This chapter is a little longer then the last one. I'm afraid the chapters will be shorter for a while, but they will be a reasonable length. I'm hoping that the chapters will get longer around Chapter 21. I'm not sure just yet, but they will get longer, again.
Prongs Rides Again
Chapter Eighteen: Hogsmeade for the Remaining Marauders
The next couple of weeks flew by and as September faded into October, James discovered that a Hogsmeade Weekend was being planned. The day had been scheduled for the first Saturday in October, and James had decided that he would go to the village. He, Sirius and Remus were to meet up in the village, and then proceed to the Shrieking Shack so that the three friends could speak without being disturbed.
Saturday dawned. A cool breeze echoed throughout the hilly landscape surrounding Hogwarts, but the sun beat down upon the earth, giving the day a warm, cool look. James slipped on a cloak, wrapping himself up warm.
Reluctantly, Sirius transformed into Padfoot and allowed James to put the dog collar on him. He hated the thing but at least James hadn't done anything silly to the collar, though he had threatened if Sirius didn't stop growling when Snape was around. True to his word, James had kept his friend from Snape, but on the rare occasion that they had met, Sirius had kept growling, which had prompted James to get a collar for his friend. He also got it so he could control his friend. Knowing Sirius, if he saw a rat resembling Peter, then he was most likely to chase after it and attempt to catch it, though James did think his friend had a lot more common sense then that.
Thankfully, no such incidents had occurred.
Yet.
James teasingly turned back to his animal friend and grinned. "Come on, Snuffles, its time to take you for your walk."
He laughed as Sirius bared his teeth, and he was sure Sirius would reveal himself if he didn't cease his teasing. "All right, I'll stop. Just lighten up will you?"
Taking hold of the lead James began a leisurely stroll through the castle. Students mellowed outside, waiting to depart to go to Hogsmeade. He saw Harry, standing with Ron and Hermione, and waved. His son replied and then a grin split his face when he saw Sirius with a dog collar, and James holding the lead. Harry laughed, trying not to lose control.
James walked over to Harry.
"Going to Hogsmeade?" Harry asked.
James nodded. "Someone's got to take this mutt for a walk, haven't they?"
"Definitely. He needs all the exercise he can get." Harry added, a twinkle glistening in his green eyes. For a moment, Harry reminded James so much of Lily that he was tempted to say it, but forced himself not to.
"Where are you going?"
"The usual." Harry shrugged.
"Everywhere?" James raised his eyebrows.
Harry nodded. "Yeah. I'll try not to spend much."
"Spend as much as you want." James leaned down. "And while you're there do you think you could get Snuffles here a muzzle? I think he may get the urge to attack me."
"I'm sure you can handle him." Harry responded.
"Unless he decides to get me in front of the whole school, and I think he may be planning to do that." James added, casting a glance at Sirius, who was growling low and his eyes shone with a nasty colour. James knew he was going to far.
Professor McGonagall was calling the students forward, and sending them off to the village. James said his farewells and walked over to McGonagall.
"James." She inclined her head.
"Minerva." James replied. "I'm just popping into Hogsmeade for the day. That is all right?"
"It is," she replied and as James started to walk away she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back, "Be careful, James. Dolores is watching your every move. She wants to catch you out."
"I will be careful." James promised. "When have I never been careful?"
"When you were younger, James."
James smiled sadly. He wished he could change everything; change what had happened to Lily and Harry; change his own fate, perhaps even find a way to defeat Voldemort before his sons birth. If only…but that was only in his dreams. Maybe if he had been more careful and not gotten involved in the war…no…that had been the right decision. His parents death at the hands of Voldemort had caused him to take action. Just into his twenties he had been a good Auror. Just before his nineteenth birthday he had been an excellent Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, but his parents death had changed that. It had also brought him closer to Lily, and that had been one of the reasons for starting a family. Who knew what would stop you from living the life he had wanted. Part of his future was gone…forever. Possibly because of his carefulness.
Banishing those thoughts from his head, the young man walked out of Hogwarts, closely followed by a mingling of students who were eager to get to the village quickly. Harry was not in this group, however James sensed that his son wanted to remain unanimous within the village and was hoping to keep away from all the hustle and bustle of the students activities. Arriving last would help ease some of the tension.
After walking for nearly fifteen minutes, they reached Hogsmeade. A child-like grin spread across his face and James realised that he was remembering his first visit here. When he had been thirteen years old…
"Look at that! Chocolate!"
James glanced over at the four girls running over to the shop that was filled from top to bottom with delicious looking chocolate. Among the girls was Lily, her red hair shining beautifully in the autumn sun. Someone nudged him in the arm.
"Yo, Potter, wakey-wakey!"
Turning away from the love of his life, James scowled at Sirius who had interrupted him. "What?"
"This is no time to gaze at Lily. We've got exploring to do."
"Sorry…" James began apologetically, "but you know how I feel about her. It gets worse every day…I ache to be with her…you wouldn't understand unless you were in my shoes."
Sirius sighed. "Come on guys, lets get lover-boy away from here."
"Bye, Lily," James whispered quietly as he walked off with the guys. Within minutes he had forgotten about the encounter and was enjoying the wondrous sight of the Wizarding village.
The memory flushed through him and James sighed. Anything that reminded him of his love, hurt him. But as time went on, the pain became less, and though he missed Lily, he was beginning to understand that he couldn't always be like that. Harry needed him. It was that thought that spurred James forward into Hogsmeade and to once again explore his childhood once again.
Around midday, wizard and animagus approached The Three Broomsticks pub and entered into the stuffy atmosphere. Around them were students laughing and joking, eating and drinking. Madam Rosmerta hurried from table to table gathering drinks. She looked up as James approached, a black dog at his side.
"James Potter!" a smile crept on her face. "Hogwarts worst troublemaker has returned! Who would've thought!"
James grinned broadly. "Well, it's not exactly my fault that I cheated death, was it?"
"You are incredibly lucky that you've had another chance." Madam Rosmerta said. "It's a shame that you couldn't have your old life back."
James realised that she was talking about Lily. A stab at his heart. He swallowed. "I've got to go now. I'm meeting Remus."
She nodded. "Yes, yes, he's over there in the corner. Have a nice day, James."
James inclined his head, and walked away, tugging the lead along.
Remus Lupin was sitting at a back table with a drink in hand and smiling. "Prongs!"
"Moony." James grinned, settling down in a chair. Sirius obediently moved round the chair, and placed his paws on Remus' legs saying hello.
"Hey, mate. Good to see you again." Remus took a sip from his drink. "So, do you want to go now or wait for a bit?"
"We'll go now." James replied.
Taking one last swig, Remus swallowed the rest of his drink and stood up. Quickly the two men and dog made their way out into the street. Passing through the village, they made their way up into the mountains where Sirius had once lived as a dog. Once they were well out of range, and James and Remus had made sure he area was secure, Sirius transformed back.
"I really hate playing the pet." He growled, brushing dust from his robes.
James laughed. "You'd better get used to it, Padfoot, unless you want to go back to Azkaban…."
Sirius scowled. "Just shut up, Prongs. I hate the fact that I can't attack you for putting me through this. Honestly a dog collar? What were you thinking?"
Remus chuckled. "Well, someone needs to keep you under control and a leash is the answer."
"I dislike it when you two gang up on me."
James shook his head, brushing black hair out his eyes, laughing. "Come on, lets Apparate."
Together the three friends apparated to the Shrieking Shack.
Draco Malfoy, heir to the Malfoy fortune, sneaked quietly, following James Potter. His father had asked him to follow him, and he wanted to prove to his father that he was loyal beyond words to the cause that he supported. The Dark Lord would be pleased with his work. One of the best things that his father had taught him was a spell that ensured that his presence would be concealed from anyone and no spell would reveal him unless Draco Malfoy wanted to be found. What made the deception easier was the fact that he wore an Invisibility cloak, his father had got from the Dark Lord.
He heard an unfamiliar voice from up ahead. "I really hate playing the pet."
Draco stopped, a sly grin spreading across his face. Peering round the corner, he saw to his amazement and glee, that James Potter and Remus Lupin were not alone. It was Sirius Black, notorious mass murderer and dark lord supporter (though Draco Malfoy knew better - he knew the truth). What better way then to get back at James Potter then getting his best friend put back in Azkaban, or worse having to watch as his soul was taken by the Dementors.
"You'd better get used to it, Padfoot, unless you want to go back to Azkaban…" James trailed off, and Draco grinned even further. He could just leave and tell Umbridge about Black. He now had enough evidence to prove that Sirius Black was the friendly, black dog that James Potter kept. It would also be enough to have James Potter disgraced by the school and the authorities, but no, not yet…Draco would wait and report to his father, his findings. He would wait for the right moment to expose James Potter and Sirius Black's little secret.
What fun that would be…
They spent the remaining after-noon in the Shrieking Shack, recounting callobrating tales of their youth and remembering some of their happier moments. Remus dutifully informed James what his life had been like leading up to the point when he had stumbled across Sirius, Harry, Ron and Hermione in the Shrieking Shack, and Sirius explained a bit about Azkaban, though reluctantly.
As the day drew to a close, the three friends said farewell. Remus Apparated back to London, and James and Sirius apparated back to the mountain cave where they had been earlier. Once there, Sirius transformed back into a dog and the two strolled back to Hogwarts, unaware that Sirius had been discovered hours before by a sneaky Slytherin boy.
A small knock on his quarters jostled James out of his sleep. He shook his head, and looked at his watch. Who would come knocking at this hour? 11PM? Dutifully, James stood up and crossed to the door. "Who is it?" he called out.
"Hermione Granger." Came the response.
James gave a sigh of relief and opened the door to the Muggle-born. "You're here a little late?"
"I know, but I just came from Prefect rounds and…" she hesitated.
"Yes?" James prompted.
"Wanted to ask you something, but you've got to promise not to tell anyone, not even Harry."
"Depends on what that is." James answered, putting a silencing charm on the door to prevent any unwanted ears from listening in.
Hermione bit her lip. "It's like this. You see, Umbridge doesn't teach Defence that well, and we need someone who knows the subject. We were wondering - I mean I - was wondering if you would consent to teach some fifth years Defence Against the Dark Arts in preparation for the war against Voldemort. Harry, to a lesser extent, has agreed to do this, but I was hoping that you'd help out or at least aid him in teaching some of the harder spells that we hope to achieve by the end of the year." She looked hopefully at him, watching his reaction.
"I don't think Umbridge would like me doing that." James sighed. He would love to do something like that behind Umbridge's back, but then if it was discovered he would have a hard time proving that he wasn't involved in it. "It does sound dangerous to attempt this."
At this remark, Sirius glanced up and laughed. "I thought you lived for danger, Prongs?"
James scowled. "Not anymore. I have other responsibilities to you know. Like, Harry, for instance. It wouldn't be a good idea to be teaching Defence and get caught when I'm not supposed to."
"Why can't I help, Hermione?" Sirius asked, "I was an Auror, like James as well."
"There is the problem of you being the most wanted wizard in the world." Hermione muttered, "and no one believes that you are innocent."
"She has a good point." James replied. He turned back to Hermione. "Is there a reason as to why you really need to learn this stuff?"
Hermione nodded. "To fight against Voldemort. We need help from someone who has survived it. You did three times and that is enough to prove that you were a good fighter. We need someone like you to help us, the younger generation, to survive the battles we may have to live through once we leave school."
James sighed. "All right. I'll help, but I don't want to do anything actively with it. I need to remain here with Harry. I'll do whatever I can to ensure that you receive a good background of teaching. But, I will need to speak to Harry about it. Give him ideas."
"I suppose you can talk to him about it, but please be careful. We can't risk letting this get out." Hermione said.
"Don't worry, I can keep a secret." James promised.
Hermione nodded and then left. Neither James or Sirius said a word.
The following day James summoned Harry to his office. Casting a silencing charm upon the door and around the walls, James informed Harry of what Hermione had asked him. Harry agreed that as long as they were careful about when and where they met, they would be able to keep the club running, without Umbridge from finding out.
"There is still the problem of finding a place to hold it." Harry said. "I don't know of anywhere that would be suitable."
"Shrieking Shack?" Sirius suggested.
Harry shook his head.
"No," James replied, "its too dangerous. Besides, not with all the rumors that go around there. It is out of bounds."
"Didn't stop me." Harry said.
"That was different," James intercepted, "you had a very good reason as to why you had to go there." he shot a look at Sirius, who shrugged.
"Wasn't my fault."
"Ignore him. I think he's sore Hermione didn't ask him to help out." James added quietly.
"Do you have any ideas as to where we can go?"
James frowned, his mind searching. "Kitchens….no….Great Hall…no…too obvious…Forbidden Forest…no one would go there…um…how about the Room of Requirement?"
"The Room of what?" Harry asked.
"Requirement. The Room of Requirement. It's where we practised to become Animagi and where Lily and I shared our first kiss."
"Oh."
"It's on the seventh floor opposite the Barnabas the Barmy tapestry." James explained. "You have to pace three times in front of the wall thinking what you want before the door will appear and admit you into the room."
"Right," Harry said, "I'll check it out. I'll let you know when the first meeting is."
James nodded and then let Harry out of the room. I've got a bad feeling about this idea of Hermione's. Something inside him was telling him that it wouldn't go to plan. But whenever it will happen, James had no clue. He had to be content, and wait it out.
TBC
There, a little bit of Remus for those who've been asking about him! Not much, but he will feature heavily in the 'Christmas chapter' which is chapter 23.
Thank you's go to the following: Kim Kotchanski; Dark Angel's Blue Fire; queen-of-monkey-magic; RoschLupin-Black; Jb; xLaceMeWithWindx; monkeycheeks (I'm not a fan of romance but I'll see what I can do!); ambereyes2873; InvisibleA; JTBJAB; Suicidal Bunnies; Manny2003; School-of-Rock101; Tiontah; SugarGirl; Zelina; rcagua; professionaldooropener; faeriekittie306 animelover; me2shae; feltonlover88; supernova8610; missy mee; jamesismine; Harry Potter Gater-girl; HarrysGrrl; PotterScar; rockergurl13; MarauderKid; Loonie Potter; Pure Black; sirius-black-sfan; IamSiriusgrl; Heather; zippyfox; Crazy-Physco; emuerz;Barbossa'sApples; Padfoot's Sidekick (I may get the twins to do some pranking); and LittleSqt700 (Thank you for adding me to your favourites and author alert list!).
duffytheking: If you don't mind me asking, why do you think James is out of character? I see him as a caring and more mature man then he was when he was a teenager. I'm trying to develop him as my own character as well as trying to keep him in the character that JKRowling gave him out to be. I will try and include more Harry and Sirius interaction, but it might be difficult because of the circumstances they both have to live with. Thank you for your review.
missy mee: At some point someone will say something horrible about Lily. You'll have to find out when and who it is. Thank you for your few reviews.
Harry Rox: The Weasley twins will pull pranks when they do in the book. Don't worry it is coming. The Department of Mysteries. Well, I have changed (or thinking) of changing the ending so that reviewers don't get upset over Sirius' death. I don't want to kill him, but at the moment, until I've read the sixth book, I can't make up my mind what road I will take. I'm not sure about James' fate either, but he won't die yet. Thank you for the review.
Smorefan: Yes, Ron will have the same detention as Harry but we won't hear about it.
Birchy: Remus will slowly have a larger role. It is hard to include him into the story as he is absent a lot in the book.
Insane clutz 4 eva: Fred and George can do pranks. You'll be hearing more about that later.
Carriebun: I'll see what I can do to get James and Sirius more time together. I will be writing from Harry's Point-of-view in the near future. I don't know when but it won't be until around chapter 30 when we get to the end of the OotP plotline. In fact I am following the book and where Umbridge became High Inquisitor was in fact right as I have double checked my facts when planning out the story. I refer to the book quite a lot to help me write each chapter. Thank you for your review.
FutureGoddess: I'm glad someone thinks that I made the right choice about the pranks issue. I personally feel that James and Sirius have been through too much to even act childish. I mean, James could, as he's still a very young man, but the child in him is fading rapidly.
Roxanne: Thank you for your offer to beta my work. Unfortunately I do not need a beta. I am quite good at omitting most of my mistakes. It's just very rare that someone finds a grammar and spelling mistake. You were very kind to offer though.
MonkeytoMan: Thank you for giving my fic a chance. Heh, heh, I don't think Snuffles will be annoying Malfoy, not yet anyway. I haven't explained the reasoning behind James' resurrection yet because it is coming later in the story. It will be explained properly.
Moi Meep: I don't have Remus transform into a harmless wolf because the Marauders wanted to go back into the past and relieve their student days. And if he was a harmless wolf he would just sleep.
RSegovia: James didn't show Umbridge the memory of Peter becoming Secret Keeper because he didn't have control over which ones he showed. As Fudge is in control of the Ministry, he is making sure James has no influence there so he can't do Ministry tests to prove himself as Fudge won't let him. I hope that clears that up!
LiLaZnGrLy: Okay I know I said I don't mind insaneness, but that was too much. And the review didn't make sense either as I couldn't find anything about the chapter in it, which I found quite surprising, but I found out a lot about you. I don't mind, it was quite interesting actually so don't get mad at me for bringing it up. You may not have put what it means but what does AznGrly mean? (Author chuckles) Voldiemoore…I wonder what would happen if Voldiemoore met James Potter, Lily Potter and her twin in battle (can't you write a little scene on that for me?). I hope this chapter meets your expectations!
magicgirl45852: Yes, Harry, Gred and Forge do get chucked off the Quidditch team. And yes the twins wreak havoc as well. The DA starts to get together in chapter 20, so its not far off, only two weeks!
Lunatic Pandora: Umbridge also uses the Blood Quill on Ron, but I don't mention it in the story.
Shazia)Riavera: You may see an argument between James and Harry near the end of the OOTP plot line. And it will be a very big argument…that's if I can work it into the story properly.
hermioneluver: Hello! Thank you for the sweet review. I'm glad you are enjoying this story.
Shinigami: Gred and Forge will start playing pranks when they do in Book 5 (and at present I can't remember when). I hope this chapter answers your question about James growing up and Padfoot on a leash!
Lady Taliesin: Six page essay for English? I've never had to write anything like that! We're usually told to write like 2000 word essays, but I usually go over the limit and write around 4000. Yes, I am a boff. Awww, I hope you feel better soon! My best friend has been really ill for the past few months, and she's been in hospital but the doctors can't find anything wrong with her. It's her nerves. Basically she's making herself ill, but she doesn't think that's it, but I know that is, because she gets nervous when she comes to see me, and then she can't come because she's ill. (She left school last year - and she's two years older then me. she's nearly 20!). Bit complicated. I finally saw her last Thursday and we had a leisurely stroll down to the town where I live (during school time for me - and I wasn't bunking either - I was in my free period (lesson) and got signed out to do research, which I didn't actually do! ) and we had a nice chat and talk and I gave her some advice about controlling her nerves…whether she'll take it or not is another story entirely! Okay I'm rambling, and that was from just the first paragraph of your review! This probably a really stupid question, but what is fencing? I've heard of it, but have no idea what it entails. HAH! Your description of James in Tibetian monk robes was excellent! Heh, heh. Hmmm…I don't quite agree with you that Sirius is snugly. Cute and stubborn, yes, but not snugly. James on the other hand is all three. Yes, James taught DADA as well as being an Auror for a time. You'll learn more about that when Harry goes to his father for Career advice in a later chapter (can't remember what one though!). I couldn't resist making James sarcastic. After all he has got to have some characteristics that identify him as the old James Potter! Otherwise his friends might start to think he is a Death Eater in disguise. Your parents are over-protective? So are mine! I'm very attached to my parents. I'm 17 and I am probably the only student at school who still cuddles and kisses their parents. But then, I think that's probably because of all the problems I had when I was a baby. Being born early made my parents over protective. I'm really small for my age 4 foot 11 and that's my adult height, whereas my parents and older brothers are into 6 foot something. Blurgh…I hate being small. I'm an easy target for bullies as well. So, yeah, my parents are overprotective. In fact I don't want to leave home yet. Sad or what? And I've rambled to much again…Okay I'll look at that art website. Take care!
Next chapter: Educational Decree Number 24! - in which Umbridge makes another decree; Snape and James have a little chat and a certain Slytherin causes havoc for the Potters!I won't be able to update this Saturday or Sunday, so I've decided to update late on Friday night (UK time). So you'll get the next chapter a little earlier then expected on the 29th April.
Thank you for all the support so far!
MissBlackPotter