Disclaimer: They're not mine and they never will be :-(
Three cheers for Ms Rowling!!!
...................................................................
Remus lay awake in bed. Listening.
He'd woken some time ago and had been unable to get back to sleep. Considering the events of the day he found it remarkable that he had been able to sleep at all.
He closed his eyes and concentrated on the sounds around him.
There was wind. Most certainly a gale had risen up since he and Harry had made the trip back to the castle from Hagrid's hut.
There was the light rattling of the windows.
The subtle swish of curtains.
Peter's snores.
Fred's steady breathing.
Remus was grateful for the last. Fred's fatigue had been bringing him to the brink of madness. Remus hoped morning would find their guest a little calmer; more willing to discuss James's future
Remus listened for Harry's distressed mumbles and found no sign of them. Good. That meant Harry might be free of nightmares tonight. Remus listened for the boy's breathing and found no sign of that either. Odd. His heightened senses could usually pick that sort of thing out.
He listened for Sirius. It took less than thirty seconds for Remus to identify the familiar sound of Sirius breath and also deduce from the irregular sound that Sirius was also awake.
Satisfied with that he turned to finding evidence of James's presence. Of the three marauders James was usually the hardest to hear at night, something Remus had discovered during his first year at Hogwarts. He'd had trouble sleeping that year. Listening to his friends as they slept had become a sort of game he used to amuse himself. A way to while away the tedious hours.
He stretched his senses out, searching for James. He found nothing. Irritated with himself, he continued to listen and quietly began to take deeper breaths, searching for James's scent. He hoped he wasn't losing his knack.
He scented the wind, the trees outside, the soap that had been used on the sheets, Sirius, Peter, Fred, but not James. Only traces of him.
Slowly, he sat up and silently moved his curtains. He didn't want to draw Sirius's attention to him, the other marauder was most likely trying to sleep, so he kept his movements quiet as he slipped over to James's bed and pulled the curtain aside.
As he'd half suspected it would be, the bed was empty.
A hopeful thought occurred to him. Perhaps Harry had taken his advice. Perhaps he had taken his father somewhere for a heart to heart. Maybe James was off having his life saved by his son.
Remus crept over to Harry's bed and found that it too was empty.
He smiled to himself. This might all turn out for the best after all.
At that moment the dormitory door swung open and James trotted into the room heading straight for his trunk.
It Remus a second to realize Harry wasn't with him.
"Where's your kid?" he whispered, making James jump about two feet in fright.
"You should whistle a tune if you're up! It's inconsiderate to make people wet their pants!"
"Sorry."
"What's going on?" Sirius demanded softly from where he was standing at the foot of his bed.
James started again and glared at his best friend. Sirius returned the look with a level stare.
"I just have to take care of something," James whispered as he returned to his trunk, threw it open and began to rummage through it.
Sirius looked to Remus, "Did you say Harry was missing?"
"He's not in his bed," said Remus.
"It's fine. Lily and I can find him. Go back to bed."
Sirius looked surprised, "Don't be a daft idiot, if he's run off we can help you find him."
"You can help me by telling me what's really going on here," said James harshly, "until then you can go back to sleep. We're his parents we can find him without you."
For a moment it seemed as though Sirius might reply with an angry comment, but he closed his mouth when he saw James snap his trunk shut in frustration.
"He took it with him you fool," James murmured to himself before marching out of the dormitory, giving neither Remus or Sirius a second look.
Sirius turned to Remus. "Come on," he said. Remus followed him into the common room without question.
....................................................................................
The first place Harry thought of running to was Diagon Alley. After all he'd found refuge their post blowing up his Aunt Marge, it might be reasonable to assume he'd find refuge their again.
After thinking that through though he found he didn't think it was such a great idea. Back then he'd had Fudge's support and being "The boy who lived" to convince the innkeeper to let him stay. Now he had no money and would only be seen as "They boy with the ridiculous hair and glasses."
He flew over Hogsmeade, quietly becoming frustrated with his father's broom. No doubt one of best money could buy in this era, James's Comet100 didn't handle quite like Harry's own Firebolt. It kept wanting to slip slightly to the left.
He steered carefully over to The Three Broomsticks, from which he could hear cheery conversation slipping out in bits and pieces. The fires were lit and a rosy glow shone lazily through the frosted windows.
Harry took a breath. All he had to do was stride over to the fireplace and use the floo powder before anyone bumped into him.
He pulled his father's cloak tighter about his shoulders and touched the hood to make sure it was still in place.
Satisfied that he was still hidden he reached forward and pushed his way in.
"That's odd," he heard a cheerful Rosemerta call out. "The door just opened up but no one came in."
"I'll close it!" called someone else, "It's cold out. Let's keep the heat in uh."
No one noticed the hand that reached into the floo powder.
Everyone cried out in surprise as the fire turned green and huge.
"Who threw.......?"
But Harry didn't hear the rest.
.......................................................................................
James led Lily confidently through the forest. She was scared but holding her chin high as she followed him. He had already assured her that she would be safe as long as he was their to guide her, but it hadn't seemed to help a lot.
He wondered whether he should tell her just how well he really did know this forest, and that many of the more frightening creatures here would recognize him as a member of a werewolf pack. There were few monsters in this forest who could mess with Prongs without fearing the wrath of Moony.
He decided against it, but noted that he really did need to have a heart to heart with Remus soon. If James made it clear just how devoted he was to Lily he was certain Remus would agree to let her in on the secrets.
In the meantime James was half enjoying playing the protective boyfriend, even if he could sense Lily's slight irritation at his machismo. She was perfectly capable of defending herself. Almost as good as James and she knew it.
James had to remind himself how terrifying it had been the first time he had ventured out into these parts, with the protection of a werewolf and huge black dog no less.
The only protection Lily was aware of was the human James. No wonder she was skittish.
She gripped his shoulder.
James turned to comfort her, words of assurance on the tip of his tongue, but found her expression to be different to the one he was expecting.
"James we're going about this in all the wrong ways," she said, "I mean, if you were Harry, would you go hiding out in the forest? He's got three days to waste. Even you wouldn't spend three days in here."
James opened his mouth to object. He knew that he could quite easily spend a few days in the forest if he had to. But Harry was a different story. Harry wasn't an animagus. He wasn't under the implied protection of a terrifying dark creature.
"Where else might he go do you think?" Lily asked. "I know you've only just met him, but has he said anything at all that might give you some kind of clue?"
James thought.
..........................................................................................
"I don't know where James and Lily went, but think about it, where would Harry go?"
Sirius and Remus were making their way down the tunnel that led to the Shrieking Shack.
"He'd get to closest fireplace and floo out of here until he has to get back."
"Right,"
"But where would he floo to?"
"No harm in trying 'Weasley residence'. His best friend is Fred's brother after all. He'd probably go there I reckon."
"Alright. Weasley residents it is."
..................................................................................................
Okay, one more down. This story is turning out to be a tad longer than I originally thought it would be. But as it's still fun to write, I'm not complaining to hard.
Templar Otmena
Thanks dude! I really enjoyed Neighbors. It was huge fun. I also love it when people compliment the character stuff, cause that's what I enjoy writing most. Also, I like to make characters suffer, especially Peter, who's just a glutton for punishment really. Little leach! There are indeed references to Prongs. Still unsure as to whether I will bring out the stag within the man, but stay tuned, more to come.
Coffechick
I'm unsure as to what skills the marauders really possessed while they were still in Hogwarts. I always assumed they were a cut above the rest, but I would have thought their skills would have been developed a bit more after Hogwarts. They can win duals against fellow students sure, but Death Eaters? I give em another year before they're at their full strength. As for Harry not wanting to change the future, he's a boy who puts the fortunes of others above his own. He's fully aware that saving his parent's lives will destroy the lives of countless others. If James and Lily hadn't dies that night, Harry would never have sent Voldemort into hiding the war would have had no respite. Lily will meet Harry soon. Thanks for the kind words.
Stormyice
No, the older Weasley kids are still at primary school age. Fred and George are soon to be born, Percy is two. Bill and Charlie's ages are never specified in the books to my knowledge, but I'd put them in the ball park of around seven and nine years of age at this point in history.
Ness Lupin
No. Driving you mad is a good thing! :)
Kitsu Black
Yeah I thought it was about time for a little Lily action.
Kat44
Lily may never know. Mwahahahaha.
Calimora
I couldn't agree more.
Olivia Wood
And the award for the shortest review goes to.............:)
Kitten
You're absolutely right. Small continuity fault on my behalf. Thanks for pointing that one out. Hope this chapter puts it right.
This Parrot has ceased to be
Dude! I love your way of thinking. Theory is close but not dead on. :)
Roonblah
I like Lily. I think she's a model human being. I think she's the common sense to the marauders insanity while still being a fiery red head. The girl should feature in far more of my chapters. But will possibly not ever know the whole truth.
Nightspear
I think Peter would have betrayed them anyway. Hope you liked where Harry ended up. Thanks for the reviews!
Stee Parker
Uh, I may have been a little out in my estimation of how many chapters this story would chew up. Plenty more to come!
Erindipity
Thank-you! I'm aware the premise sounds dodgy. Time travel stories on this site are usually drivel so I'm glad when people actually take the time to read my ramblings based on the summary.
SpangalDaCanary
Holy cow! Thank-you! The thesaurus is indeed a wonderful tool.
EldarWannabe
Always love the characterization comments. Cheers dude!
Witch@heart
Okay, first off, no way was Orlando cuter than Johnny in PotC! Also, can't speak for Legolas, but Rohan can be yours. I'm sure you'll put it to good use. ;-) He he. Start running now Prongs indeed! You've almost hit the nail on the head, trouble is indeed rising in the Lily/James land. Thanks for reviewing!
TAMI
Always love a good drunken ramble! Thankyou!
Three cheers for Ms Rowling!!!
...................................................................
Remus lay awake in bed. Listening.
He'd woken some time ago and had been unable to get back to sleep. Considering the events of the day he found it remarkable that he had been able to sleep at all.
He closed his eyes and concentrated on the sounds around him.
There was wind. Most certainly a gale had risen up since he and Harry had made the trip back to the castle from Hagrid's hut.
There was the light rattling of the windows.
The subtle swish of curtains.
Peter's snores.
Fred's steady breathing.
Remus was grateful for the last. Fred's fatigue had been bringing him to the brink of madness. Remus hoped morning would find their guest a little calmer; more willing to discuss James's future
Remus listened for Harry's distressed mumbles and found no sign of them. Good. That meant Harry might be free of nightmares tonight. Remus listened for the boy's breathing and found no sign of that either. Odd. His heightened senses could usually pick that sort of thing out.
He listened for Sirius. It took less than thirty seconds for Remus to identify the familiar sound of Sirius breath and also deduce from the irregular sound that Sirius was also awake.
Satisfied with that he turned to finding evidence of James's presence. Of the three marauders James was usually the hardest to hear at night, something Remus had discovered during his first year at Hogwarts. He'd had trouble sleeping that year. Listening to his friends as they slept had become a sort of game he used to amuse himself. A way to while away the tedious hours.
He stretched his senses out, searching for James. He found nothing. Irritated with himself, he continued to listen and quietly began to take deeper breaths, searching for James's scent. He hoped he wasn't losing his knack.
He scented the wind, the trees outside, the soap that had been used on the sheets, Sirius, Peter, Fred, but not James. Only traces of him.
Slowly, he sat up and silently moved his curtains. He didn't want to draw Sirius's attention to him, the other marauder was most likely trying to sleep, so he kept his movements quiet as he slipped over to James's bed and pulled the curtain aside.
As he'd half suspected it would be, the bed was empty.
A hopeful thought occurred to him. Perhaps Harry had taken his advice. Perhaps he had taken his father somewhere for a heart to heart. Maybe James was off having his life saved by his son.
Remus crept over to Harry's bed and found that it too was empty.
He smiled to himself. This might all turn out for the best after all.
At that moment the dormitory door swung open and James trotted into the room heading straight for his trunk.
It Remus a second to realize Harry wasn't with him.
"Where's your kid?" he whispered, making James jump about two feet in fright.
"You should whistle a tune if you're up! It's inconsiderate to make people wet their pants!"
"Sorry."
"What's going on?" Sirius demanded softly from where he was standing at the foot of his bed.
James started again and glared at his best friend. Sirius returned the look with a level stare.
"I just have to take care of something," James whispered as he returned to his trunk, threw it open and began to rummage through it.
Sirius looked to Remus, "Did you say Harry was missing?"
"He's not in his bed," said Remus.
"It's fine. Lily and I can find him. Go back to bed."
Sirius looked surprised, "Don't be a daft idiot, if he's run off we can help you find him."
"You can help me by telling me what's really going on here," said James harshly, "until then you can go back to sleep. We're his parents we can find him without you."
For a moment it seemed as though Sirius might reply with an angry comment, but he closed his mouth when he saw James snap his trunk shut in frustration.
"He took it with him you fool," James murmured to himself before marching out of the dormitory, giving neither Remus or Sirius a second look.
Sirius turned to Remus. "Come on," he said. Remus followed him into the common room without question.
....................................................................................
The first place Harry thought of running to was Diagon Alley. After all he'd found refuge their post blowing up his Aunt Marge, it might be reasonable to assume he'd find refuge their again.
After thinking that through though he found he didn't think it was such a great idea. Back then he'd had Fudge's support and being "The boy who lived" to convince the innkeeper to let him stay. Now he had no money and would only be seen as "They boy with the ridiculous hair and glasses."
He flew over Hogsmeade, quietly becoming frustrated with his father's broom. No doubt one of best money could buy in this era, James's Comet100 didn't handle quite like Harry's own Firebolt. It kept wanting to slip slightly to the left.
He steered carefully over to The Three Broomsticks, from which he could hear cheery conversation slipping out in bits and pieces. The fires were lit and a rosy glow shone lazily through the frosted windows.
Harry took a breath. All he had to do was stride over to the fireplace and use the floo powder before anyone bumped into him.
He pulled his father's cloak tighter about his shoulders and touched the hood to make sure it was still in place.
Satisfied that he was still hidden he reached forward and pushed his way in.
"That's odd," he heard a cheerful Rosemerta call out. "The door just opened up but no one came in."
"I'll close it!" called someone else, "It's cold out. Let's keep the heat in uh."
No one noticed the hand that reached into the floo powder.
Everyone cried out in surprise as the fire turned green and huge.
"Who threw.......?"
But Harry didn't hear the rest.
.......................................................................................
James led Lily confidently through the forest. She was scared but holding her chin high as she followed him. He had already assured her that she would be safe as long as he was their to guide her, but it hadn't seemed to help a lot.
He wondered whether he should tell her just how well he really did know this forest, and that many of the more frightening creatures here would recognize him as a member of a werewolf pack. There were few monsters in this forest who could mess with Prongs without fearing the wrath of Moony.
He decided against it, but noted that he really did need to have a heart to heart with Remus soon. If James made it clear just how devoted he was to Lily he was certain Remus would agree to let her in on the secrets.
In the meantime James was half enjoying playing the protective boyfriend, even if he could sense Lily's slight irritation at his machismo. She was perfectly capable of defending herself. Almost as good as James and she knew it.
James had to remind himself how terrifying it had been the first time he had ventured out into these parts, with the protection of a werewolf and huge black dog no less.
The only protection Lily was aware of was the human James. No wonder she was skittish.
She gripped his shoulder.
James turned to comfort her, words of assurance on the tip of his tongue, but found her expression to be different to the one he was expecting.
"James we're going about this in all the wrong ways," she said, "I mean, if you were Harry, would you go hiding out in the forest? He's got three days to waste. Even you wouldn't spend three days in here."
James opened his mouth to object. He knew that he could quite easily spend a few days in the forest if he had to. But Harry was a different story. Harry wasn't an animagus. He wasn't under the implied protection of a terrifying dark creature.
"Where else might he go do you think?" Lily asked. "I know you've only just met him, but has he said anything at all that might give you some kind of clue?"
James thought.
..........................................................................................
"I don't know where James and Lily went, but think about it, where would Harry go?"
Sirius and Remus were making their way down the tunnel that led to the Shrieking Shack.
"He'd get to closest fireplace and floo out of here until he has to get back."
"Right,"
"But where would he floo to?"
"No harm in trying 'Weasley residence'. His best friend is Fred's brother after all. He'd probably go there I reckon."
"Alright. Weasley residents it is."
..................................................................................................
Okay, one more down. This story is turning out to be a tad longer than I originally thought it would be. But as it's still fun to write, I'm not complaining to hard.
Templar Otmena
Thanks dude! I really enjoyed Neighbors. It was huge fun. I also love it when people compliment the character stuff, cause that's what I enjoy writing most. Also, I like to make characters suffer, especially Peter, who's just a glutton for punishment really. Little leach! There are indeed references to Prongs. Still unsure as to whether I will bring out the stag within the man, but stay tuned, more to come.
Coffechick
I'm unsure as to what skills the marauders really possessed while they were still in Hogwarts. I always assumed they were a cut above the rest, but I would have thought their skills would have been developed a bit more after Hogwarts. They can win duals against fellow students sure, but Death Eaters? I give em another year before they're at their full strength. As for Harry not wanting to change the future, he's a boy who puts the fortunes of others above his own. He's fully aware that saving his parent's lives will destroy the lives of countless others. If James and Lily hadn't dies that night, Harry would never have sent Voldemort into hiding the war would have had no respite. Lily will meet Harry soon. Thanks for the kind words.
Stormyice
No, the older Weasley kids are still at primary school age. Fred and George are soon to be born, Percy is two. Bill and Charlie's ages are never specified in the books to my knowledge, but I'd put them in the ball park of around seven and nine years of age at this point in history.
Ness Lupin
No. Driving you mad is a good thing! :)
Kitsu Black
Yeah I thought it was about time for a little Lily action.
Kat44
Lily may never know. Mwahahahaha.
Calimora
I couldn't agree more.
Olivia Wood
And the award for the shortest review goes to.............:)
Kitten
You're absolutely right. Small continuity fault on my behalf. Thanks for pointing that one out. Hope this chapter puts it right.
This Parrot has ceased to be
Dude! I love your way of thinking. Theory is close but not dead on. :)
Roonblah
I like Lily. I think she's a model human being. I think she's the common sense to the marauders insanity while still being a fiery red head. The girl should feature in far more of my chapters. But will possibly not ever know the whole truth.
Nightspear
I think Peter would have betrayed them anyway. Hope you liked where Harry ended up. Thanks for the reviews!
Stee Parker
Uh, I may have been a little out in my estimation of how many chapters this story would chew up. Plenty more to come!
Erindipity
Thank-you! I'm aware the premise sounds dodgy. Time travel stories on this site are usually drivel so I'm glad when people actually take the time to read my ramblings based on the summary.
SpangalDaCanary
Holy cow! Thank-you! The thesaurus is indeed a wonderful tool.
EldarWannabe
Always love the characterization comments. Cheers dude!
Witch@heart
Okay, first off, no way was Orlando cuter than Johnny in PotC! Also, can't speak for Legolas, but Rohan can be yours. I'm sure you'll put it to good use. ;-) He he. Start running now Prongs indeed! You've almost hit the nail on the head, trouble is indeed rising in the Lily/James land. Thanks for reviewing!
TAMI
Always love a good drunken ramble! Thankyou!
