Chapter 3
I love all who had read and reviewed. Please keep it coming lovies.
/.\
Lily had just received a letter from Remus that gave her the okay to open James' letter, but she was still a little hesitant. She laid on her bed and placed it in front of her, wondering what it would say. Maybe he would try to convince her once more that he was better than the giant squid. She bit her lip.
Remus wouldn't have written that unless he was absolutely positive that it was okay. Gingerly, she picked up and letter and started to open it. Amazingly, it didn't explode. She unfolded it and began to read.
Lily,
Hey. I suppose you were surprised to get this letter and I am surprised that you are reading it, though I don't really know that you are reading it. I don't know why I have never written you before. It really was some kind of revelation. But let me get to the point.
I know that I am a git around you. A lot. Constantly. I realize that all I do is make your life harder, but that isn't what I want to be doing. I am sorry for every name I have called you and prank I have pulled on you. I am even sorry for constantly following you and asking you out every time I took a breath. I was definitely immature.
The funny thing is that I have know this all along and I have never been able to quit. It is kind of a disease I have. Being around you makes me frantic and I panic. Especially when my mates are around. Its just that they tease me about you all of the time and when I do mean things I am trying to prove that I don't fancy you when I do. I have no trouble admitting this to you, since I am sure that you are already aware. I am a bit loony when it comes to dealing with you. I suppose its just because I have been trying to deny the fact that I care deeply about you under all of the torture.
I don't expect you to fall in love with me just because I wrote you a letter. But it would be really nice if you could reply. I will be busy pacing about in my room until you do.
Sincerely,
James Potter.
Lily put the letter down and sat up. She was in a slight state of awe. She had know James had fancied her a bit, but she had really believed that he didn't know that he was being such a git. She wouldn't forgive him now, that was for sure. How could he say that he cared for her when he embarrassed her night and day and never let her have peace. She wasn't sure whether or not she should reply, after all, that was exactly what he wanted her to do and she had never been one to give him what he wanted.
Still, it seemed that he was being honest. He had even called her by her first name, which he hadn't done in at least three years. She would leave the reply to later, if ever.
Lily put the letter on her bedside table and rolled herself into her blanket. Soon her breathing became regular and she fell into a sleep, dreaming about parchment and quills.
/.\
Sirius arrived, clutching his trunk and coughing, in the Potter's fireplace at 11:59 exactly. He stepped out, pulling his trunk with him, onto the rug and Mrs. Potter bustled in. "James dear, Sirius is in the den," she called. Then she used her wand to get the soot from his clothing. With a smile she told him that she would make some snacks in the kitchen and he could come and get them in a minute.
James strolled in with a grin on his face and clapped Sirius on the back. "'Lo. How was the trip?" he asked, handing him a letter.
"Hated it," Sirius replied with distaste. "I saw a woman with an extra arm through one of the grates and ended up gasping up soot laughing." He stuck the letter in his robes to read later.
"That would be the lady across the street. She was hexed down in Knockturn alley and they never found who did it or a way to take it off. She says it is helpful for cleaning when it isn't trying to attack her." They laughed. "You're a bit late. You're quite lucky Remus is late too. I don't think the fireplace could hold both of you."
"I got held up by my mum. She made me degnome the garden. I'm certain that she just wanted me to be late."
"Odd. I would have wanted you to leave sooner."
"Oh, shut it." Someone behind them cleared their throat. James figured that his mother just had the snacks ready.
"We'll be in the kitchen in a minute, mum. We just going to put Sirius' things in my room."
"What? You aren't going to take my trunk too?" The two of them whipped around at the sound of Remus' voice. It was obvious that he hadn't come out of the fire since they had been standing next to it.
"Remus," ventured Sirius, walking over to him and placing a hand on his arm. "You didn't illegally apparate did you?"
"Well, I did apparate." James rushed over and shook his hand, vigorously. "Congratulations. You finally did something against the rules without us."
"This is cause for celebration!" cried Sirius.
"You guys are truly insane. I took my test this morning. My mum surprised me. She felt guilty that I didn't get to take it on my birthday because of you-know-what." He smiled at them.
"And we thought you had become one of us," Sirius joked.
"You are lucky to be born earlier in the year. Sirius and I could apparate before anyone else in the class and we still have to wait until July."
"Snacks are ready now!" Mrs. Potter shouted.
"Mum, Remus' is here. He just apparated in." Once again she bustled into the room.
"You passed your test? That's wonderful," she said.
"Yes ma'am."
"Well, all of you get into the kitchen and have something to eat then."
They smiled at each other. "Its good to be home," Sirius said as they walked into the kitchen.
/.\
Wormtail,
I got to James' house yesterday, but there really isn't anything to update. We have something planned for today, so I can't write too long of a note. I lied, we did go swimming yesterday. You would love the pool. You will, I mean, when you finally visit.
You met a girl? Way to go. Don't take the James method on her. Keep me updated on that situation and send a picture if you have the chance.
Good idea to be careful on the stairs.
Nightshade is deadly while Nightengale sings quietly to lull listeners to sleep.
Moony
/.\
Padfoot,
I am quite sure that is a genius idea. We must get to work on it immediately. Of course, we will have to find a doll that looks like him or make one. Also, we must put Moony on research when he arrives.
As you may have noticed, I just handed this letter to you when you popped out of the fireplace. No use and sending an owl to my own house right? But do not fear. I don't expect you to write back. Things like that are not masculine enough for us, though you are under the illusion that I am your mother.
I never knew Regulus was that bad. Imagine, trying to curse someone with a wart. Though one time we cursed the Slytherin table with warts, we did not try to curse them using warts instead of wands. Now that I think upon it, it would be hilarious for them to be cursed by a wart. Think of the embarrassment. Letting an overgrown spot attack you.
My mother does love her cats and if we cause another one to end up with five legs, she will be furious. But what she doesn't know can't hurt her, right?
Of course, the rules were all your idea. But you know that Remus and I made up as many of them as you did and I was my idea for it to be a contract.
And shut up about me being your mother. You know you will forget something. And also shut up about Evans.
Prongs
/.\
Moony,
Don't think I am writing you because I like you. Its just that I will drive myself crazy if I don't keep myself busy while I wait to leave for the Potter's. Now that we have an understanding.
Wonderful. We would miss our resident you-know-what if you didn't visit. You must promise to come to Diagon Alley with us. I need someone to help me handle James when we get into the Joke shop. Its not even half as good as Zonko's, but James still loves it. He is truly weird.
Apparently, James has found somewhere we can play Quidditch. Maybe we can get you better at flying. No offense, but you fly like an elephant.
That is correct. The humble genius. Not to mention I am good looking. And I would never date three girls in a week. It has to be an even number. Like four. Flicking things is fun, but only if you have a good target. For example, teachers. Besides, parchment never hurt anyone. You should join me in it sometime. We could place bets.
Pranking supplies? Wonderful idea. Of course you are forgiven for wanting to be well educated. And we would never lie to you. About anything important.
Of course I am not dating that Hufflepuff. Her name was Maria…or was it Mary? In any case, she was much too clingy.
Padfoot
/.\
Prongs,
If I didn't come you wouldn't be able to half as many pranks as you usually do. You and Sirius cannot stand research for more than thirty minutes and most of the time it takes days to find the right spell.
I will be back a few times after I have to leave, but not too many. The family is going to Egypt for a week or so. Padfoot has made me promise him a picture of a curse victim. I will be on the look out for supplies while I am there. I would be delighted to help you keep Padfoot from cursing the pants off of the headmaster. The headmaster without pants would not be a very pleasant sight.
I wrote Lily back telling her that it was safe to open the letter. I don't know anything else about it. She hasn't written me back yet. I will see what I can tell you when I can. And by the way, I won't tell Padfoot about the letter to save you the torture. You are actually pretty good with girls, but Lily is a different story.
Moony
P.S. I will bring my broom. And also my First Aide kit.
P.P.S. This letter will probably arrive after I do.
/.\
Wormtail,
Your owl is a bit daft. I don't think it help that it keeps running into windows either. Moony and Padfoot got here yesterday. He does set your pants on fire, a lot, doesn't he? You have to admit its funny and besides, the nurse always fixes you up just fine.
Good job on not falling from your broom. Are you still using that old AirFighter10? I am supposed to get a new broom for my birthday. Maybe a CleanSweep. Yes. All of the pranks. We only have one planned so far, but I am sure there will be tons.
Maybe plants hate you because you always curse at them in the greenhouse. I don't like herbology, either.
Prongs
/.\
/.\
Sirius, Remus, and James sat at the kitchen table having sandwiches for lunch. They were just about to be on their way to prank the neighbor. It was quite an elaborate plot.
"We should hurry. He comes out at one every day to water and we still have to get into position."
"Moony, Moony, Moony. Will you calm down? Everything will be fine. We have been planning for days," said Sirius, his mouth full of food.
"That's nasty Padfoot. At least cover you mouth," James said, disgusted.
"You do it much more often than he does," Remus told him. "I just want to make sure that you remember the--"
"Incantation to the water spell," finished Sirius. "You've said that at least ten times this morning."
"It's the most important part you know. James said it wrong yesterday and my hair almost burned up. We don't want to roast the man. Vatimore."
"We know, we know. Let's get going," James replied, exasperated. They tossed their plates into the sink and went out the backdoor. The neighbor came outside, just as expected. "Alright. Wands out." They started to sneak over to the fence when their was a screech from behind them.
"Ouch. Get it off. Get it off," cried James. Remus and Sirius had no idea what was happening. They first thought that the man had some kind of security system, but then realized that it was only an owl. Remus hurried over and untied two letters from its leg.
"We must not have heard it over your chewing, Padfoot," James said, rubbing the tops of his ears where it had bitten him.
"Oh shut it," Sirius replied. "Who are they for?"
Remus checked the letters. "They're from Lily. For James and I." He held the letter out to James and Sirius snatched it.
"Why would old red hair write to you when she loathes you so?"
"Give it to me," James growled.
"I think I will read it first. You know, just to check for hexes. it's the friendly thing to do, you know." James raised his wand to eye level and pointed it at his friend.
"You know what I can do," he said through a clenched jaw.
"Hey, mate. I'm just looking out for your safety. What? Is this a love note?"
Remus looked a bit worried. "Sirius," he said seriously. "I think you'd better give it back." Sirius glanced at Remus and shrugged, tossing James the letter. James glared at him for a second and started inside.
"I'm sorry, mate. Didn't know it was so important," Sirius called after him. "What about the prank?" Remus shook his head.
They got inside and found that he was in his room. He had locked the door. Sirius tried the unlocking spell, but it didn't work. He really didn't want them to come in.
/.\
Remmy,
I was just about to reply to James when I realized that I hadn't written you yet. Its great to be writing someone who has the same level of intelligence that I do. You know I really don't have many friends.
James told me that he knew he was a git the whole time. If he knew then he should have stopped. This makes me loathe him even more. I can't stand him Remus. I can't. How do you do it?
Glad to hear you are well. Nightengales were third year. I liked them. Its kind of a shame we never got to hear their song though. I have heard it is beautiful. Well, the two of them liking Peter is about the most humane thing I have heard about them. I don't count every one of my friends remarks when they have fancied them at one time or another. They weren't very school appropriate, I might add.
Peter met a girl? I wonder how that is going. Do tell me what happens. It would be nice for him to find a girlfriend. I imagine that he feels a bit intimidated since two of his friends go through girlfriends like they go through pranks. Not to say that you don't have your fair share. Its just that you treat them decently.
I wouldn't think of leaving you alone in there. At least not seriously. Its true, you and I are the only ones who don't fall asleep as soon as he starts to talk. Maybe he should become a healer that specializes in sleep therapy.
Good. I don't know what I would do without you. Have a fun time, won't you?
My mom says I might be able to visit you over the summer since I just passed my apparation test and all. I've just realized that I can do magic whenever I want now. And so can you! Let me know about the visit.
Love,
Lily
/.\
Potter,
Thank you for writing me. It was a nice gesture, but I am afraid that I really can't forgive you. In fact, it only makes my distaste for you grow to know that you knew you were being a prat the whole time and still kept on. A few apologies are not enough to make me forget years of torture. I have realized though that you might be a nice guy somewhere under all of that arrogance so I am trying to keep this civil.
It is not only the way that you treat me that makes me loathe you. The way you treat other people is even worse. You think that you can just curse and hex whoever you want just because you have more talent than you. You have so much talent and you waste it all. You could be top of the class if you really wanted to, but all you do is prank people and ignore schoolwork only to charm the teachers into giving you decent grades. You don't know how much I hate you for that.
You had better not expect me to fall in love with you. Not ever. I can't even give you a chance at friendship because I can't be associated with someone who does the things that you do. I can't waste another second trying to get through to you.
Lily
/.\