Next chapter! Hooray!
Chapter 14 – Fortunes and Flight
The next few months passed quickly, and the box the Elemental Guardians had been given lay forgotten at the bottom of Kathryn's trunk, though the key remained in her pocket, always.
The birthdays of Sirius, Kathryn, James and Lily, all in January, Kathryn and Sirius on New Year's Day, the other two a week later on the Eighth, passed with a lot of celebration. Now being legal adults in the wizarding world, they planned to enjoy themselves when they got out. Kathryn and Lily were already planning ideas for Petunia and her ugly boyfriend Vernon Dursley (Kathryn hadn't revealed that Petunia would marry him). After all, for the first week of summer, Kathryn was going to Lily's while their other friends were abroad for a week in early July.
Quidditch games came and went, Gryffindor were well on their way to winning the Quidditch Cup. They just had their last game against Slytherin now, in June, after exams ended.
Kathryn and Sirius remained together, as did their friends, though Lily and James had yet to face up to their feelings. However, other than a bit more kissing and teasing, no one really noticed any difference in the way Sirius and Kathryn talked to each other, which showed how much they had flirted before they got together.
Kathryn still didn't know what Snape had done to her, but contented herself by pranking him heavily. She also pranked Miss Rita Skeeter and Master Ludo Bagman, with some help. She had explained that both were going to do some very stupid things and therefore, it had early consequences.
Kathryn also seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time in the Hospital Wing for one thing or another (once she had had a tail). Luckily, neither Kathryn nor Sirius had had any more visits from previous owners of their souls.
A final thing was the terrifying number of attacks on Muggle-born, and younger, students. Gareth Jackson had been the first of many. Funnily enough, no one from Slytherin House had been attacked. The Marauders and Enchanted (especially Kathryn) had got into trouble a number of times for hexing, jinxing and cursing Slytherins – usually when they caught them harming one of the younger or Muggle-born students. And the attacks would range from pure brutality to magical attacks. Unfortunately, the teachers could do nothing without proof and would not punish on accusation alone. Fortunately, the harmed students came to see Enchanted and the Marauders as people to tell – they had asked Gryffindor House to tell them if they knew, or could describe, who had attacked them.
It was one morning, the twentieth of April, after the Easter holidays (filled with revision and homework), that Sirius received some interesting news.
"Uncle Alphard's died." Sirius looked blank.
"Oh, Sirius, I'm so sorry." Kathryn squeezed his hand.
"Yeah, me too. He was one of my few sane relations. They've buried him, but... the thing is..."
"Spit it out, Padfoot." James advised.
"He's left me some gold. A lot actually. The rest he had left – two thousand, four hundred and eighty-six Galleons, thirty Sickles and four Knuts." Sirius explained.
"Wow, that's... that's a lot." Kathryn gasped.
"I know, but it means... Oh, thanks, Uncle Alphard!" He grinned.
"What?" Kathryn smiled, confused.
"I can get a house of my own. I don't have to camp out at your house, James!"
"Hey, I was inviting you all to my house, remember?" Kathryn protested.
"Yeah, well, I'll have somewhere to go after graduation!" Sirius grinned.
"And the rest of us can move in and bug you!" James grinned.
"I don't mind if Kathryn does." Sirius smirked.
"Don't even go there, Padfoot." James advised.
"Yeah, we do not want to know about your warped –" Lily began.
"Don't finish that sentence, Medea." Sirius and Kathryn warned her.
"Okay then." Lily grinned. "James, now *they* are talking in unison!"
"Yeah, well we're going out, so *we* have an excuse." Kathryn giggled.
"Remus and Radella don't." James pointed out.
"But then they spend more time snogging and cuddling than talking." Sirius pointed out.
"And doing homework. They always do their homework before they do their coupley stuff. It's like some bizarre ritual." Lily frowned.
"Whereas Alura and Damion do whatever they want, whenever they want." James wrinkled his nose.
"What's up, Sirius?" Kathryn asked, noticing her boyfriend was frowning.
"Nothing. I'm just thinking. Uncle Alphard probably been blasted off that blasted family tapestry now, for doing this."
"You were as soon as you ran, right?" Kathryn asked.
"Yeah. Wait, how did you know about the tapestry?"
"You don't want to know. And remind me, I never want to meet your mother. Even if we get married and have sixty kids, that is the one thing I beg of you." Kathryn informed him.
"Don't worry, I don't want to meet her again either. Miserable old –" He proceeded to call his mother some names that Kathryn had never heard before.
"Where did you learn *those*?" Kathryn asked, aghast.
"House-elf. He's nutty as a fruitcake."
"Oh, so it wasn't just ten years alone that turned him that way." Kathryn murmured.
"What?"
"Nothing." Kathryn smiled.
"So you want to get married then?" Sirius asked wickedly.
"WHAT?! Oh, Sirius!" Kathryn groaned, exasperated as he laughed.
"Your face was perfect! Though I'm not sure why you looked so scared." Sirius frowned. "Does that mean something?"
Kathryn smiled slyly, looking at him sideways through her lashes. "Could do."
"Could you two stop taunting each other? We've gotta go to lessons." Remus reminded them.
"Free first period on a Tuesday." Sirius grinned. "Kathryn, I think we should do some studying in the library."
"Yes, Defence Against the Dark Arts?" Kathryn replied, 'seriously'.
"Yep, let's check on Professor Johnson's theory of discovering Dark Magic." Sirius looked serious (no pun intended) and grabbed her hand.
"Definitely. Mustn't forget the finer points of identifying Dark Magic." Kathryn nodded as he pulled her away.
"Exactly." Sirius certified.
Remus looked at James and Lily. "Did I miss something?"
"First Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson. I believe we told you about Kathryn's comments as to the lateness of our teachers?" James replied.
"You mean about there being a lot of Dark Magic behind Miss Kestrel's tonsils?" Remus asked, and then realised what he had said. "Oh, gross."
"Mm-hmm. Maybe we should stop them from making fools of themselves in the library. Madam Pince'll kill them if she catches them."
"No, she'll just kill them after whatever Kathryn and her smart mouth tells her. Come on, Remus, surely you knew what 'studying' means to those two?" Lily pointed out.
"Making out in the biggest way possible?" Remus guessed.
"No, that's studying D.A.D.A. They have different versions for each subject. At least that's what Sirius said." James looked pale.
"Can we get off their weird love life and back to lessons? Remus, we're going to be late for Ancient Runes." Radella warned him.
"Damn! See you guys later. If you do see our favourite couple, why don't you tell them to get a room?" Remus suggested as he and Radella left.
James and Lily sighed, heading towards the library to actually study.
"Let's just hope they don't choose the Room of Requirement as their room." James groaned.
"Why?" Lily frowned.
"It's in the name, Lils, re-quire-ment." He said the word slowly.
"Oh, God, bad images, bad images!" Lily exclaimed.
"Exactly."
* * *
24th May 1981, beside the lake:
"No more exams." Kathryn murmured dreamily.
She was sat with Sirius, leaning against his chest, his arms around her. They were all dreamy and sleepy, the warm weather lulling them comfortably.
"Thank Merlin." James grinned. "There's only the OWLs and the NEWTs now. They're over next week and the week after. I feel sorry for your brothers." He informed Kathryn.
"Why?"
"Because they've got revision and Quidditch practise to fit in. Last day of their exams in the Quidditch final, remember?"
"Oh yeah, broomsticks, Snitch, Quaffle." Kathryn murmured. "New broomstick."
"*New*?" Sirius asked. "You mean you've still not used it?"
"Er..." Kathryn was wide-awake now. "Um, no?"
"That's it, Kathryn Orenda, you will go on that broomstick and that's final!" James ordered.
"But..."
"*Kathryn*."
"Fine." She pulled out her wand. "Accio Shooting Star." Her friends gasped. It was the top broom around.
"You have a *Shooting Star* and you've never flown it?" James asked incredulously.
"Mum and Dad just bought it. They went a bit crazy with the shopping. I think it had something to do with waking up."
"Funny that." Lily's voice was dry.
"Well, Kat? Broom?" Sirius ordered.
She sighed. Placing it on the ground, she called, "Up!"
And shockingly, it obeyed.
"Okay, mount the broom." Sirius suggested.
Kathryn obeyed.
"Accio broom." Sirius called, his own broom appearing.
He mounted his own. "Okay, kick off from the ground and..."
He got no further. As soon as Kathryn kicked off from the ground, and felt the wind rush about her, she realised that she had been an idiot for putting it off for so long. She flew instinctively, she knew what to do.
Sirius grinned and caught up with her.
"Seems to be in the blood." He told her.
"What?" She stopped suddenly.
"Well, all of your brothers have been on the Quidditch team. And damn good fliers, they've been too. I believe your Mum was really good, as was your Dad."
"Mum'd be more impressive. After all, she didn't exactly have wizarding blood to fall back on."
"All I know is that they were on the team for six years at Hogwarts, and Gryffindor never lost a game." Sirius grinned. "You should try out next year. We'll have three Chaser openings, and a Beater." He explained.
"I doubt I'd be good enough." Kathryn replied.
"Ah, but you forget. I'm coming to your house for seven weeks in the summer. James and I can train you up then."
(A/N: I'm certain that Hogwarts students have two months for summer – July and August, so bear with me.)
"Maybe." Kathryn smiled.
"Hey, Orenda, *catch*!" A voice yelled.
A large object that appeared to be a football came flying at her. Instinctively, she caught it in one hand and glared at James on the ground.
"Hey, Potter, *catch*!" She replied, throwing it with a lot of force.
James caught it easily, but stumbled back somewhat.
"Definitely Chaser material. Is your sister a good flier?" Sirius asked.
"Is she? All she seemed to do at home was fly on Jonah's broom, while I had to study. It was sickening. She was so good." Kathryn groaned.
"So why have you put off flying?" Sirius asked.
"Well, in my coma, I had a phobia of heights. I mean, here, I'm fine, but I didn't want to risk it." She and Sirius were floating down towards their friends.
"What are you scared of now?"
"Losing my memory. I mean, I lost eleven years of my life and I've got another sixteen that never really happened. Admittedly some of those memories are useful, but... I wish I could remember my childhood. My real one. And I wish I could remember what happened the day you told Snape how to get to Moony. I know there's something missing there. And I wish I could actually remember what we said, or they said, on Christmas Day. I also despise snakes and spiders."
"I'm a little claustrophobic." Sirius confessed.
"Really? You're never scared of broom cupboards." Kathryn smirked.
"Well, there are other distractions then." He grinned.
"Are you two flirting *again*?" Radella wanted to know.
"Like you don't." Kathryn retorted.
"Hey, Kat, you could be a really good Chaser. Strong arm, very accurate." James grinned.
"You just need to spy a tiny speck of gold and chase it." Kathryn grinned. (A/N: Loads of people seem to have him as a Chaser, but I reckon he's a Seeker, so there!)
"Yeah, real easy, along with ordering everyone about and planning new tactics." James rolled his eyes. "Anyone else fly well?"
"Lily does." Alura revealed from her position with Damion under a tree.
"Really? I've never seen you fly except for the lessons in First-year." James frowned.
"I fly on my own and it was my secret, thank you very much, Alura." She glared at her friend.
"Yet another thing they have in common." Sirius claimed dramatically.
"Sirius?" Lily asked dangerously.
He ignored her because she sat down suddenly, pulling Kathryn down on top of him.
"Hey, Lils, you take a turn. I've got to find any potential Chasers. We've got three openings and I can start looking even now." He explained.
Lily groaned and borrowed Kathryn's broom while Kathryn was... otherwise occupied, shall we say. She proved to be a very good flier, and James grinned, knowing that if he could convince them to try out, he could have a very strong team next year.
* * *
Two weeks later:
"James, there's been a terrible incident!" Fifth-year Kerri Devlin, their, very skilled, Keeper, informed him.
"What happened?" He demanded, following her.
"I think it was the Slytherins. Jan didn't have any more NEWTs so she was on her own. In any case, she unconscious with a broken leg and rib."
"WHAT?!" James was clearly furious. Something gripped him. "Oh, God, she's Muggle-born, isn't she?"
"Yes, why?"
"The Slytherins had two reasons to attack her. She's one of our team and she's Muggle-born. You know what a lot of bigoted b – idiots they are!" James fumed.
"What are we going to do? We've got a game in two hours!" It started just after lunch, after the last NEWT exam had been done. Everyone else had the day off. "We don't have a reserve Seeker!"
"I have an idea." James murmured, a grin spreading across his face.
"Professor McGonagall? I need a favour." James explained, Sirius, Kathryn, Lily and Kerri flanking him.
"Yes?" Her face was a little pinched. She was as angry as James about the attack on Jan Grace.
"Well, I need you to rule a substitute for Jan." He explained.
Her face changed. "You've found someone?"
"Kathryn. She didn't fly a broom till a couple of weeks back, but she's a natural." James explained. Kathryn blushed. "We've been training her in our spare time, her and Lily, for tryouts next year. I think she can do this. Her brothers are the other two Chasers, so she should be capable of working with them."
McGonagall surveyed Kathryn. "Miss Orenda, do you think you can do this?"
"I sure as hell hope so. I'm not sure James, or Sirius for that matter, have given me much of a choice." Kathryn couldn't help grinning.
McGonagall smiled. "Very well. Merlin knows you need another Chaser anyway. And if she's as good as you think... Well, I'll rule it. You might want a last minute practise beforehand though."
James nodded. "I'll get the twins. Thanks, Professor. C'mon." He told the others.
Kathryn smiled. Sirius whispered something in her ear. She grinned. "I'll definitely be part of the team if you do *that*."
James looked worried. Sirius and Kathryn, on the other hand, were giggling. It was clearly something very funny. James didn't want to know what it was.
It was time to prepare.
* * *
Kathryn breathed deeply, nervously as they waited to go onto the field.
"You okay?" Joseph asked.
"Sort of. I wish my stomach would stay still, but other than that..." She grinned.
"Relax. It'll be fine. You're a damn good flier, Kat. And we actually work well together." Jonah grinned on her other side.
"Hey, Flamma." A voice behind her called.
"Yes, Solum?" She grinned.
He kissed her gently. "For luck." He smiled.
"You too."
"Do you mind not snogging our sister in front of us, Sirius?" Jonah demanded.
"We did not snog. It was just a kiss!" Sirius replied.
"Use that anger well, oh Comic, it will aid you in beating Bludgers towards our enemies." Kathryn said in a 'wise' and vaguely foreign voice.
Frank Longbottom was commentating. First he introduced the Slytherin team as they zoomed out and then the Gryffindor team.
"And for Gryffindor, I give you Potter, Black, Serle, Devlin, Orenda, Orenda, and in a last minute substitution due to the incapacitation of Grace, Orenda!"
There were tumultuous cheers from three-quarters of the stadium, and a bit of shock as they recognised Kathryn.
"And the game begins!" Frank announced. He commentated through the match in an exciting and interesting way with none of swearing Kathryn remembered from Lee Jordan's commentary.
The match was fast and interesting. Kathryn proved to be extremely good as she swiftly caught the Quaffle, passed to Jonah, had it passed back and scored a goal.
After ten minutes the score was forty-zero. The Slytherins went to their famous tactics – committing as many fouls as possible.
In anger at this, the Gryffindor team responded by being better than their opponents. (A/N: Is it just me, or does that sound really stupid?) They began to use confusing and fancy moves to dodge fouls. Once James had to do a loop-the-loop to dodge a Bludger, and another to dodge his opposite Seeker. Jonah had to swing from his broom by his knees to dodge a swipe from Beater Flint's cudgel, and Kathryn had to practically dance to dodge the number of Bludgers shot her way. She was as good as her brothers, who had been playing for six years. If not, better.
Let's just say that after an hour of extreme excitement, James went into a spectacular dive. His fellow Seeker shot after him and they were neck and neck until... James' fingers closed round the Snitch and he pulled out of the dive sharply. Polkit, the Slytherin Seeker, smashed straight into the hard ground.
Gryffindor had won the Quidditch Cup!
As she dismounted her broom, Kathryn ran over to Sirius, jumping up into his arms, her legs round him, and kissed him soundly. Sirius wasn't complaining as he kissed back.
Even Kathryn's brothers couldn't complain. Gryffindors swarmed the pitch, congratulating their team.
And as James lifted up the Quidditch Cup, presented by Dumbledore, he couldn't suppress his euphoria. The Gryffindors, and Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs (after all, they didn't want Slytherin to win), went wild.
A party began in Gryffindor Tower as soon as everyone arrived (Damion, as usual, sneaked in). James, Sirius, Remus and Peter slipped away for a while and returned with loads of food, Honeydukes chocolate and Butterbeer.
"How did you do that?" Jan, who was now awake and being fussed over by everyone (Madam Pomfrey had manage to mend her bones, though she'd be in pain for a few days).
"I think you'd have to ask Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs." Kathryn slyly at Sirius as he came over.
"Feeling better, Jan?" Sirius asked.
"Much, I think Gryffindor winning was the best cure." She grinned.
"And you really don't mind..." Kathryn began.
"Of course not! You won, didn't you? In fact, I've heard you're an exceptional flier, so don't worry. It's good to know there'll be someone good on the team next year." Jan grinned.
"I'm so glad." Kathryn smiled and proceeded to hand her a large bar of chocolate. "Believe me, chocolate'll cure nearly anything."
"Even broken bones?"
"*Especially* broken bones." Kathryn grinned.
"Oi, Miss Orenda, I'm waiting!" Sirius called, pretending to be annoyed.
"Alas, my love awaits me!" Kathryn exclaimed dramatically.
"About time." Sirius grinned as she came over.
"You think?" She asked, raising a brow.
Before she could make another comment, he swept her up in his arms. Kathryn flung her hands round his neck, and enjoyed the kiss.
As he broke away, Sirius murmured, "I adore you."
Kathryn smiled. "Good. I adore you too."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Oh good." He kissed her again.
"Oi, Padfoot, Mystique! Quit snogging for a minute and get your behinds over here!" James yelled.
Eyes fell on them as they walked over.
"You couldn't just tap us on the shoulder, could you? No, you have to interrupt our romantic moment by yelling to everyone so they can stare." Sirius complained as he walked towards his other Quidditch teammates.
"What's so romantic about snogging?" Lily demanded.
"Find a boyfriend and you'll work it out." Kathryn advised. "Believe me, you will."
"Anyway, I want to declare our Quidditch team the greatest ever seen, including substitutes and absentees!" James grinned at Kathryn and Jan, who swapped looks.
"There will never be such a team!" James announced.
Kathryn smirked. "Wrong!"
"Why?" James demanded.
"Because in, um, well, it'll be 2001, the Quidditch team'll win, from losing one game." Kathryn explained.
"You have to ruin it, don't you?" James complained.
"What, it'll be a great team and they'll beat the Slytherins who'll still foul as much as now!" Kathryn retorted. Then she frowned. "The fact that a number of children of people we know will be on those teams is a little strange..." She mused. "Sorry, shall I shut up about the future?"
"Whose children?" Lily asked.
"Ah, now that would be telling, wouldn't it?" Kathryn smirked.
"You're evil." James informed her.
"Nah, just clairvoyant. Isn't it wonderful?" She sighed dreamily.
"Only in some ways." James glared at her. "Anyway, to the Quidditch team." He raised a mug of Butterbeer.
"To the Quidditch team." The others intoned.
"And to our captain, who led us to victory even when we had a completely new player and for being so over-zealous that he began trying to train replacement Chasers early!" Sirius grinned.
"To the Captain." Everyone grinned, toasting him.
The evening was wonderful and the party didn't stop until one o'clock when Professor McGonagall demanded they all go to bed. It was even funnier when she noticed Damion trying to sneak up the stairs unnoticed and ordered him back to his own common room and dorm, threatening to take points.
"Miserable woman." He complained.
"Don't you wish you were a Gryffindor now?" James smirked as his friend exited the room.
But even Professor McGonagall hadn't the heart to disturb Kathryn and Sirius, who had fallen asleep in a corner on one of the sofas, gently leaning against each other, Kathryn safe in her boyfriend's arms.
James grinned. "Seems a shame to wake them."
Professor McGonagall sighed. "Leave them. I suppose it's soft, but I don't think they're going to do any more damage." She looked at the room, which was just a little messy. "Scourgify. Much better. Give them a blanket, Potter, and be done with it." She left, leaving a stunned number of Sixth and Seventh-years in her wake.
"That was McGonagall and not someone under a Polyjuice potion?" Jan checked.
"Seemed like her." James grinned, conjuring a blanket and settling it over Kathryn and Sirius.
"They're so sweet." Radella smiled. And yawned. "I'm tired. I'll see you in the morning, Remus."
"Night. Sweet dreams." Remus smiled, kissing her cheek gently.
"I'm sure I will."
The rest of the Seventh-years followed, and soon Alura, James, Lily and Remus made their way upstairs, leaving their friends sleeping on the sofa.
* * *
A/N: Ha ha! You'll have to wait until next week to find out what happens next!
I want to thank my reviewers – all of them – which totals six!
These are: Lobo Diablo Lone Wolf (read her co-fic 'Destroying the Lives of Middle-Earth Elves' in the LotR sections – it's very funny!), Daphne Li (hers is 'The Phoenix's Prophecy' – again, very good), The Noodle Girl, The Prince of Fate and AlanP who reviewed via e-mail. And of course Thriodien, my adorable, darling little sister! (Note voice (or keyboard) saturated in the lovely tone that is sarcasm.)
I would plug her fics, but she hasn't posted any yet. Currently arguing with her to post some. She has my trait of refusing to post unless she has lots of chapters. I think I had about 26 before I posted. Am currently working on 28. Need help.
Here goes.
(Sort of ruins story, but not much.)
Kat, Sirius, James, Lily, Frank and Alice are Aurors. Only, I need some ideas as to what their actually going to do. Also, what do Unspeakables do? Does anyone have any ideas? Please help me! Will give you all cookies and biscuits if you do!
Also, if the notes get madder each week, chill, because I've given up said cookies and biscuits for Lent. Am trying to get healthier. What's harder is that I have... wait for it... GIVEN UP CHOCOLATE FOR LENT! WHAT WAS I THINKING? I MUST BE CRAZY! Anyway, there's my excuse.
Oh, and to Lobo Diablo, no I am not going to have Kat die and it be Peter's fault. It kind of puts a ruck in the story. Then again, I could always bring her back to life... No one else stays dead long... (Author screams and realises she's given up vital plot twist! Then begins to gaze dreamily in thinking state.)
Okay, sorry. However, I can't get on to the bits I'm really dying to write (I'm looking forward to weddings, confrontations and the words and threats used during labour) until you give me some more ideas. Auror operations, working for the Order, c'mon, I give, you give, it's all good! Okay, I did not just say that... write that... whatever.
Am crazier by second. Such a long Author's Note. Cannot believe it.
Anyway, read and review, I beg of you! (Tell your friends – tell your friends to tell their friends!)
Also, someone should sort out Harry Potter into different categories, just to make it easier to find fics. How about: Pre-Harry (Marauders and Lily etc.), Fifth, Sixth and Seventh-years, Post Hogwarts and Other (including time-travel and time skipping – under which mine would fall.)
Anyone have any idea who I could contact?
Anyway, as always,
Lol, Tanydwr
Chapter 14 – Fortunes and Flight
The next few months passed quickly, and the box the Elemental Guardians had been given lay forgotten at the bottom of Kathryn's trunk, though the key remained in her pocket, always.
The birthdays of Sirius, Kathryn, James and Lily, all in January, Kathryn and Sirius on New Year's Day, the other two a week later on the Eighth, passed with a lot of celebration. Now being legal adults in the wizarding world, they planned to enjoy themselves when they got out. Kathryn and Lily were already planning ideas for Petunia and her ugly boyfriend Vernon Dursley (Kathryn hadn't revealed that Petunia would marry him). After all, for the first week of summer, Kathryn was going to Lily's while their other friends were abroad for a week in early July.
Quidditch games came and went, Gryffindor were well on their way to winning the Quidditch Cup. They just had their last game against Slytherin now, in June, after exams ended.
Kathryn and Sirius remained together, as did their friends, though Lily and James had yet to face up to their feelings. However, other than a bit more kissing and teasing, no one really noticed any difference in the way Sirius and Kathryn talked to each other, which showed how much they had flirted before they got together.
Kathryn still didn't know what Snape had done to her, but contented herself by pranking him heavily. She also pranked Miss Rita Skeeter and Master Ludo Bagman, with some help. She had explained that both were going to do some very stupid things and therefore, it had early consequences.
Kathryn also seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time in the Hospital Wing for one thing or another (once she had had a tail). Luckily, neither Kathryn nor Sirius had had any more visits from previous owners of their souls.
A final thing was the terrifying number of attacks on Muggle-born, and younger, students. Gareth Jackson had been the first of many. Funnily enough, no one from Slytherin House had been attacked. The Marauders and Enchanted (especially Kathryn) had got into trouble a number of times for hexing, jinxing and cursing Slytherins – usually when they caught them harming one of the younger or Muggle-born students. And the attacks would range from pure brutality to magical attacks. Unfortunately, the teachers could do nothing without proof and would not punish on accusation alone. Fortunately, the harmed students came to see Enchanted and the Marauders as people to tell – they had asked Gryffindor House to tell them if they knew, or could describe, who had attacked them.
It was one morning, the twentieth of April, after the Easter holidays (filled with revision and homework), that Sirius received some interesting news.
"Uncle Alphard's died." Sirius looked blank.
"Oh, Sirius, I'm so sorry." Kathryn squeezed his hand.
"Yeah, me too. He was one of my few sane relations. They've buried him, but... the thing is..."
"Spit it out, Padfoot." James advised.
"He's left me some gold. A lot actually. The rest he had left – two thousand, four hundred and eighty-six Galleons, thirty Sickles and four Knuts." Sirius explained.
"Wow, that's... that's a lot." Kathryn gasped.
"I know, but it means... Oh, thanks, Uncle Alphard!" He grinned.
"What?" Kathryn smiled, confused.
"I can get a house of my own. I don't have to camp out at your house, James!"
"Hey, I was inviting you all to my house, remember?" Kathryn protested.
"Yeah, well, I'll have somewhere to go after graduation!" Sirius grinned.
"And the rest of us can move in and bug you!" James grinned.
"I don't mind if Kathryn does." Sirius smirked.
"Don't even go there, Padfoot." James advised.
"Yeah, we do not want to know about your warped –" Lily began.
"Don't finish that sentence, Medea." Sirius and Kathryn warned her.
"Okay then." Lily grinned. "James, now *they* are talking in unison!"
"Yeah, well we're going out, so *we* have an excuse." Kathryn giggled.
"Remus and Radella don't." James pointed out.
"But then they spend more time snogging and cuddling than talking." Sirius pointed out.
"And doing homework. They always do their homework before they do their coupley stuff. It's like some bizarre ritual." Lily frowned.
"Whereas Alura and Damion do whatever they want, whenever they want." James wrinkled his nose.
"What's up, Sirius?" Kathryn asked, noticing her boyfriend was frowning.
"Nothing. I'm just thinking. Uncle Alphard probably been blasted off that blasted family tapestry now, for doing this."
"You were as soon as you ran, right?" Kathryn asked.
"Yeah. Wait, how did you know about the tapestry?"
"You don't want to know. And remind me, I never want to meet your mother. Even if we get married and have sixty kids, that is the one thing I beg of you." Kathryn informed him.
"Don't worry, I don't want to meet her again either. Miserable old –" He proceeded to call his mother some names that Kathryn had never heard before.
"Where did you learn *those*?" Kathryn asked, aghast.
"House-elf. He's nutty as a fruitcake."
"Oh, so it wasn't just ten years alone that turned him that way." Kathryn murmured.
"What?"
"Nothing." Kathryn smiled.
"So you want to get married then?" Sirius asked wickedly.
"WHAT?! Oh, Sirius!" Kathryn groaned, exasperated as he laughed.
"Your face was perfect! Though I'm not sure why you looked so scared." Sirius frowned. "Does that mean something?"
Kathryn smiled slyly, looking at him sideways through her lashes. "Could do."
"Could you two stop taunting each other? We've gotta go to lessons." Remus reminded them.
"Free first period on a Tuesday." Sirius grinned. "Kathryn, I think we should do some studying in the library."
"Yes, Defence Against the Dark Arts?" Kathryn replied, 'seriously'.
"Yep, let's check on Professor Johnson's theory of discovering Dark Magic." Sirius looked serious (no pun intended) and grabbed her hand.
"Definitely. Mustn't forget the finer points of identifying Dark Magic." Kathryn nodded as he pulled her away.
"Exactly." Sirius certified.
Remus looked at James and Lily. "Did I miss something?"
"First Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson. I believe we told you about Kathryn's comments as to the lateness of our teachers?" James replied.
"You mean about there being a lot of Dark Magic behind Miss Kestrel's tonsils?" Remus asked, and then realised what he had said. "Oh, gross."
"Mm-hmm. Maybe we should stop them from making fools of themselves in the library. Madam Pince'll kill them if she catches them."
"No, she'll just kill them after whatever Kathryn and her smart mouth tells her. Come on, Remus, surely you knew what 'studying' means to those two?" Lily pointed out.
"Making out in the biggest way possible?" Remus guessed.
"No, that's studying D.A.D.A. They have different versions for each subject. At least that's what Sirius said." James looked pale.
"Can we get off their weird love life and back to lessons? Remus, we're going to be late for Ancient Runes." Radella warned him.
"Damn! See you guys later. If you do see our favourite couple, why don't you tell them to get a room?" Remus suggested as he and Radella left.
James and Lily sighed, heading towards the library to actually study.
"Let's just hope they don't choose the Room of Requirement as their room." James groaned.
"Why?" Lily frowned.
"It's in the name, Lils, re-quire-ment." He said the word slowly.
"Oh, God, bad images, bad images!" Lily exclaimed.
"Exactly."
* * *
24th May 1981, beside the lake:
"No more exams." Kathryn murmured dreamily.
She was sat with Sirius, leaning against his chest, his arms around her. They were all dreamy and sleepy, the warm weather lulling them comfortably.
"Thank Merlin." James grinned. "There's only the OWLs and the NEWTs now. They're over next week and the week after. I feel sorry for your brothers." He informed Kathryn.
"Why?"
"Because they've got revision and Quidditch practise to fit in. Last day of their exams in the Quidditch final, remember?"
"Oh yeah, broomsticks, Snitch, Quaffle." Kathryn murmured. "New broomstick."
"*New*?" Sirius asked. "You mean you've still not used it?"
"Er..." Kathryn was wide-awake now. "Um, no?"
"That's it, Kathryn Orenda, you will go on that broomstick and that's final!" James ordered.
"But..."
"*Kathryn*."
"Fine." She pulled out her wand. "Accio Shooting Star." Her friends gasped. It was the top broom around.
"You have a *Shooting Star* and you've never flown it?" James asked incredulously.
"Mum and Dad just bought it. They went a bit crazy with the shopping. I think it had something to do with waking up."
"Funny that." Lily's voice was dry.
"Well, Kat? Broom?" Sirius ordered.
She sighed. Placing it on the ground, she called, "Up!"
And shockingly, it obeyed.
"Okay, mount the broom." Sirius suggested.
Kathryn obeyed.
"Accio broom." Sirius called, his own broom appearing.
He mounted his own. "Okay, kick off from the ground and..."
He got no further. As soon as Kathryn kicked off from the ground, and felt the wind rush about her, she realised that she had been an idiot for putting it off for so long. She flew instinctively, she knew what to do.
Sirius grinned and caught up with her.
"Seems to be in the blood." He told her.
"What?" She stopped suddenly.
"Well, all of your brothers have been on the Quidditch team. And damn good fliers, they've been too. I believe your Mum was really good, as was your Dad."
"Mum'd be more impressive. After all, she didn't exactly have wizarding blood to fall back on."
"All I know is that they were on the team for six years at Hogwarts, and Gryffindor never lost a game." Sirius grinned. "You should try out next year. We'll have three Chaser openings, and a Beater." He explained.
"I doubt I'd be good enough." Kathryn replied.
"Ah, but you forget. I'm coming to your house for seven weeks in the summer. James and I can train you up then."
(A/N: I'm certain that Hogwarts students have two months for summer – July and August, so bear with me.)
"Maybe." Kathryn smiled.
"Hey, Orenda, *catch*!" A voice yelled.
A large object that appeared to be a football came flying at her. Instinctively, she caught it in one hand and glared at James on the ground.
"Hey, Potter, *catch*!" She replied, throwing it with a lot of force.
James caught it easily, but stumbled back somewhat.
"Definitely Chaser material. Is your sister a good flier?" Sirius asked.
"Is she? All she seemed to do at home was fly on Jonah's broom, while I had to study. It was sickening. She was so good." Kathryn groaned.
"So why have you put off flying?" Sirius asked.
"Well, in my coma, I had a phobia of heights. I mean, here, I'm fine, but I didn't want to risk it." She and Sirius were floating down towards their friends.
"What are you scared of now?"
"Losing my memory. I mean, I lost eleven years of my life and I've got another sixteen that never really happened. Admittedly some of those memories are useful, but... I wish I could remember my childhood. My real one. And I wish I could remember what happened the day you told Snape how to get to Moony. I know there's something missing there. And I wish I could actually remember what we said, or they said, on Christmas Day. I also despise snakes and spiders."
"I'm a little claustrophobic." Sirius confessed.
"Really? You're never scared of broom cupboards." Kathryn smirked.
"Well, there are other distractions then." He grinned.
"Are you two flirting *again*?" Radella wanted to know.
"Like you don't." Kathryn retorted.
"Hey, Kat, you could be a really good Chaser. Strong arm, very accurate." James grinned.
"You just need to spy a tiny speck of gold and chase it." Kathryn grinned. (A/N: Loads of people seem to have him as a Chaser, but I reckon he's a Seeker, so there!)
"Yeah, real easy, along with ordering everyone about and planning new tactics." James rolled his eyes. "Anyone else fly well?"
"Lily does." Alura revealed from her position with Damion under a tree.
"Really? I've never seen you fly except for the lessons in First-year." James frowned.
"I fly on my own and it was my secret, thank you very much, Alura." She glared at her friend.
"Yet another thing they have in common." Sirius claimed dramatically.
"Sirius?" Lily asked dangerously.
He ignored her because she sat down suddenly, pulling Kathryn down on top of him.
"Hey, Lils, you take a turn. I've got to find any potential Chasers. We've got three openings and I can start looking even now." He explained.
Lily groaned and borrowed Kathryn's broom while Kathryn was... otherwise occupied, shall we say. She proved to be a very good flier, and James grinned, knowing that if he could convince them to try out, he could have a very strong team next year.
* * *
Two weeks later:
"James, there's been a terrible incident!" Fifth-year Kerri Devlin, their, very skilled, Keeper, informed him.
"What happened?" He demanded, following her.
"I think it was the Slytherins. Jan didn't have any more NEWTs so she was on her own. In any case, she unconscious with a broken leg and rib."
"WHAT?!" James was clearly furious. Something gripped him. "Oh, God, she's Muggle-born, isn't she?"
"Yes, why?"
"The Slytherins had two reasons to attack her. She's one of our team and she's Muggle-born. You know what a lot of bigoted b – idiots they are!" James fumed.
"What are we going to do? We've got a game in two hours!" It started just after lunch, after the last NEWT exam had been done. Everyone else had the day off. "We don't have a reserve Seeker!"
"I have an idea." James murmured, a grin spreading across his face.
"Professor McGonagall? I need a favour." James explained, Sirius, Kathryn, Lily and Kerri flanking him.
"Yes?" Her face was a little pinched. She was as angry as James about the attack on Jan Grace.
"Well, I need you to rule a substitute for Jan." He explained.
Her face changed. "You've found someone?"
"Kathryn. She didn't fly a broom till a couple of weeks back, but she's a natural." James explained. Kathryn blushed. "We've been training her in our spare time, her and Lily, for tryouts next year. I think she can do this. Her brothers are the other two Chasers, so she should be capable of working with them."
McGonagall surveyed Kathryn. "Miss Orenda, do you think you can do this?"
"I sure as hell hope so. I'm not sure James, or Sirius for that matter, have given me much of a choice." Kathryn couldn't help grinning.
McGonagall smiled. "Very well. Merlin knows you need another Chaser anyway. And if she's as good as you think... Well, I'll rule it. You might want a last minute practise beforehand though."
James nodded. "I'll get the twins. Thanks, Professor. C'mon." He told the others.
Kathryn smiled. Sirius whispered something in her ear. She grinned. "I'll definitely be part of the team if you do *that*."
James looked worried. Sirius and Kathryn, on the other hand, were giggling. It was clearly something very funny. James didn't want to know what it was.
It was time to prepare.
* * *
Kathryn breathed deeply, nervously as they waited to go onto the field.
"You okay?" Joseph asked.
"Sort of. I wish my stomach would stay still, but other than that..." She grinned.
"Relax. It'll be fine. You're a damn good flier, Kat. And we actually work well together." Jonah grinned on her other side.
"Hey, Flamma." A voice behind her called.
"Yes, Solum?" She grinned.
He kissed her gently. "For luck." He smiled.
"You too."
"Do you mind not snogging our sister in front of us, Sirius?" Jonah demanded.
"We did not snog. It was just a kiss!" Sirius replied.
"Use that anger well, oh Comic, it will aid you in beating Bludgers towards our enemies." Kathryn said in a 'wise' and vaguely foreign voice.
Frank Longbottom was commentating. First he introduced the Slytherin team as they zoomed out and then the Gryffindor team.
"And for Gryffindor, I give you Potter, Black, Serle, Devlin, Orenda, Orenda, and in a last minute substitution due to the incapacitation of Grace, Orenda!"
There were tumultuous cheers from three-quarters of the stadium, and a bit of shock as they recognised Kathryn.
"And the game begins!" Frank announced. He commentated through the match in an exciting and interesting way with none of swearing Kathryn remembered from Lee Jordan's commentary.
The match was fast and interesting. Kathryn proved to be extremely good as she swiftly caught the Quaffle, passed to Jonah, had it passed back and scored a goal.
After ten minutes the score was forty-zero. The Slytherins went to their famous tactics – committing as many fouls as possible.
In anger at this, the Gryffindor team responded by being better than their opponents. (A/N: Is it just me, or does that sound really stupid?) They began to use confusing and fancy moves to dodge fouls. Once James had to do a loop-the-loop to dodge a Bludger, and another to dodge his opposite Seeker. Jonah had to swing from his broom by his knees to dodge a swipe from Beater Flint's cudgel, and Kathryn had to practically dance to dodge the number of Bludgers shot her way. She was as good as her brothers, who had been playing for six years. If not, better.
Let's just say that after an hour of extreme excitement, James went into a spectacular dive. His fellow Seeker shot after him and they were neck and neck until... James' fingers closed round the Snitch and he pulled out of the dive sharply. Polkit, the Slytherin Seeker, smashed straight into the hard ground.
Gryffindor had won the Quidditch Cup!
As she dismounted her broom, Kathryn ran over to Sirius, jumping up into his arms, her legs round him, and kissed him soundly. Sirius wasn't complaining as he kissed back.
Even Kathryn's brothers couldn't complain. Gryffindors swarmed the pitch, congratulating their team.
And as James lifted up the Quidditch Cup, presented by Dumbledore, he couldn't suppress his euphoria. The Gryffindors, and Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs (after all, they didn't want Slytherin to win), went wild.
A party began in Gryffindor Tower as soon as everyone arrived (Damion, as usual, sneaked in). James, Sirius, Remus and Peter slipped away for a while and returned with loads of food, Honeydukes chocolate and Butterbeer.
"How did you do that?" Jan, who was now awake and being fussed over by everyone (Madam Pomfrey had manage to mend her bones, though she'd be in pain for a few days).
"I think you'd have to ask Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs." Kathryn slyly at Sirius as he came over.
"Feeling better, Jan?" Sirius asked.
"Much, I think Gryffindor winning was the best cure." She grinned.
"And you really don't mind..." Kathryn began.
"Of course not! You won, didn't you? In fact, I've heard you're an exceptional flier, so don't worry. It's good to know there'll be someone good on the team next year." Jan grinned.
"I'm so glad." Kathryn smiled and proceeded to hand her a large bar of chocolate. "Believe me, chocolate'll cure nearly anything."
"Even broken bones?"
"*Especially* broken bones." Kathryn grinned.
"Oi, Miss Orenda, I'm waiting!" Sirius called, pretending to be annoyed.
"Alas, my love awaits me!" Kathryn exclaimed dramatically.
"About time." Sirius grinned as she came over.
"You think?" She asked, raising a brow.
Before she could make another comment, he swept her up in his arms. Kathryn flung her hands round his neck, and enjoyed the kiss.
As he broke away, Sirius murmured, "I adore you."
Kathryn smiled. "Good. I adore you too."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Oh good." He kissed her again.
"Oi, Padfoot, Mystique! Quit snogging for a minute and get your behinds over here!" James yelled.
Eyes fell on them as they walked over.
"You couldn't just tap us on the shoulder, could you? No, you have to interrupt our romantic moment by yelling to everyone so they can stare." Sirius complained as he walked towards his other Quidditch teammates.
"What's so romantic about snogging?" Lily demanded.
"Find a boyfriend and you'll work it out." Kathryn advised. "Believe me, you will."
"Anyway, I want to declare our Quidditch team the greatest ever seen, including substitutes and absentees!" James grinned at Kathryn and Jan, who swapped looks.
"There will never be such a team!" James announced.
Kathryn smirked. "Wrong!"
"Why?" James demanded.
"Because in, um, well, it'll be 2001, the Quidditch team'll win, from losing one game." Kathryn explained.
"You have to ruin it, don't you?" James complained.
"What, it'll be a great team and they'll beat the Slytherins who'll still foul as much as now!" Kathryn retorted. Then she frowned. "The fact that a number of children of people we know will be on those teams is a little strange..." She mused. "Sorry, shall I shut up about the future?"
"Whose children?" Lily asked.
"Ah, now that would be telling, wouldn't it?" Kathryn smirked.
"You're evil." James informed her.
"Nah, just clairvoyant. Isn't it wonderful?" She sighed dreamily.
"Only in some ways." James glared at her. "Anyway, to the Quidditch team." He raised a mug of Butterbeer.
"To the Quidditch team." The others intoned.
"And to our captain, who led us to victory even when we had a completely new player and for being so over-zealous that he began trying to train replacement Chasers early!" Sirius grinned.
"To the Captain." Everyone grinned, toasting him.
The evening was wonderful and the party didn't stop until one o'clock when Professor McGonagall demanded they all go to bed. It was even funnier when she noticed Damion trying to sneak up the stairs unnoticed and ordered him back to his own common room and dorm, threatening to take points.
"Miserable woman." He complained.
"Don't you wish you were a Gryffindor now?" James smirked as his friend exited the room.
But even Professor McGonagall hadn't the heart to disturb Kathryn and Sirius, who had fallen asleep in a corner on one of the sofas, gently leaning against each other, Kathryn safe in her boyfriend's arms.
James grinned. "Seems a shame to wake them."
Professor McGonagall sighed. "Leave them. I suppose it's soft, but I don't think they're going to do any more damage." She looked at the room, which was just a little messy. "Scourgify. Much better. Give them a blanket, Potter, and be done with it." She left, leaving a stunned number of Sixth and Seventh-years in her wake.
"That was McGonagall and not someone under a Polyjuice potion?" Jan checked.
"Seemed like her." James grinned, conjuring a blanket and settling it over Kathryn and Sirius.
"They're so sweet." Radella smiled. And yawned. "I'm tired. I'll see you in the morning, Remus."
"Night. Sweet dreams." Remus smiled, kissing her cheek gently.
"I'm sure I will."
The rest of the Seventh-years followed, and soon Alura, James, Lily and Remus made their way upstairs, leaving their friends sleeping on the sofa.
* * *
A/N: Ha ha! You'll have to wait until next week to find out what happens next!
I want to thank my reviewers – all of them – which totals six!
These are: Lobo Diablo Lone Wolf (read her co-fic 'Destroying the Lives of Middle-Earth Elves' in the LotR sections – it's very funny!), Daphne Li (hers is 'The Phoenix's Prophecy' – again, very good), The Noodle Girl, The Prince of Fate and AlanP who reviewed via e-mail. And of course Thriodien, my adorable, darling little sister! (Note voice (or keyboard) saturated in the lovely tone that is sarcasm.)
I would plug her fics, but she hasn't posted any yet. Currently arguing with her to post some. She has my trait of refusing to post unless she has lots of chapters. I think I had about 26 before I posted. Am currently working on 28. Need help.
Here goes.
(Sort of ruins story, but not much.)
Kat, Sirius, James, Lily, Frank and Alice are Aurors. Only, I need some ideas as to what their actually going to do. Also, what do Unspeakables do? Does anyone have any ideas? Please help me! Will give you all cookies and biscuits if you do!
Also, if the notes get madder each week, chill, because I've given up said cookies and biscuits for Lent. Am trying to get healthier. What's harder is that I have... wait for it... GIVEN UP CHOCOLATE FOR LENT! WHAT WAS I THINKING? I MUST BE CRAZY! Anyway, there's my excuse.
Oh, and to Lobo Diablo, no I am not going to have Kat die and it be Peter's fault. It kind of puts a ruck in the story. Then again, I could always bring her back to life... No one else stays dead long... (Author screams and realises she's given up vital plot twist! Then begins to gaze dreamily in thinking state.)
Okay, sorry. However, I can't get on to the bits I'm really dying to write (I'm looking forward to weddings, confrontations and the words and threats used during labour) until you give me some more ideas. Auror operations, working for the Order, c'mon, I give, you give, it's all good! Okay, I did not just say that... write that... whatever.
Am crazier by second. Such a long Author's Note. Cannot believe it.
Anyway, read and review, I beg of you! (Tell your friends – tell your friends to tell their friends!)
Also, someone should sort out Harry Potter into different categories, just to make it easier to find fics. How about: Pre-Harry (Marauders and Lily etc.), Fifth, Sixth and Seventh-years, Post Hogwarts and Other (including time-travel and time skipping – under which mine would fall.)
Anyone have any idea who I could contact?
Anyway, as always,
Lol, Tanydwr