Disclaimer: I own nothing that you recognize from any Harry Potter book. If you don't recognize it: Hey, it's mine!
Under a month – pretty impressive, eh? I'm proud. (I've also been sick for the past six days, but getting this out is like a weight off my shoulders)
I had a great time writing this chapter. Excuse me while I mop up the sarcasm that just dripped on the floor. I hope the ending makes up for the recent gloom. I meant to get past New Years, hence the reason this took so long to come out, but I didn't want to cut much out.
Anyways, enjoy.
* * *
The doorbell rang.
Pulling her housecoat tighter around her waist, the fatigued woman yawned. She reached a hand to the doorknob and pulled it open with a jingle of tiny gold bells.
"Oh David," said Mrs. Black with a surprised look, "come in, come in."
Mr. Potter did so, wiping his shoes on the mat outside the door before entering the Black Manor. "Celica," he nodded at her, eyes downcast.
Mrs. Black looked a little guilty. "I know we said we'd visit, but things are still rough about here. We didn't want to ruin yours and James' Christmas with our moping. I was thinking of going over for tea today and bringing the children, but it's nowhere near tea… time," Mrs. Black slowed to a stop and a look of concern replaced the guilt. "David what's wrong?"
Mr. Potter looked down at the woman before him. He promised not to get personal issues involved with his profession… but they had all known each other for so long…
"We… we got some things sent to us today at the office," he began hoarsely, throat suddenly very dry. "And… and," He couldn't continue. Mr. Potter knew what he had to do. It was his job. It was what he was trained for. They were his friends.
"What is it?" breathed Mrs. Black, chest tight with anxiety, fear, hope, hurt and tension.
"I'm so sorry Celica," Mr. Potter blurted out, unable to hold it in much longer. "We tried our hardest, searched everywhere, followed every lead," he was running a hand through his hair, latching on to the salt and pepper strands, "even placed our Aurors in immediate danger," He stopped when the feeling of tears tingled the back of his eyes, while the front felt dry. "I'm so sorry," he whispered.
Part of her knew what he was apologizing for, but the need to hear the words straight from her friend's mouth kept her in denial. Speaking with only her breath, she asked, "Why are you sorry, David?"
Swallowing and clenching his jaw to keep it from shaking, Mr. Potter steadied his breath. "He's dead."
Her hand went flying to her mouth; tears that she didn't know were falling, doubled. Mrs. Black shook her head as she backed up, hitting the robe rack and stumbling backwards.
Mr. Potter was at her side in an instant. He supported her by the arm and felt her body become deadweight as she collapsed on the polished wooden stairs, sobbing. He forcefully kicked the fallen robe rack away and wrapped his arms around the widowed woman.
Mrs. Black first fought off her friend's arms, opting for loneliness in her misery. She soon gave up, however, when Mr. Potter's long black winter robe was so much better to cry on. She clutched at the collar and let all her pain come out in sobs, tears, body shakes and mutterings.
Mr. Potter held her, holding a hand to her head, keeping it under his chin. He rocked them back and forth, rubbing her back with his free hand and murmuring words of condolence. He looked up when he heard a sound other than the crying of the woman in his arms. Up a couple of flights he saw Sirius looking down, chest rising and falling slowly, but deeply. The young man's eyes were burrowing into his own as if waiting for confirmation, waiting to be told that what he heard was a lie, a cruel joke. Waiting to be told that dad would walk through that door in an instant.
Mr. Potter held no words of such ideas. Mr. Potter had no words to say to the boy who had shown such little emotion throughout the past weeks.
Mrs. Black's cries weren't subsiding, but her body grew weary and sore. Her throat raw, her nose clogged and her eyes aching. Feeling herself being lifted up slowly and a bit shakily, she was carried off into the adjoined family room. When she was seated on the couch, she unlatched herself from Mr. Potter's robe and spoke in a thick voice, "I need to see my children."
~ * ~
Lily dashed from her room, window left open, snow blowing in, paper and ring in hand. She nearly tripped when running down the stairs. Turning right after rebounding off the wall, the teenage witch entered the living room. Lily was breathing heavily, ignoring any questions her family, who were seated on the couch, were asking.
Her panicked eyes searched frantically for the vase of Floo powder. It wasn't on the mantle where she had left it last summer. It wasn't beside the fireplace that was thankfully filled with a brimming golden fire. It wasn't anywhere to be seen.
"What are you looking for, Lily dear? And what was all that about?" Lily's mother's voice broke through her head.
A hand on Lily's arm startled her. "What?" she asked harshly, causing her mum to flinch back. "Where's the bloody Floo powder?" Lily asked in a calm voice, moving about the room and looking in, under and between objects.
"Language, Lily," her father warned.
Turning to the man, eyes narrowed and burning, she spoke loudly, "Where's the God damn Floo powder?"
Mrs. Evans gasped. Petunia jumped back. Mr. Evans' face contorted into one of confusion and anger.
"Look Lillian," he began, hands in front of his chest, "I don't know what's going on right now. I don't know why you're angry, quiet during Christmas dinner, angry with your sister or hated that bird earlier… but if you told us what was going on in your life-"
"My friend's father is dead and I have to go over there immediately to give them his wedding ring," Lily spoke quickly, voice tense with fury. "I can't exactly tell you all why at this moment, but I need to know where you hid the bloody Floo powder."
Wordlessly pointing to a large chest behind the Christmas tree, Petunia stared wide-eyed at her sister.
Lily nodded her thanks, followed the directions and pulled out the container.
"Vernon's parents thought it was an urn," her muggle sister spoke quietly, hands fiddling before her stomach.
Lily pretended to ignore the words spoken and threw a handful of the magical powder into the fireplace. Stepping in quickly she spoke clearly, "Black Manor."
Swirls of colour whirring before her eyes added to the feeling of bile in her throat. 'What masochistic bastard invented travel by Floo?' Lily thought angrily as she passed by numerous fire grates. Recognizing turns and such, Lily stepped out gracefully and into the living room of the Black Manor.
She dusted herself off quickly, not even looking to see if anyone was in the room. Muttering caught her attention.
"I should have worked harder… gone into the field myself… why didn't I work last Saturday? Oh Merlin he's gone… I'm so sorry."
Lily's eyes slowly lifted with her head. She pushed the red hair out of her face and nearly gasped when she saw who it was. 'Mr. Potter?' she nearly asked aloud. His glasses were sitting on the table before him, his hair sticking up. By the sound of his mutterings, how he was sitting on the large couch far away in the large room, head in his hands, she knew he knew.
She knew the family knew.
She knew, but couldn't make her presence known. 'I shouldn't be here.' The ring in the palm of her hand tingled and she brought it slowly to her face. Its gold flickered with reflections of the dying fire from behind and she took a hesitant step forward. Her heart was pounding in her chest. Not watching her steps, she stepped on a bauble.
Mr. Potter's head snapped up with the sound of a breaking ornament and she saw that they were rimmed pink.
Another small piece of her heart broke for the man.
For a moment they stared at each other, each working out their own stories of one other in their minds.
Being the first to come to his senses, Mr. Potter spoke in a coarse, tight voice. "Lily," he began a tad unsurely, "I don't think Jennifer is up for visitors today,"
Lily shook her head, not able to find her own voice.
Putting on his glasses, Mr. Potter's eyes narrowed slightly when he seemingly took in her appearance. "Why are you here?" he asked quietly, eyeing her large pyjamas.
"I – I came to, er, see the family," Lily didn't know exactly what to tell her boyfriend's father. She doubted he knew about her letters, and the same most likely went for Mrs. Black.
Mr. Potter blinked. "I don't think they'd want any guests-"
"I know," Lily said in a voice that didn't have to do with needing to be entertained. She hoped he took it in the way she meant it.
He did. The words seemed a slap in the face to the older man. "You… you know?" he asked uncertainly, hazel eyes confused. "How, I mean… how could you know?"
"I just do," Lily answered quietly, looking down at her fiddling hands that were unknowingly playing with the ring.
Mr. Potter must have been watching the same thing. "What's that you got in your hands?"
"Where are they?" Lily asked, lifting her head.
"What is that in your hand?" Mr. Potter asked slowly, standing and smoothing out his robes. His eyes stayed on the hand that Lily held the ring in. He walked stiffly across the room until her was a few feet from her. "Is that-"
Lily moved the ring behind her back. "Where are they?"
Sighing, Mr. Potter tried a different approach. "Lily, I'm not going to attack you." He looked back and forth before continuing. "It'd be best if I told you," he trailed off, watching her.
Lily didn't move.
"We got Orion's body back today."
The silence rang loudly in Lily's ears. Her head burst with a mass of notions; pronouncing philosophies unsought, words not mentioned and ideas never born. Questions not asked were answered, the same questions that teased the back of her head that she dared not to bring to the surface of her unconscious.
"It was a… a Christmas present, the note said," Mr. Potter kept his eyes on hers, "And the only thing missing was his wedding ring."
Lily swallowed. Bringing her hand from the small of her back, she tensely lifted her fingers. The ring, note still attached, sat innocently, not knowing what it represented.
Mr. Potter's lips looked dry as they parted. "Albus Dumbledore told us," he began quietly, "he told us of a student being teased with letters, being contacted by Voldemort," He reached a hand forward and gingerly picked up the gold band. Looking at it, he continued, "But he would not give us a name, for he figured the individual would be hounded for information and not let to live a normal life. He thought that the whole Ministry and soon the Daily Prophet would learn of such events."
"I didn't know you knew," Lily spoke up quietly. "I figured you had to know of something, as the Headmaster had contacted you guys a few times… but I wasn't sure, well, I wasn't told-"
"Dad?"
Lily and Mr. Potter turned to see James standing in the doorway, hair windblown, cheeks red and glasses fogged. He was panting and rested his broom against the wall.
"I came as soon as I got the owl," he trailed off when Lily stepped out from behind her boyfriend's father in her pyjamas. "Lily?" he asked with a confused tone. "What's going on? Why are you here?"
Mr. Potter held open his hand, letting the ring be seen.
"What is that?" James asked, throwing his scarf and cloak on the couch. He walked before the two slowly.
"James, I told you all I could in a letter. Did you understand what I wrote?" James' father asked urgently.
"Yes," James answered simply, nodding once.
With a nod of his own, Mr. Potter began to back up. "I'm going to check on the Blacks. Lily, do you mind if I… unless you-"
"No," Lily affirmed quietly. "You can show them… I'll see them in a bit. Or come for me when they're ready."
Nodding once more, Mr. Potter briskly walked out of the room rehearsing in a soft voice.
James looked to Lily with questioning eyes.
"I was sent Mr. Black's ring," Lily said in a thick voice, ready to cry again that day with how she was thrown into the entire mess. Life as a teenage witch was wretched these days.
James took those few extra steps forward and brought his girlfriend into his arms; something he did often those days… and not so much in a passionate way as he'd like. Holding her face in his hands, he kissed her forehead, warm and wet cheeks, hair, and nose. Merlin how it hurt him to see her like this.
Lily held onto James', not caring that her tears were marking his shirt. As he kissed her face, her breathing slowed but her heart rate increased. She needed this; to feel loved. She needed to know that not everyone was against her; not everybody blamed her. Something sparked inside of her.
James' lips reached hers, not something they had done in a more than loving way as of late. With the first touch, the fire ignited in the grate behind Lily. Lily's lips burned against James' winter chilled ones, extracting a moan from her boyfriend. She was pushed up against the brick that surrounded the fireplace, bare arms scraping roughly against the harsh brick. The heat behind her and James' body heat before her sent her mind into a whirling bliss. Her hands were running through his hair, and nails scratching down his back.
James' hands were moving over her hips, the skin of her stomach and into her hair. He was very aware that she was only wearing her pyjamas. He pressed himself up against Lily, needing her love as much as she needed his. He had been a good boy throughout everything, holding himself off… but now they were both letting go.
Their lips assailed each other, their tongues lashed and teeth were nearly biting through flesh.
It had been a while since they had been this close. Lily wasn't sure how long they continued their assault on each other, but too soon it seemed they were broken apart.
A shout from the room across the hall where Mr. Potter had headed startled the two passionate, needy lovers. They parted with a gasp, minds slowly unreeling, eyes opening and slowly focussing. Each were panting, foreheads resting against one another, eyes watching the other's. Oncoming footsteps caused the two to separate and watch the entrance.
Sirius strode into the room, eyes ablaze, hands clenched into fists. "Lily," he said in an un-sweet manor, "how bloody lovely to see you."
Lily's mouth seemed to be sealed shut at the sight of all the hurt, anger and vengeance in Sirius' grey eyes. James stood tall beside her.
"Sirius," he said firmly, "not again, please."
"Tell me, love," Sirius continued as if James wasn't present, "why do you feel you should torture us? What is it that you enjoy so much about our pain?" He hissed out the last word, taking a few menacing steps forward.
"She had nothing to do with it!" James shouted, stepping before his girlfriend. "Gather yourself together, Padfoot – we already had this conversation-"
"Oh shut the hell up, Potter!" Sirius yelled, his face scrunched up. "I can't believe you'd stand by her as she destroys all of our lives and friendships."
Mr. Potter ran into the room, stopping just before Sirius. "Leave her alone, Sirius, you know she did nothing wrong-"
"She was born-"
Lily gasped and brought both her hands to her mouth. James stepped forward, face hot, but was held back by his father.
"Sirius if you don't shut up-"
"James," Mr. Potter said warningly to his son before turning to Sirius. Putting a hand on the tortured boy, he spoke softly, "Son-"
"I am not your son!" growled Sirius, wrenching his arm from Mr. Potter's hand. "And you are not my friend," he pointed at Lily, "and you are most definitely not my best friend with how you always take her side!" He moved his pointing finger to James' face. "My father has bloody died and here you are protecting her. When can it be about me, James? When can it be all about Padfoot and Prongs again, eh?"
James felt he was ready to explode, but most of him forgave Sirius, as he was confused with all the happenings in his life. "Our lives are a little messed up at the moment, Sirius," began James calmly, "but I'm not here to take anyone's side. You're only blaming Lily because she is your only link to Voldemort. You cannot attack the Dark Lord yourself, as you've never even seen him – but Lily is a living, tangible incarnation of him in your eyes at this moment. Just give yourself time to relax." James took a breath as some of the anger and fire in his best friend's eyes died. "Remember everything Dumbledore told us a few weeks back."
"Dumbledore," Sirius muttered to himself, hand rubbing his forehead, "right…"
Mr. Potter stood before the two young men, relieved that the fight seemed to be over. "All right, Sirius?" he asked.
Sirius nodded, eyes downcast. "Where is my family?"
"They stayed in the other room like I asked them to," Mr. Potter answered.
"Can you go see them? I need some time alone with these two." Mr. Potter hesitantly left, leaving Sirius with his wishes. Turning to the two before the once again dying fireplace, Sirius spoke in an anguished voice, "My father is dead."
~ * ~
A funeral service was held the within the couple of days after Boxing Day (December 26th) for Mr. Black and the other couple of Unspeakables that were also returned deceased. A plethora of witches and wizards attended the services on the chilled day, where the sun shone unusually bright but delivered no warmth. All dressed in black, the magicals performed the usual task that accompanied a funeral service.
After the separate eulogies for each the Unspeakables, pallbearers levitated each casket and directed them to separate transportations to their own burial lot.
Throughout the service by his father's grave, Sirius glared with shielded eyes, avoiding both the sunlight and the looks sent his way. His hands stayed clasped before him, shoulders straight. He remembered good times, bad times and pityingly – unavailable times. His memory dipped back to the years when his father still played with and showed he loved him. Days that barely held onto his memory… memories that barely echoed in his mind.
"When do I get my wand, dad?"
"When you get accepted to Hogwarts, Sirius."
"Can we pretend I got it already and pick it up today?"
Laughing. "I think Mr. Ollivander would know… and your mother."
Childish giggling. "Let's not tell her…"
"Sirius, you're only four years old…" His father had leant in to whisper, "Maybe next year."
Sirius couldn't help the small feeling of happiness that bubbled up in his stomach with that thought. Immediately, though, it dwindled down to self-depression as he remembered another memory.
"C'mon dad, I get to get my wand today!"
"I – I can't Sirius… your mother is taking you and Jennifer. I've got lots of work to do-"
"But you promised-"
"Don't be silly Sirius, you know I wouldn't promise anything with how busy I am these days…"
Sirius was left alone. "But you did promise…"
Sirius kept his eyes trained on his father's casket that had yet to be lowered. This never should have happened. His father should be alive, making up for the twelve years of neglect. He shouldn't be ignoring the pastor as he spoke consoling words of his father's bravery; he should be going over Quidditch strategies with him in the sunroom…
Setting his jaw, Sirius absentmindedly put a hand on Jen's shoulder.
Jen didn't even feel it.
She was dead to the world at that moment and many before. So many things had happened to her within the past few weeks that she decided to just ignore the world as it was until it righted itself. She wasn't sure when she and Sirius had agreed to talk to one another, but she knew that the words were never spoken.
With the tragedy came an unspoken resolve to put any hurtful words behind one another. Looking at it from a different perspective: their argument had been solved, really.
Jen had not said many words to Lily on the day her best friend had dropped by unexpectedly. She merely nodded and received hugs, muttered short words and sentences.
Jennifer stood now with her shoulders slumped (with Sirius' hand resting on them), head down and eyes closed. She couldn't look at the casket. It was too factual that way, too face-slappingly real. The pastor mentioned her name, Sirius' and their mothers. She knew that eyes of the people present drifted to her, but she ignored them all. Memories drifted to her minds visage, memories she had repeated throughout her years without her father. The memories she used to remind and console herself that he still loved her.
"Is that what I think it is, muffin?"
Her head nodded vigorously. "It's for you, daddy."
"Thank you, cupcake. Well? Aren't you going to give it to me?"
Childish laughter. "No!" Jennifer ran.
"You can't escape the dragon!"
They had run throughout the house… finally he had caught her and tickled her until she cried.
"Do I get my present now?"
She reached over and pecked her father on the cheek. "I love you, daddy." There, she had given it.
Jen's eyes stung with tears that she was tired of letting fall. She loved him so much and that was her favourite memory of just the two of them. She was his muffin, his cupcake, his pumpkin. He was also the only one she let call her Jenny. The tears in her eyes rested among her eyelashes and began to freeze in the cold.
A thumb – Remus' – wiped them away.
She had been distant, she knew, but it was her way of dealing with the torturous wait for word on her father, and now his death. It seemed as though she had always been waiting for him…
"Daddy, you didn't write back … I had my first Care of Magical Creatures class before I owled you…""I was terribly busy, Jennifer, maybe next time." He hadn't even looked at her.
"That's what you said last time…"
"I'm sorry, but you know how demanding my job is."
"I do." With her whisper he had left the kitchen.
Her back shook gently and she cursed it. Jen hadn't stopped crying for what seemed to be years. Every day she had used half a box of tissue and every day she had gotten angry with herself for being so weak. Her father wouldn't have wanted that.
The service ended and she felt Sirius stiffen beside her. She lifted her face to watch the casket lower, knowing that was something her father would appreciate. The sun glared blindingly through her tearful eyes and she brought a hand to her brow. Each of the attendees drew his or her wand, letting ribbon shoot forth in a multitude of colours, covering the lowered coffin. Many were black, showing their respect for the man and homage to his name. Jen, Sirius and their mother all let loose a deep blue, knowing of the man's favour towards the colour.
Without a word to anyone, the twins followed their mother back to their escort.
~ * ~
Remus paced in the Common Room of Gryffindor Tower. He was waiting for everyone to return from his or her holidays. Although he had attended Mr. Black's funeral, he was only allowed to be there for only a few short hours before he returned to Hogwarts. The light brown haired werewolf had an elbow in the palm of his hand, other hand cupping his chin. He wondered what he could do to bring a spark back into the lives of his friends and girlfriend. Everything had been completely messed up in the past while. He barely remembered the fun times of their final year: the spell placed on Sirius and Arabella on the train, James and Sirius messing around during their palmistry lesson, Lily banishing Flitwick to the Great Hall, Jen's innocently suggestive comments while baking in Muggle Studies class, the Spirit Week (the image of Sirius and James in witches clothes will forever be etched in his mind's eye), discovering that Romulus was to become the Defence teacher, and a surplus of other things.
All those considered, Remus would think that his seventh year had been a great one… until December. Everything seemed to have gone downhill. Smiles became frowns, jokes turned into insults… He was sick of it; sick of all the pent up frustrations pitting his stomach and his friends'.
The train from Platform 9 ¾ was to arrive in Hogsmeade Station in only a short while. Remus had first thought to go down and wait for his friends… but then he looked outside at the inky black sky and crisp white ground. The trees resembled the Whomping Willow in the wind. Remus had then opted to wait in the warmth of the Tower. Next to the fireplace, that is.
The Portrait opened and Remus' head snapped up.
It was only a bunch of fourth, a few fifth and select first years.
Remus growled in the back of his throat. It was a full moon the next night and he was easy to anger. That didn't go well with his want to help the others. He was trying to calm himself down over the past couple of days. If Sirius felt up to spending the full moon with him and the others, Remus didn't want to be overly aggressive. Although he held little to no control when the wolf was stressed, Remus still tried.
More students, and none of them someone he cared to address. There was a lot of laughter floating his way from them but this time it wasn't contagious; it was damn annoying.
Remus resolved to admit to himself that he was very irritable at that moment. Where the devil were they?
Once again, more students entered and Remus had never before been so relieved to see Mel and Arabella. "Oh thank Merlin," he said with a sigh. "I was beginning to think none of you returned."
Ara smiled at him and gave him a hug. "I couldn't miss seeing everyone this Christmas or the Ball," she said, obviously trying to keep spirits light as well.
Mel was the same. "Everyone is in the dumps, with good reason, that we hope the Ball will at least give them a reason to smile for at least an hour." She took her mittens off and stuffed them in her inner cloak pocket. "Hopefully Sirius' gift will make him smile," she said.
With Ara's smile turning wicked, Remus had to ask. "You've all mentioned it," he began wryly. "What could you have gotten him that is so great?"
"We can't tell you Remus," Ara said in a sad tone, "because you might be gripped with jealousy." They turned when James' voice carried from the entrance to the Tower. "Ah, and they finally arrive."
Peter entered first and gave the three a wave while taking off his cloak and other winter attire. "We're back."
Lily was completely bundled up, two toque's on and everything. "It's way too cold out there," she commented, walking a bit past Peter, "but it's nice to be back." She looked next to her where Jen stood, receiving a hug and kiss on the cheek from Remus.
Remus held his girlfriend tight, some of his annoyance from earlier ebbing away. "How are you doing, love?" he asked, pulling back just a bit to stroke her face.
"Better than I thought I'd be today," Jen answered truthfully with a small shrug. "I honestly feel a bit better."
"That's good," Remus responded softly with a smile. "How about you, Sirius?"
The second Black twin shrugged his shoulders also. "As good as can be expected, I s'pose." He pulled off his scarf. "I hope you don't mind if I head upstairs for a bit before we exchange gifts."
No one denied him that small request. He walked past the rest of his friends, offering them a nod. The others sat on the couches by the fireplace where Remus had been pacing.
"How is he doing?" Remus asked James once Sirius was up the stairs.
"He's still quite upset," James responded, "as is his right."
"I think he's a bit upset that we didn't get to see our father before he was buried," Jen spoke up quietly, tucking her legs beneath her. "I wouldn't have wanted to… even with the clean up they did of him, I overheard that he looked really roughed up." She swallowed once and rested her head on Remus' shoulder, closing her eyes. "The funeral was my closure, but I still need to accept the whole… the whole fact that he's gone."
"We're all here for you, Jen," Mel said, placing a hand on Jen's knee from where she sat on a high-backed red chair.
When a loud crash startled everyone within the Tower, James jumped to his feet and took off immediately. A couple steps behind him, Remus apologetically excused himself from his girlfriend. The two darted up the stairs and entered their dorm that was currently being destroyed.
James' bed was turned over; a task Remus never thought possible, and clothes were thrown everything, hanging off beds, desks and other such things. Their trunks were kicked about, none where they should be, and a couple were open and tipped. James' Invisibility cloak was only spotted when Remus realised he couldn't see a corner of his bed.
In the middle of it all stood Sirius, red faced and panting. Clenched by his side were his shaking hands.
"Sirius?" James said slowly, obviously very hesitant to go directly in the room.
"I can't find it," Sirius mumbled in a slight hysterical tone, running a hand through his black hair. "I – I was looking, but now I can't find it… I left it here… where I always keep it, but – but…" He staggered backwards until he hit a bed and laid down on its messed up surface. He stared at the canopy of Dennis' bed, rubbing his face.
Remus stepped forward after looking at James briefly. "What are you looking for, Padfoot?"
Sirius lifted his head. "You were here during the holidays," he said slowly. "Where is it, Remus? Did you, did you touch anything of mine?"
Remus shook his head. "I barely spent any time in the dorm, Sirius," he said unhelpfully.
"I kept it under my bed," Sirius muttered, hand lifting and pointing in the direction of his bed. "But it's not there…"
Remus and James turned their heads to where Sirius' bed was and saw the mattress was pushed off, part of it sticking in the air.
"What were you looking for?" asked James slowly, looking confused as ever.
"The letter he sent me last month," Sirius answered, sitting up in a slouched position.
"Is everything ok?" Peter asked, walking into the dorm. "We're all wondering down there." He stopped and took in the sight of the room. "Bloody hell, Sirius," he muttered.
"I rearranged the place," Sirius mumbled darkly, "Hope you like where I placed your bed."
Peter looked to where his bed was and saw that it was moved about three feet from its original place. With a quick glance to James and Remus, Peter spoke with a small stutter. "S-sure…"
Dennis strolled into the room, pulling his robes over his head as he walked through the door. "Happy Christmas, mates," he said casually. The second before the robes were to come off his head; Dennis tripped over a moved trunk and fell towards the mattress of Sirius' bed that lay slanted. He landed with an 'oof' and lay against the mattress, thinking for a second. "Ok," he said slowly, tugging the black robes off. "What in Merlin's name did you do?" he exclaimed when his eyes finally took in the sight. His eyes shot to Sirius who was currently sitting on Dennis' bed, his own altered.
"Rearranged," Peter told him.
Remus sent Dennis a look that told him to not comment anymore.
"It's… it's interesting," Dennis said lamely, frowning at Remus. He stood and moved his trunk back to his bed. "May take a bit to get used to it-"
"You guys don't have to tiptoe around me, you know," Sirius said, getting off Dennis' bed and going back to his own. "I'll fix this all up in a bit."
"No, we'll help," Remus offered, stepping forward and righting Sirius' bed. "What letter are you talking about, anyways?"
"The last one my father sent me before… before he was, he was taken," Sirius said, eyes scanning the room once more. "I want to keep it," he mumbled.
"Perfectly understandable," Remus told his friend quietly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We'll help you look for that, too."
The boys set off cleaning up the room, using magic to right James' bed and move all the trunks and clothes where they should be. The clean up was done in less than five minutes.
"Did you check all the drawers?" Peter asked Sirius when they inspected their work, making sure everything was where it ought to be.
"No, not all of them… I probably put it somewhere else before I left for home," Sirius told them, shrugging lightly.
"I'm sure we'll find it, Padfoot," James told his best friend. "But I'm also sure that the ladies want to exchange gifts and we've kept them waiting long enough."
The guys headed downstairs, gifts in hand. Jen was lying on the couch, her legs propped up on Lily's. Mel was still situated on her chair and Arabella on the floor, her back against Mel's chair. Mel had apparently gotten bored and put Ara's hair into a French braid.
"Sorry we took so long," James apologized, "but we decided that the place needed some Christmas… cleaning."
Remus knew the girls didn't believe him, but was happy when they accepted the answer. They soon started exchanging gifts (the girls had gotten theirs while the guys were gone). Remus was very curious as to what Sirius got from the joint gift. He kept glancing up to his friend whenever he started unwrapping the next one. Sirius, he noticed, wasn't as zealous when taking the paper off, as usual.
Finally Sirius got to the lovely wrapped package. He raised an eyebrow while unwrapping, and Remus recognised the tag.
"Gladrags?" Peter asked, also watching with the others. "What did you get him from Gladrags?"
Sirius' face, Remus saw, went pink. A difficult feat it was to embarrass Sirius Black, but when Remus saw what it was, all he could do was laugh.
James burst out laughing as well, covering his mouth so as not to anger Sirius in his easily angered state. Sirius sent him a look. James had to put his head in his hands and try to smother the laughter that kept bubbling up.
"I love it," Remus chuckled. "I really love it."
"Do you want it Moony?" Sirius asked, holding up the mustard witches' dress robe.
Remus laughed a little harder and pushed the offending material away. "You wore that in Gladrags, Padfoot, not me."
"What do you say, Padfoot?" James asked him, sounding like a mother.
"Thank you," Sirius mumbled, glaring at each the girls in turn.
"Just trying to bring a little Christmas cheer," Mel told him softly, smiling.
They finished exchanging gifts and left the mess for the House-elves to clean overnight. Lily wasn't too happy with the idea, saying it was Christmas and they shouldn't have to clean up something they could easily do themselves.
James had argued calmly that it was also Christmas for them and, besides, he didn't feel like cleaning. His escape followed a quick peck on Lily's cheek, and consisted of running up to his dormitory before she could hex him.
"The Ball's in a couple days, you know," Arabella said to the other girls, entering their dormitory.
"Hence the reason we got Sirius dress robes," Mel said in an obvious voice, shaking her head, amber eyes rolling.
"That's one of the only reasons why my mum made Sirius and I come back early," Jen told the girls, sitting on the edge of her bed gingerly. "She has the time off, but most of it, she said, would be spent at the Ministry clearing things up. Dealing with the will and other such legal things. Mum wanted Sirius and I to have fun this Christmas."
"Maybe it's for the best," Lily said, changing into her new Christmas gift pyjamas James had gotten her. She loved them. Although never playing Quidditch herself, the pyjamas resembled the Gryffindor uniform, but instead of her name and position embossed in gold stitching, it said, 'Lily, owner of James Potter, Quidditch Captain'.
"I'm worried about her, though," Jen confided with the girls, crawling into bed. "All by herself in that huge house…"
"I'm sure Mr. Potter will check up on her often," Lily said. "They're friends." Jen shrugged and plopped her head down on the pillow with a sigh. "You just keep your head filled with thoughts of how to do your hair for the ball."
Jen's eyes widened. "Oh I don't need one more stress added…"
* * *
So the chapter's done and out – and I'm plum tired. I hope all you L/J shippers with your "GIVE US SOME FLUFF AND SNOGGING, DAMMIT" enjoyed that little part nearer the beginning. Thank you all for reading; hopefully you'll review with comments/suggestions/critiques. Here are your thanks:
dfgafkjhj: My first review for the chapter… and what a depressing one. Nevertheless, it made me laugh. Uh, thanks…
i o u a name: Uh, do you still not know what happened with Lily and the crow? She pretty much spazzed at it; pretty much just cause it always screws her life up more… and then her family came… and I don't feel like summarizing it in an thank you. If you still have questions, lemme know and I'll e-mail 'em to you. Thank you for reviewing and being honest with your confusion.
Princess Pixie Ice: lol – quite exuberant, aren't you? Well I'm happy you enjoy all the chapters – even though earlier ones make me want to hang myself… I hope you enjoyed this chapter, too, and thanks!
LovinLupin: Oh my god!! I completely forgot to e-mail you! Alright – Jo? Me and her are buddies. Actually, we were really close on Emily's thread, and we talk nearly everyday on MSN. She's doing fine. Better than me (who's nearly finished influenza) at least. I'll let her know you were wondering, if I haven't already… can't remember. But thank you for reviewing.
slate07: Thank you very much.
MandaB: Hm… High school: easier or difficult by end… well, I guess all I can say is that you just get used to everything. The people, the cliques, the programs, the bigger tests, exams, teachers… it slowly grows and you just go with it. I, myself, had a good high school time. Although my grades weren't perfect, my friends (although with many fall-throughs) made it great. And remember what your parents and everyone older than you says: don't expect to stay friends with all of them during and after HS. *clears throat* Anyways: thank you for reviewing.
Grimm Sister: Well, I'm happy that you reviewed, even if you can't remember what it is you were going to say:)
Whippy Bird: Why did Lily get the letter? *looks back and forth* Well, the whole plotting thing of Voldemort is to piss off and torture Lily. And why Remus? I doubt he even knows who Remus is. Sure Remus was sent some sort of letters way back in fifth year (if you remember him saying that), but that wouldn't have been sent from Voldemort himself. No, Lily is his prey. Anywhozims – thanks for reviewing and questioning!
Lily Smith: lol – I remember that comment. Oh I love it… I'm still laughing and making cracks ("Voldemort? Nah, he's sweet. Like the kind of Grandpa everyone wants…") Anywho (still chuckling) – thanks for reviewing.
Alej: Nah, Lily's parent's hadn't an inkling to the letter things. Blissfully unaware, they were. Thank you for reviewing:)
Kat44: I hope you did well on your English homework. Thanks for reviewing.
Manny2003: Yes, sad isn't it? Well, happy times should be on their way! Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Zy: Is he…? Yep. Yep he is. ;)
little key: I really do love the name. You know, I've wondered… what if I do die – how would you guys know?? My fault that I take so long to update? Psht, point that finger somewhere else, missy. You're damn right that's bad French. I don't recall those specific words being taught at school. But the whole keyboard fiasco? Quite funny. Rock the fuck on, Kerry.
Seriously Sirius: As of right now, I believe, you are reading that story I recommended to you. Ah Janna, everything's about carb's and stuff with you, isn't it? Fun, fun;) Oh no! I've written too much in a thank you by your standards! *clears throat* - "You rule, Janna!" Thanks!
Winky27: You know, the whole 'voice' thing – if I mess around with it, I can make it sound like you're complimenting my singing. Wow, how you described what you'd feel if you were Sirius… then that part of you is Sirius in a nutshell ;) Thank you for the lovely long review. I enjoyed it to bunches:)
oobergoober: lol – I have to admit I laughed when I first got your review in my e-mail. Thank you for that. I hope you're feeling mighty better (cause if you're still sick after three weeks…). Thank you for reviewing.
inu lover: Thank you:) Did you cry this chapter?
Beaver Buddy: Wow… a lot of comments and such, and many answered/responded to during this chapter. I believe I don't have much to say about all you wrote! Quite a long and nice review! I enjoy reading it. I love reading all the thoughts from readers. Makes me feel special and know that you guys are enjoying this :) Thank you very much for sticking with me throughout this whole thing and everything!
jasmine DarkAngel: Thank you for reviewing. Some smiles in the end, eh?
arikster: *sighs* I've learned, in my over a year of posting, that my stories have been great in helping young readers procrastinate with their homework. I'm proud. Thank you for reviewing.
Danni is Divine, James is Mine: There's your L/J action. I hope you liked it ;) Nice and angsty. Thanks for reviewing.
ferahgo: Oh yes, *rolls eyes*, my Latin skills are through the roof. Dun dun dun! Sirius wasn't too bad after the news… although he did think that Lily being born was bad… hm. Thanks for reviewing!
Star19: lol – Thanks for the taking off your proverbial hat;) Life does get in the way a little to often, doesn't it? Well, if in need, swoosh it away with that proverbial hat of yours!
Dahlia Flower: Mmm… angst. Yummy stuff, that. Did you like my angsty snog? I enjoy that part. Aw, if the last line of the last chapter made you cry… did this one? I was going for a few tears. Thanks for reviewing all the time!
mystikalolo: Sheesh, if so many people cried in the last chapter… I shudder to think about this one. Hm… living it, eh? Wonder what you'd be in the story… Who'd you think you'd be in it? Too much praise? What praise? ;) Thanks for reviewing.
harrypfanatic111: Wow, thank you very much for all the compliments! Thanks:)
Melissa A.: Heart-wrenching? Why thank you. Now that you've read chapter fourteen – wish you could have waited longer? Thanks for reviewing:)
TheSilverLady: 'Don't pull another JKR'? Hm, another. When have I pulled one to begin with? Thanks ;)
Daphne: Oh thank you. I really love doing the thanks component. Makes me blush. I wouldn't say it's the best written… (Oy Angie, much?) But I'd like to think that IJTL is doing quite well (not as proud of TGT).
LadySiri: lol – s'ok about going off topic. I do it too often in thank you's and when writing *winks* Thank you for reviewing!
Braney: Oh that was you sitting outside my house with a fork? Well hello. May I ask why you were doing so, though? Aw, bunnies! I love bunnies! (Thanks for reviewing;))
penpunk: Aw, hello. Good to see you again. How are you? I'm getting better. Anywho – Lily, rational, calm? Psht, nah. She has spunk! *chuckling* That's such a good word… And thank you very much for the long, thoughtful, and great review. You're welcome, and thank you.
They Call Me Mellow Yellow: Hello. Your penname is fun to type out. I hope you enjoyed your 'fluff' ;) Thanks for reviewing!
Jlee1031: Yea, too much seriousness in a story can dampen my spirits too. But if I feel like angst, I go to FictionAlley and go to the Dark Arts section. Ah yes, lots of angst there. Thank you for the review and the good ideas thing :)
Marauders Magelet: Why thank you very much for reading and reviewing!
Snuffles 55: Yes, no one ever wants to leave Canada. *lol* Mm, thank you for reviewing!
SockStealer: Oh sweet God… how many chapters? Not an idea. Not one. I thought I'd just write about twenty chapters, when I started, and there wasn't a thought in me of doing a sequel. I thought I'd start at sixth year, go to the marriage and be done in twenty chapters! None doin', obviously! So I don't guarantee anything. I don't think this one will be thirty chapters, though, as the chapters are a lot longer. Thanks for reviewing! (Love the name, btw)
padfootluvr88: Oh… *blushes* Touching? No one's ever said that… Thank you very much!
Luna-Elantari: Oh wow… you learn something new everyday! (I'll never call anyone a gringa, then.) Thanks for reviewing!
Lady Abby Bartlet: *clears throat and brushes finger from chest* I updated. Hmph. Oh I'd never say mine were the best! Oh no, no, no! Oy Angie is amazing. I'm always plugging her :) Thanks for reading!
Willowwand: Proverbial sorta means… well, here's an example. You know when you say you heart is broken? Well, it's not really. But proverbially, it is. Like a surgeon may know a lot about matters of the heart, but not the proverbial heart – meaning s/he's not good with romance and such. Does that help? So I don't know how your Sex Ed teacher used it… And yea, I often read stories like they're movies. If I can picture them doing things (cause if it's just dialogue, then the characters don't move), then it's a good story. Thank you for reviewing!
Ok then – those are done (I'm rushing a tad cause I'm tired and want to go to bed! ;)). Now onto the people who reviewed other chapters and TGTYEL: padfootluvr88, Terin, Dianne, Hannah7, and Lor48.
Wow, ok then! Don't forget that occasionally I write my writing progress in my bio – so if you're wondering how a chapter's coming, just check there. And as I usually remind everyone, if you want to be e-mailed when I update, leave me the address (please – I hate fishing for them) and tell me you want to be added! Thanks;)
This chapter is out and now so am I! Tata everyone!