprise, but I didn't think it would be much of a surprise anymore anyway after all this," Remus said to Lilly. She nodded tearfully and sank down into a chair.
James was caught between grievance and joy as he saw his old friend's face. But it gave him new hope and allowed him to focus. Cota new that mountain path, he new there was a small cave he could take cover in. He would go to the cave.
"Cota was on the mountain, he'll be safe," James explained, watching Lilly's face brighten as she remembered that James had taken Cota on that path many times and knew all the safe spots. "We'll wait until the storm lets up then go look for him."
"I'm sorry James, we wanted to surprise you...not get Cota hurt," Remus sighed.
"Don't give up that easily," James shook his head. "I've never known something to go too terribly wrong when we were together."
Another owl flew through the open door. Its Egyptian appearance and hawk- like face told James that it was Lord Ramier's owl. The owl looped up and over, landing beside the order's owl and facing James. It extended it's foot and nipped at Derek, who was standing the closest to him. James took the note and read it to himself. It said:
-James
I have found your squire; He is alright, just a bit tired. I will send him to you as soon as he has rested.
Ramier-
The owl also gave James a bag that had Cota's name embroidered on it. James looked at the leather bag with confusion. "Cota is alright," he announced proudly. "It seems he is the luckiest person I know and stumbled into a rider's mansion. He's fine and will be back as soon as he can."
Sirius took the leather bag and opened it, he grinned as he saw two shrunken brooms and a Golden Snitch.
"Well, we shall have to catch up until he returns," said Remus and every one breathed a sigh of relief.
James looked at his two friends who would come all this way to surprise him; he remembered all the pranks they used to do. They were the best. Lilly, Remus, Sirius, Peter, and even Professor Dumbledore had been there when he had been accepted into the council. Dumbledore admitted that he always pictured James as a headmaster. James would have been able to catch all the pranks, but would probably just compare them with his own.
James looked back at his years at Hogwarts, the year they first united, the year they found the hidden passageways and when they made the map. The time that they found out Remus was a werewolf. The day Lilly agreed to go to the dance with him. It all seemed so perfect. James wished he could go back and do it over again; only he would not change anything.
James, Remus, and Sirius retreated to the basement to "catch up" and Dumbledore joined Lilly in the living room. Derek was considering going to get his horse and trying to go find Cota. However, James wouldn't open the barn so Derek was feeling rather misplaced and alone.
"Lilly, you don't mind me asking you I hope, but Sirius and you have been acting strangely and James has been different. Is something wrong?" Dumbledore asked as Derek paced back and forth near the door.
"Well, the truth is I don't know what is wrong. James was called in for a meeting with Master Clef, he has been looking over the mission plan all day and seems deeply bothered by it," Lilly conceded. They stood in silence, Dumbledore did not want to be rude, and Lilly was wishing she knew what was wrong. Derek stopped pacing and leaned against a wall.
"Well I'd be upset to if I had to kill something before it even did anything wrong," Derek muttered softly.
Lilly looked over at him. "You know what the mission is?" She asked quickly.
Derek nodded sadly. "Yeah, my Lord was chosen to go with him. He doesn't know much about it, but he gathered the details and I put them together," Derek admitted, he was used to people thinking he was slow because he had a very slight autism. Cota was the only person not to care about that, and see him as simply another student. Derek's lord heard the strange tone in his voice and had at first assumed he was deaf.
Through the time he'd been at the academy, Derek had –with Cota's help- learned to downplay the slur until it was barely noticeable. Yet people still assumed he didn't listen. So his lord told him of the mission, and he'd put the details together. Derek looked out the window, he couldn't be mad at James because he understood. He understood how it must feel to have to kill something that hadn't hurt anyone.
"Derek?" Lily asked, basically pleading Derek for more info.
"My lord told me that it was like holding a baby wolf. You know you could try to train it, but its natural instinct is to hunt and kill. So you must take that baby wolf...and kill it rather then let someone evil corrupt if further," Derek explained and looked at the floor.
Down stairs Sirius, Remus and James were having a little party of their own as they laughed about how they were the Prank Masters and the looks on people's faces and how they wished the map hadn't been confiscated. Derek felt better and relaxed at the fact that his friend was fine. The doorbell rang and he answered to find a very cold Peter. Derek moved aside to let him in as Lilly came up to greet him.
"Ah, Peter! You missed most of the excitement. I hope the storm didn't cause you too much trouble," Lilly greeted.
"Oh, uh, no, no trouble at all...so where is everyone?" Peter asked, completely ignoring Derek.
"The trio is down stairs waiting for you. Oh, and I hope you brought your broom or else Cota will kill you when he returns," Lilly smiled warmly and glanced up at Derek, who nodded that Cota wouldn't have the chance to kill Peter because he was closer.
"Of course I brought it," Peter laughed and showed her the broom.
The four infamous pranksters were back together again, a tragedy had been avoided and everything seemed fine. Lilly and Dumbledore both had to grin as Peter went down into the basement. Lilly heard Sirius telling a story of his earlier fight and she shook her head. Together once again and they act as if they never were apart.
Dumbledore had come as her guest because her friends were all away. They didn't come by much anymore, and they were always bugging her that she should have a child. She though James would be an excellent father. He wanted a son to teach all his pranks to.
part 2 Review on each chapter peoplez, I work hard on them.
Cota opened his eyes and found that he was laying on a bed like the one in the nurses' office at the academy. (Same as the one at my school. It is metal with a black covering that is soft; I think it's some kind of leather with padding underneath... I know because a guy has a death wish on me... so basically I have my own Drako Malfoy) Cota felt sick, but the feeling passed when the heard a familiar voice.
"Finally, you're awake," said Oweiry with the usual annoyed voice. Cota didn't know how he always seemed to have that voice even when he wasn't annoyed.
"W-what happened?" Cota asked in surprise that Owiery was there.
"You were caught in the storm," Owiery answered simply.
Cota remembered that some one had grabbed him and helped him get out of the storm. Had it been Owiery? But why? Cota though that Owiery hated him. Cota nodded his head a few times in mock acceptance.
"That's right, I have to deliver a message for James," he said, suddenly remembering the important letter James had given him.
"You'll do nothing of the sort," came Lord Ramier's voice as he entered the room. "You were out there a long time and you need to rest." Cota saw Owiery nod slightly from behind Ramier. "I've already sent a message to James telling him where you are" Ramier informed Cota. "You've got that horse trained well, he's been outside waiting for you since the storm let up, and he helped you get up towards the house."
"Patrick has his own personality," Cota answered, slightly smiling as he remembered that whoever had grabbed him in the storm, had then grabbed Patrick's saddle.
"Well, you've done a fine job with him. James is a fool for sending you both out in weather like that! I'm personally surprised you weren't killed," Ramier stated.
"... I ... it was my choice," Cota replied, defending James no matter what. "I thought I'd have made better time."
Behind Ramier, Oweiry's eyes widened and he stared at Cota in disbelief. Owiery knew that Cota wouldn't have risked it unless it was an important matter.
"Well, I don't believe that. But I do respect your loyalty. Now, if you'll excuse me I must attend a meeting," Ramier explained.
Lord Ramier left the room, and closed the door behind himself; he wanted to know what was so important that James would risk his Squire's life. Someone as well respected at James wouldn't just risk his squire's life for no reason. It must have been important or... or the storm warning had never reached James. Someone had been trying to stop James from knowing about the storm.
But who? It would have to be someone who knew where James lived. What would be the reward in James not knowing about that storm? His home might have been destroyed. He might even have been killed. Ramier walked down the hall and then down the main staircase and out the door. Pat was standing outside, still waiting patiently for Cota.
"I'd relax. He's fine, but he needs to rest," Ramier told the horse, smiling slightly.
"What were you doing out there anyway?" Owiery asked as soon as Ramier was gone.
"I didn't know the storm was coming. When they sent word I had already left and the storm hit the house," Cota explained in the best answer he could think of.
"Hmph, your lucky you didn't freeze to death," Owiery said curtly then quickly looked at the floor.
"I though you hated me. Why bother helping me?" Cota asked.
"Because... I... I don't hate you. I hate to admit it, but I respect you. You were right...we're on the same team we must at least be civil" Owiery admitted sharply, making it clear that Cota was never to mention that to anyone.
"Thanks," Cota smiled his 'host of the party' smile and almost got a smile out of Owiery.
"It doesn't mean we are friends, it just means that I didn't want you to die," Owiery snapped in an offensive manor.
"Understood," Cota looked at his watch. "I should go. I've already kept James waiting long enough. And I don't know how long Dumbledore will be able to stay," Cota said and pulled himself up. He felt weak and the room spun when he did. He felt Owiery push him back down.
"Dumbledore? Albus Dumbledore?" Owiery asked with a look of skeptizm on his face.
"Yes, he's waiting at the house," Cota replied; trying to act casual.
Owiery lost the look of annoyance and Cota could tell what he was thinking just by looking at him. His stance and face screamed 'What? I've read about him many times. Cota gets to meet the great Albus Dumbledore and I...' Cota wasn't the kind of person to rub it in. He was a lot like James in the fact that he thought everyone deserved a chance.
He looked at Owiery who had saved his life and now was missing out on seeing his idol. Oweiry was going to be all alone for the weekend because his Lord was going to the academy. Oweiry shook it off and opened the door.
"You need to rest," he muttered simply and left the room.
Cota felt tired and it soon over whelmed him. He fell asleep and in his dream, he heard a voice.
"How mature Oweiry has become," said the voice, it sounded like his father. "To admit you were right and he was wrong...how many people can do that? You are a good person Cota, you accept anyone. You know in your heart what is right," And with that the voice was gone.
Cota woke up after about half an hour. He felt better, stronger, and certainly warmer. He got up and walked to the door. He left out the door and was lost; he saw a note down the hall on his right and walked over to it. He flipped the little note over and there was an arrow.
He followed the arrows and eventually came to a master staircase. He was walking down the staircase and saw Oweiry leaning against a wall. Oweiry seemed to be thinking about something and looked up when he heard Cota.
"That horse of yours is still waiting," Oweiry stated and opened the door.
Cota didn't feel right about just leaving Oweiry there by himself. Besides, he wanted to be Oweiry's friend. They made great rivals and probably would make even stronger allies.
"Hey, why don't you come with me? I mean we're trying to start a Quidditch game and we need another player. Lilly could play, but she and Dumbledore probably just want to watch," Cota invited.
Oweiry looked at him with suspicion and Cota just smiled welcomingly. "I..." He started.
"Besides, James is really good at catching the snitch and I'm better at blocking the goals. You're the one that can catch it," Cota added matter-of- fact like.
"I guess," Oweiry said after a while, but Cota could tell he was nervous of how Derek would react.
Cota followed Oweiry out. Pat neighed his welcome as they came down the front steps. "Hey Pat," Cota greeted, telling the horse that Oweiry was coming too with the tone of his voice.
Patrick nodded and Cota climbed on. It took him a while to get on because of his weakened state and in the end, Oweiry had to help him.
"Go Kazan!" (Kah-zen) Oweiry commanded and his horse reared, it's mane like fire as it whipped around fiercely. The horse let out an eerie neigh and took off at a gallop.
"Go Pat!" Cota Commanded. Patrick reared and took off at a gallop as well.
Oweiry's horse was a very dark brown that was almost black, it had a fire red mane and tail and silver hooves. His eyes burned with the same fire that its owner's did. They raced across the field unseen by anyone watching because they traveled on one of the rider's paths.
Rider paths were made so a rider could travel quickly and not have to fear being attacked. Also, if people knew they could see a rider every day they would flock to the site, so hidden paths were necessary. Cota saw a fallen tree on the path.
"Pat!" He yelled so Pat would know it was coming and be ready for it.
"Kazan, jump!" Oweiry commanded and the two horses leapt over the tree.
"I've been meaning to ask you. What does Kazan mean?" Cota asked as the galloped on.
Oweiry smiled. Not a sneer or a smirk but an actual smile. "It means Volcano," he answered, the annoyed tone now gone.
"Great name for him," Cota stated, he had always though Oweiry liked the name because it sounded like something that would be lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce; He never guessed that it was a name fit for the look and style of the horse. He was ashamed of his narrow-mindedness, but decided that it was all in the past.
The house came into view after an hour and Cota slowed to a trot. "Slow Pat, no need to draw attention," he reminded Patrick who was looking forward to telling Gyriph about his adventure.
"Kazan, be steady," Oweiry scolded Kazan as he tried to side step into Patrick, who thought that was a fun game and danced out of the way. They talked briefly about class and the future until they were on the pathway to the house. The door flung open and Derek appeared in the doorway.
"Sorry it took so long," Cota greeted Derek; he gave him a look to explain that Oweiry was his guest and to be treated that way. Derek took the hint and nodded slightly. Oweiry still looked nervous as they neared the house.
"Cota, Pat you made it safely," James greeted as he stepped around Derek, who had stopped running and was trying to trudge through the snow without much success. He was dressed in an academy provided outfit and it was made for look, not snow.
Pat whinnied playfully and stomped his foot in the snow. He set off down the hill and was soon high-stepping in an effort to wade through the knee high snow. Cota rolled his eyes. He knew Pat all to well and knew how much he liked being praised. Patrick seemed to be smiling and tossed his head playfully. Remus, Lilly, Peter, and Sirius emerged from the house.
"Sorry Cota," Sirius apologized.
"It's okay," Cota said in a friendly voice as Sirius walked closer. "Besides... I'll get you back for it later," Cota threatened with a suddenly demonic voice and evil glint in his eyes.
Sirius backed up and Cota hopped off Pat, who reared up a few times and skipped around from side to side. Oweiry stayed on Kazan and watched the group of people, eyeing Patrick with doubt. Derek ran up to greet Cota as soon as he found a spot where the snow wasn't as deep, Remus and Peter were trying to convince Sirius that Cota was kidding and James and Lilly were removing the protection spell. Oweiry didn't see Dumbledore.
Patrick let out a loud whinny and began digging with his left front foot. James pat him on the head a few times and said good job. In a matter of seconds it looked like Pat could die happy right then and there. "Listen Derek; just don't be weird around him okay? I'd be dead if it wasn't for him," Cota whispered to Derek, ignoring the prancing Patrick. "You coming?" Cota asked Oweiry who was looking out of place and still eyeing Patrick as if he were the strangest creature in the world.
"Come on," Derek added.
Oweiry hesitated then nodded and got off Kazan; Cota and Oweiry walked their horses to the stable with Derek standing in between them, trying to make Patrick walk in a straight line.
"You do realize you most likely just provoked Sirius into sleeping with one eye open, right?" Derek grinned at Cota.
"I've heard from Lord Ramier that they used to be the best pranksters around Hogwarts and have yet to be beaten," Oweiry stated in a quiet voice.
"Hmm, how about we see how good they are?" Cota mused; he hadn't appreciated being sent all around England running errands for them.
"Interesting very, very interesting," Derek smiled, with an evil look in his eyes.
They made sure no one could hear them as they talked and Oweiry was surprised to be accepted into Cota's group this easily. The two classmates accepted him as if they'd never met him before, or that they had never once been the target of his mad mood. Even Patrick warmed up and stopped biting him once he pet him a few times.
Cota: A good way to threaten somebody is to light a stick of dynamite. Then you call the guy and hold the burning fuse up to the phone. "Hear that?" you say. "That's dynamite, baby." Why do people in ship mutinies always ask for "better treatment"? I'd ask for a pinball machine, because with all that rocking back and forth you'd probably be able to get a lot of free games
If I lived back in the wild west days, instead of carrying a six-gun in my holster, I'd carry a soldering iron. That way, if some smart-aleck cowboy said something like "Hey, look. He's carrying a soldering iron!" and started laughing, and everybody else started laughing, I could just say, "That's right, it's a soldering iron. The soldering iron of justice." Then everybody would get real quiet and ashamed, because they had made fun of the soldering iron of justice, and I could probably hit them up for a free drink.
Eve.... Is that all!!
Cota: All the good ones.
Mike: Uh... Eve, quick, tell them a prank they can do!
Eve: The pressure is on! Um... Focus. Okay, well it is important for practiced prankers to prank themselves. The reason is because you are less likely to be blamed for other pranks if you get "pranked" as well as other people. It is basically throwing the scent off yourself.
Mike: That it??
Eve: ... um... special note, some pranks can land you in deep $#it, it's your own fault if you get caught. The first rule in pranking is: Deny, deny, deny.
This is kinda lame, but fun. Get two black suites a friend and a black briefcase. Put on the suites and have one of you with the briefcase. Walk towards each other in a busy place. when you brush past each other pass the briefcase to the other person.
That's not all. You gotta have that person open it slightly, pull out a fistful of monopoly money and run after you pretending to be pi$$ed.
Mike: Enough with the censoring, blind people know what you're saying.
Eve: ANYWAY! We post a lot of stuff here, some of it we get from websites but think you'll enjoy reading it. If we have actually done it, we'll tell you. This is for fun, not bragging rights, enjoy!
Vending machines.
The programming menu (also known as Service Mode) on some vending machines. There are 2 types of machines: the Glass Front Vender (with a 3X6 keypad) and the plain, old ones with several choices. They're both the same.
Now, if you are lucky, the "service person" refilling the machine forgot to close the machine's door, go up to it. For easier access, slip a cover over the lock bolt, or pick it yourself.
The glass front model has a keypad. Press 4231, and you're in! You'll get several options. To change prices, go to "PRICE" to change it.
Here's the following commands for either model.
1=Go To Previous Menu
2,3=Go To an Option
4=Enter
"Price" setting routine
Use 2/3 to cycle to the option, and press 4 to change it. Then set the price.
If cash is what you're looking for, go to Coinpayo (or CPO)
Press 4 to Enter, then use 2/3 to select an amount, then hold 4 and money will come out!
Got that from a webpage, did it, got the cash. Store was really mean to a friend of mine, she has mild C.P (Cerebral palsy.) they treated her like a space alien and threw the money at her instead of placing it in her outstretched hand. I gave her the money I got from the machine. She used it to buy something from the store after complaining to the manager about poor service. He thanked her for her purchase and apologized for any rudeness.
Mike: For those who don't know Eve. Yes, she is evil. No, she isn't mean. She's the leader of our group and like the Godmother of our school, I swear. People come up to her all the time when they have a problem they need handled.
Eve: Anyway, go find a vending machine after you review.
Cota: Reviewers Review
Mike: yawn
Eve: Yeah it's late.
Mike: I'm bored.
Eve: we are boring the reviewers.
Mike: It's A reviewer, don't give yourself too much credit.
Eve: I have more than one, read there reviews. But right now we're BORING THEM!
Mike: sorry...hey did you know that more people are killed annually by donkeys then die in plane crashes.
Eve: Liar.
Mike: It's true!
Eve: Okay cool...I guess. The reviewers are going to leave unless we entertain them some how.
Cota: I promise to read some Jack Handy's philosophy's as soon as they finish.
Mike: Yay!!
Cota: now, ON WITH THE FIC!!
James stared out the window at the snow still falling even though the storm had passed. He was worried and somehow he felt that as long as he kept watch he could make the storm stay away. As long as he was watching, there was still a chance that Cota would come back. Lilly had gone into the family room and Sirius had gone with her. They had no trouble sneaking tea past James, as he wouldn't look away long enough to acknowledge them.
Derek wasn't talking to James because he still thought he could have found Cota in time if James had just let him go. He sighed and stared out a window opposite from James, the shield was holding up and they were safe. He just hoped Cota was safe. James had written the Academy a letter saying that Cota was coming. They hadn't responded yet and his worry grew by the minute.
Derek had been saved by Cota his first year at the academy. He had been alone and was attacked by the DarkThorn. Derek had been fighting for a long time and had given up all hope of winning. He dropped to the ground and prepared for the end. That was when he heard footsteps and a clash of steal.
"Another one?" One of the attackers had called out it surprise.
"Don't you know? Riders travel in packs. As of this moment, YOU, oh foolish ones, are surrounded," A new voice declared, his voice steady and mocking while at the same time heroic and powerful.
The attackers had hesitated and two attacked the newcomer, but he used a few spells and fought them off. Derek had opened his eyes to see another teenager's smiling face extending his hand to help him up. Derek grabbed his hand and was pulled up, they stood their ground and the attackers left.
"Thanks...thanks a lot...umm, how did you know I was here?" Derek asked the newcomer.
"Truth is, I didn't" He smiled a strangely comforting smile, it was as if he was nervous, but too happy his plan had worked to show it.
"Then how did you get people to come here? Aren't only two riders supposed to come to this area?" Derek had asked.
"Umm, I uh...well, I was bluffing...we aren't surrounded by riders who will come to our aid. And yes this area is supposed to only have two riders, I'm that other rider" He grinned and scratched the back of his head in an embarrassed expression.
"You're a beginner? Wow...this means that if you're here... you and I are partners?" Derek asked.
"Yeah, I was chosen to be a true Zagan Rider, my names Cota," Cota laughed, it was obvious that he was used to being the leader of his group and new to be a good host.
"I'm Derek," Derek had laughed and they'd shaken hands.
From then on they were friends; they were partners, and they were a perfect team. Cota was calm and good at everything, but tended to forget things from time to time. Derek was energetic and needed help on things, he wrote everything down and Cota helped him to understand the lessons and in doing so it helped Cota remember the lessons. Derek wrote everything down so incase Cota DID forget they could just look it up.
Derek remembered this and it made him angrier that he was stuck here when he should be helping Cota. He should have been upholding the unspoken promise of a best friend. He should have been out there searching, even if only be in the same situation as Cota, instead of in a warm house that smelt of sugar cookies and vanilla.
"I'm sorry about this. The storm must have come quite suddenly otherwise we would have been warned," Lilly apologized to Remus and Dumbledore as they relaxed and waited for the storm to let up so they could begin the party. False hopes were bouncing off the walls as everyone tried to convince themselves that Cota had gotten to the academy and was safe. Probably enjoying a nice big mug of hot chocolate.
"It's quite alright my dear. You couldn't predict it, and we can wait" Dumbledore smiled calmingly at Lilly, knowing that she must have felt like her own child was missing and it was her fault.
"Besides, Peter isn't here yet so we would have had to wait anyway," Remus added, bouncing another false hope off the wall as he assumed Peter hadn't been caught in the storm.
Sirius was leaning against a wall thinking about what it could be that was bothering James so much. He'd let out a grunting sound every now and then whenever someone said his name, but was not listening to the conversation. Remus knew this, but decided to ignore it for the time being.
James blinked; his eyes were dry from his mourning stare and he had to rub his eyelids in order to stop the burning sensation. He looked over at Derek, who was –understandably- pouting. James let out a sigh and realized how lucky he'd had it. He looked at most other squires as immature, but really he was just comparing them to Cota. He stared at Derek and realized just how advanced Cota was.
He tried his hardest and had grown in many ways. He was the best in his class and James realized he'd never taken the time to congratulate him or even tell him that he was proud of him. If he was gone now, the academy had lost their most potential student... and a great kid.
'Stop it,' James told himself. 'It sounds like you're already writing his eulogy.'
He stared out the window again. The snow had died down and left a thick blanket across the land. Being at the bottom of a hill, the Potter house was only protected on one side and no other houses blocked the storm. James stared at the top of the hill, wondering how his neighbors had faired. That was when he saw it; a small dot, quickly growing in size; an owl.
"Lilly!" He called over his shoulder, to let her know that the academy was responding.
Derek perked up and came over to watch as the owl came. He threw all harsh feelings out the window and stood next to James. He saw nothing, until... there, an owl! James opened the door and in flew the owl. It circled above their heads with the grace that the guild of birds taught their finest owls.
It swooped onto the back of a chair, bowing to James with its winds still outstretched, then held out its leg and stood perfectly still. James took the letter from it and read it to himself. There were too letters.
"Well?" Derek and Lilly asked in unison, not bothering to hide their anxiety.
James crumpled up the letters in his hand. He stared out the window at the damage the storm had caused. The damage could easily be repaired, but a person could not. It had been hours since Cota had left.
"They...They say that Cota never made it to the academy. The last person who saw him was Hagrid and he says Cota was on the mountain path when the storm hit," James explained and lowered his head.
"Oh no," Lilly whispered. "No, it's my fault. I shouldn't have made him go!"
"It's my fault too," Remus conceded as he came through the door. He had not seen James in over two months, but a surprise lost its happy effect after such grieving news.
"Remus?!" James gasped in surprise, for a moment he though he was seeing things.
"I'm sorry. I know it ruins the surprise, but I didn't think it would be much of a surprise anymore anyway after all this," Remus said to Lilly. She nodded tearfully and sank down into a chair.
James was caught between grievance and joy as he saw his old friend's face. But it gave him new hope and allowed him to focus. Cota new that mountain path, he new there was a small cave he could take cover in. He would go to the cave.
"Cota was on the mountain, he'll be safe," James explained, watching Lilly's face brighten as she remembered that James had taken Cota on that path many times and knew all the safe spots. "We'll wait until the storm lets up then go look for him."
"I'm sorry James, we wanted to surprise you...not get Cota hurt," Remus sighed.
"Don't give up that easily," James shook his head. "I've never known something to go too terribly wrong when we were together."
Another owl flew through the open door. Its Egyptian appearance and hawk- like face told James that it was Lord Ramier's owl. The owl looped up and over, landing beside the order's owl and facing James. It extended it's foot and nipped at Derek, who was standing the closest to him. James took the note and read it to himself. It said:
-James
I have found your squire; He is alright, just a bit tired. I will send him to you as soon as he has rested.
Ramier-
The owl also gave James a bag that had Cota's name embroidered on it. James looked at the leather bag with confusion. "Cota is alright," he announced proudly. "It seems he is the luckiest person I know and stumbled into a rider's mansion. He's fine and will be back as soon as he can."
Sirius took the leather bag and opened it, he grinned as he saw two shrunken brooms and a Golden Snitch.
"Well, we shall have to catch up until he returns," said Remus and every one breathed a sigh of relief.
James looked at his two friends who would come all this way to surprise him; he remembered all the pranks they used to do. They were the best. Lilly, Remus, Sirius, Peter, and even Professor Dumbledore had been there when he had been accepted into the council. Dumbledore admitted that he always pictured James as a headmaster. James would have been able to catch all the pranks, but would probably just compare them with his own.
James looked back at his years at Hogwarts, the year they first united, the year they found the hidden passageways and when they made the map. The time that they found out Remus was a werewolf. The day Lilly agreed to go to the dance with him. It all seemed so perfect. James wished he could go back and do it over again; only he would not change anything.
James, Remus, and Sirius retreated to the basement to "catch up" and Dumbledore joined Lilly in the living room. Derek was considering going to get his horse and trying to go find Cota. However, James wouldn't open the barn so Derek was feeling rather misplaced and alone.
"Lilly, you don't mind me asking you I hope, but Sirius and you have been acting strangely and James has been different. Is something wrong?" Dumbledore asked as Derek paced back and forth near the door.
"Well, the truth is I don't know what is wrong. James was called in for a meeting with Master Clef, he has been looking over the mission plan all day and seems deeply bothered by it," Lilly conceded. They stood in silence, Dumbledore did not want to be rude, and Lilly was wishing she knew what was wrong. Derek stopped pacing and leaned against a wall.
"Well I'd be upset to if I had to kill something before it even did anything wrong," Derek muttered softly.
Lilly looked over at him. "You know what the mission is?" She asked quickly.
Derek nodded sadly. "Yeah, my Lord was chosen to go with him. He doesn't know much about it, but he gathered the details and I put them together," Derek admitted, he was used to people thinking he was slow because he had a very slight autism. Cota was the only person not to care about that, and see him as simply another student. Derek's lord heard the strange tone in his voice and had at first assumed he was deaf.
Through the time he'd been at the academy, Derek had –with Cota's help- learned to downplay the slur until it was barely noticeable. Yet people still assumed he didn't listen. So his lord told him of the mission, and he'd put the details together. Derek looked out the window, he couldn't be mad at James because he understood. He understood how it must feel to have to kill something that hadn't hurt anyone.
"Derek?" Lily asked, basically pleading Derek for more info.
"My lord told me that it was like holding a baby wolf. You know you could try to train it, but its natural instinct is to hunt and kill. So you must take that baby wolf...and kill it rather then let someone evil corrupt if further," Derek explained and looked at the floor.
Down stairs Sirius, Remus and James were having a little party of their own as they laughed about how they were the Prank Masters and the looks on people's faces and how they wished the map hadn't been confiscated. Derek felt better and relaxed at the fact that his friend was fine. The doorbell rang and he answered to find a very cold Peter. Derek moved aside to let him in as Lilly came up to greet him.
"Ah, Peter! You missed most of the excitement. I hope the storm didn't cause you too much trouble," Lilly greeted.
"Oh, uh, no, no trouble at all...so where is everyone?" Peter asked, completely ignoring Derek.
"The trio is down stairs waiting for you. Oh, and I hope you brought your broom or else Cota will kill you when he returns," Lilly smiled warmly and glanced up at Derek, who nodded that Cota wouldn't have the chance to kill Peter because he was closer.
"Of course I brought it," Peter laughed and showed her the broom.
The four infamous pranksters were back together again, a tragedy had been avoided and everything seemed fine. Lilly and Dumbledore both had to grin as Peter went down into the basement. Lilly heard Sirius telling a story of his earlier fight and she shook her head. Together once again and they act as if they never were apart.
Dumbledore had come as her guest because her friends were all away. They didn't come by much anymore, and they were always bugging her that she should have a child. She though James would be an excellent father. He wanted a son to teach all his pranks to.
part 2 Review on each chapter peoplez, I work hard on them.
Cota opened his eyes and found that he was laying on a bed like the one in the nurses' office at the academy. (Same as the one at my school. It is metal with a black covering that is soft; I think it's some kind of leather with padding underneath... I know because a guy has a death wish on me... so basically I have my own Drako Malfoy) Cota felt sick, but the feeling passed when the heard a familiar voice.
"Finally, you're awake," said Oweiry with the usual annoyed voice. Cota didn't know how he always seemed to have that voice even when he wasn't annoyed.
"W-what happened?" Cota asked in surprise that Owiery was there.
"You were caught in the storm," Owiery answered simply.
Cota remembered that some one had grabbed him and helped him get out of the storm. Had it been Owiery? But why? Cota though that Owiery hated him. Cota nodded his head a few times in mock acceptance.
"That's right, I have to deliver a message for James," he said, suddenly remembering the important letter James had given him.
"You'll do nothing of the sort," came Lord Ramier's voice as he entered the room. "You were out there a long time and you need to rest." Cota saw Owiery nod slightly from behind Ramier. "I've already sent a message to James telling him where you are" Ramier informed Cota. "You've got that horse trained well, he's been outside waiting for you since the storm let up, and he helped you get up towards the house."
"Patrick has his own personality," Cota answered, slightly smiling as he remembered that whoever had grabbed him in the storm, had then grabbed Patrick's saddle.
"Well, you've done a fine job with him. James is a fool for sending you both out in weather like that! I'm personally surprised you weren't killed," Ramier stated.
"... I ... it was my choice," Cota replied, defending James no matter what. "I thought I'd have made better time."
Behind Ramier, Oweiry's eyes widened and he stared at Cota in disbelief. Owiery knew that Cota wouldn't have risked it unless it was an important matter.
"Well, I don't believe that. But I do respect your loyalty. Now, if you'll excuse me I must attend a meeting," Ramier explained.
Lord Ramier left the room, and closed the door behind himself; he wanted to know what was so important that James would risk his Squire's life. Someone as well respected at James wouldn't just risk his squire's life for no reason. It must have been important or... or the storm warning had never reached James. Someone had been trying to stop James from knowing about the storm.
But who? It would have to be someone who knew where James lived. What would be the reward in James not knowing about that storm? His home might have been destroyed. He might even have been killed. Ramier walked down the hall and then down the main staircase and out the door. Pat was standing outside, still waiting patiently for Cota.
"I'd relax. He's fine, but he needs to rest," Ramier told the horse, smiling slightly.
"What were you doing out there anyway?" Owiery asked as soon as Ramier was gone.
"I didn't know the storm was coming. When they sent word I had already left and the storm hit the house," Cota explained in the best answer he could think of.
"Hmph, your lucky you didn't freeze to death," Owiery said curtly then quickly looked at the floor.
"I though you hated me. Why bother helping me?" Cota asked.
"Because... I... I don't hate you. I hate to admit it, but I respect you. You were right...we're on the same team we must at least be civil" Owiery admitted sharply, making it clear that Cota was never to mention that to anyone.
"Thanks," Cota smiled his 'host of the party' smile and almost got a smile out of Owiery.
"It doesn't mean we are friends, it just means that I didn't want you to die," Owiery snapped in an offensive manor.
"Understood," Cota looked at his watch. "I should go. I've already kept James waiting long enough. And I don't know how long Dumbledore will be able to stay," Cota said and pulled himself up. He felt weak and the room spun when he did. He felt Owiery push him back down.
"Dumbledore? Albus Dumbledore?" Owiery asked with a look of skeptizm on his face.
"Yes, he's waiting at the house," Cota replied; trying to act casual.
Owiery lost the look of annoyance and Cota could tell what he was thinking just by looking at him. His stance and face screamed 'What? I've read about him many times. Cota gets to meet the great Albus Dumbledore and I...' Cota wasn't the kind of person to rub it in. He was a lot like James in the fact that he thought everyone deserved a chance.
He looked at Owiery who had saved his life and now was missing out on seeing his idol. Oweiry was going to be all alone for the weekend because his Lord was going to the academy. Oweiry shook it off and opened the door.
"You need to rest," he muttered simply and left the room.
Cota felt tired and it soon over whelmed him. He fell asleep and in his dream, he heard a voice.
"How mature Oweiry has become," said the voice, it sounded like his father. "To admit you were right and he was wrong...how many people can do that? You are a good person Cota, you accept anyone. You know in your heart what is right," And with that the voice was gone.
Cota woke up after about half an hour. He felt better, stronger, and certainly warmer. He got up and walked to the door. He left out the door and was lost; he saw a note down the hall on his right and walked over to it. He flipped the little note over and there was an arrow.
He followed the arrows and eventually came to a master staircase. He was walking down the staircase and saw Oweiry leaning against a wall. Oweiry seemed to be thinking about something and looked up when he heard Cota.
"That horse of yours is still waiting," Oweiry stated and opened the door.
Cota didn't feel right about just leaving Oweiry there by himself. Besides, he wanted to be Oweiry's friend. They made great rivals and probably would make even stronger allies.
"Hey, why don't you come with me? I mean we're trying to start a Quidditch game and we need another player. Lilly could play, but she and Dumbledore probably just want to watch," Cota invited.
Oweiry looked at him with suspicion and Cota just smiled welcomingly. "I..." He started.
"Besides, James is really good at catching the snitch and I'm better at blocking the goals. You're the one that can catch it," Cota added matter-of- fact like.
"I guess," Oweiry said after a while, but Cota could tell he was nervous of how Derek would react.
Cota followed Oweiry out. Pat neighed his welcome as they came down the front steps. "Hey Pat," Cota greeted, telling the horse that Oweiry was coming too with the tone of his voice.
Patrick nodded and Cota climbed on. It took him a while to get on because of his weakened state and in the end, Oweiry had to help him.
"Go Kazan!" (Kah-zen) Oweiry commanded and his horse reared, it's mane like fire as it whipped around fiercely. The horse let out an eerie neigh and took off at a gallop.
"Go Pat!" Cota Commanded. Patrick reared and took off at a gallop as well.
Oweiry's horse was a very dark brown that was almost black, it had a fire red mane and tail and silver hooves. His eyes burned with the same fire that its owner's did. They raced across the field unseen by anyone watching because they traveled on one of the rider's paths.
Rider paths were made so a rider could travel quickly and not have to fear being attacked. Also, if people knew they could see a rider every day they would flock to the site, so hidden paths were necessary. Cota saw a fallen tree on the path.
"Pat!" He yelled so Pat would know it was coming and be ready for it.
"Kazan, jump!" Oweiry commanded and the two horses leapt over the tree.
"I've been meaning to ask you. What does Kazan mean?" Cota asked as the galloped on.
Oweiry smiled. Not a sneer or a smirk but an actual smile. "It means Volcano," he answered, the annoyed tone now gone.
"Great name for him," Cota stated, he had always though Oweiry liked the name because it sounded like something that would be lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce; He never guessed that it was a name fit for the look and style of the horse. He was ashamed of his narrow-mindedness, but decided that it was all in the past.
The house came into view after an hour and Cota slowed to a trot. "Slow Pat, no need to draw attention," he reminded Patrick who was looking forward to telling Gyriph about his adventure.
"Kazan, be steady," Oweiry scolded Kazan as he tried to side step into Patrick, who thought that was a fun game and danced out of the way. They talked briefly about class and the future until they were on the pathway to the house. The door flung open and Derek appeared in the doorway.
"Sorry it took so long," Cota greeted Derek; he gave him a look to explain that Oweiry was his guest and to be treated that way. Derek took the hint and nodded slightly. Oweiry still looked nervous as they neared the house.
"Cota, Pat you made it safely," James greeted as he stepped around Derek, who had stopped running and was trying to trudge through the snow without much success. He was dressed in an academy provided outfit and it was made for look, not snow.
Pat whinnied playfully and stomped his foot in the snow. He set off down the hill and was soon high-stepping in an effort to wade through the knee high snow. Cota rolled his eyes. He knew Pat all to well and knew how much he liked being praised. Patrick seemed to be smiling and tossed his head playfully. Remus, Lilly, Peter, and Sirius emerged from the house.
"Sorry Cota," Sirius apologized.
"It's okay," Cota said in a friendly voice as Sirius walked closer. "Besides... I'll get you back for it later," Cota threatened with a suddenly demonic voice and evil glint in his eyes.
Sirius backed up and Cota hopped off Pat, who reared up a few times and skipped around from side to side. Oweiry stayed on Kazan and watched the group of people, eyeing Patrick with doubt. Derek ran up to greet Cota as soon as he found a spot where the snow wasn't as deep, Remus and Peter were trying to convince Sirius that Cota was kidding and James and Lilly were removing the protection spell. Oweiry didn't see Dumbledore.
Patrick let out a loud whinny and began digging with his left front foot. James pat him on the head a few times and said good job. In a matter of seconds it looked like Pat could die happy right then and there. "Listen Derek; just don't be weird around him okay? I'd be dead if it wasn't for him," Cota whispered to Derek, ignoring the prancing Patrick. "You coming?" Cota asked Oweiry who was looking out of place and still eyeing Patrick as if he were the strangest creature in the world.
"Come on," Derek added.
Oweiry hesitated then nodded and got off Kazan; Cota and Oweiry walked their horses to the stable with Derek standing in between them, trying to make Patrick walk in a straight line.
"You do realize you most likely just provoked Sirius into sleeping with one eye open, right?" Derek grinned at Cota.
"I've heard from Lord Ramier that they used to be the best pranksters around Hogwarts and have yet to be beaten," Oweiry stated in a quiet voice.
"Hmm, how about we see how good they are?" Cota mused; he hadn't appreciated being sent all around England running errands for them.
"Interesting very, very interesting," Derek smiled, with an evil look in his eyes.
They made sure no one could hear them as they talked and Oweiry was surprised to be accepted into Cota's group this easily. The two classmates accepted him as if they'd never met him before, or that they had never once been the target of his mad mood. Even Patrick warmed up and stopped biting him once he pet him a few times.
Cota: A good way to threaten somebody is to light a stick of dynamite. Then you call the guy and hold the burning fuse up to the phone. "Hear that?" you say. "That's dynamite, baby." Why do people in ship mutinies always ask for "better treatment"? I'd ask for a pinball machine, because with all that rocking back and forth you'd probably be able to get a lot of free games
If I lived back in the wild west days, instead of carrying a six-gun in my holster, I'd carry a soldering iron. That way, if some smart-aleck cowboy said something like "Hey, look. He's carrying a soldering iron!" and started laughing, and everybody else started laughing, I could just say, "That's right, it's a soldering iron. The soldering iron of justice." Then everybody would get real quiet and ashamed, because they had made fun of the soldering iron of justice, and I could probably hit them up for a free drink.
Eve.... Is that all!!
Cota: All the good ones.
Mike: Uh... Eve, quick, tell them a prank they can do!
Eve: The pressure is on! Um... Focus. Okay, well it is important for practiced prankers to prank themselves. The reason is because you are less likely to be blamed for other pranks if you get "pranked" as well as other people. It is basically throwing the scent off yourself.
Mike: That it??
Eve: ... um... special note, some pranks can land you in deep $#it, it's your own fault if you get caught. The first rule in pranking is: Deny, deny, deny.
This is kinda lame, but fun. Get two black suites a friend and a black briefcase. Put on the suites and have one of you with the briefcase. Walk towards each other in a busy place. when you brush past each other pass the briefcase to the other person.
That's not all. You gotta have that person open it slightly, pull out a fistful of monopoly money and run after you pretending to be pi$$ed.
Mike: Enough with the censoring, blind people know what you're saying.
Eve: ANYWAY! We post a lot of stuff here, some of it we get from websites but think you'll enjoy reading it. If we have actually done it, we'll tell you. This is for fun, not bragging rights, enjoy!
Vending machines.
The programming menu (also known as Service Mode) on some vending machines. There are 2 types of machines: the Glass Front Vender (with a 3X6 keypad) and the plain, old ones with several choices. They're both the same.
Now, if you are lucky, the "service person" refilling the machine forgot to close the machine's door, go up to it. For easier access, slip a cover over the lock bolt, or pick it yourself.
The glass front model has a keypad. Press 4231, and you're in! You'll get several options. To change prices, go to "PRICE" to change it.
Here's the following commands for either model.
1=Go To Previous Menu
2,3=Go To an Option
4=Enter
"Price" setting routine
Use 2/3 to cycle to the option, and press 4 to change it. Then set the price.
If cash is what you're looking for, go to Coinpayo (or CPO)
Press 4 to Enter, then use 2/3 to select an amount, then hold 4 and money will come out!
Got that from a webpage, did it, got the cash. Store was really mean to a friend of mine, she has mild C.P (Cerebral palsy.) they treated her like a space alien and threw the money at her instead of placing it in her outstretched hand. I gave her the money I got from the machine. She used it to buy something from the store after complaining to the manager about poor service. He thanked her for her purchase and apologized for any rudeness.
Mike: For those who don't know Eve. Yes, she is evil. No, she isn't mean. She's the leader of our group and like the Godmother of our school, I swear. People come up to her all the time when they have a problem they need handled.
Eve: Anyway, go find a vending machine after you review.
Cota: Reviewers Review
