To the Wilderness and Back
By
Snivellus
A/N: This is going to be a chapter story involving James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Severus Snape. This story is set during the winter holiday of their sixth year. It might contain slight HBP spoilers, but nothing major. Please Review!
The Headmaster raised his wand quickly and shut his large stained glass window as the wind quickly gushed through. It was late autumn; in fact it was nearing winter. The Headmaster shivered as he walked towards his desk. He sat back down at his desk looking at his recent discipline problem. He was not looking forward to his next appointment, in fact he was dreading it. Four names stood out on the paper which his Deputy Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall had handed him. James Potter, Sirius Black, Severus Snape and Remus Lupin. These four boys have caused Albus Dumbledore too many headaches to count.
To date, James Potter had compiled fifty-two detentions, seven visits to the Headmaster, and a negative eight hundred and twenty three house points. Sirius Black had earned sixty-four detentions, five visits to the Headmaster, and a negative seven hundred and forty four points. Severus Snape had thirty-three detentions, eleven visits to the Headmaster, and a negative two hundred and seven points.
Lastly, there was Remus Lupin. He was not nearly as bad as the others, however it was is lack of self worth that bothered the Headmaster the most. Remus has so much potential, but held it all in. He passed through the halls trying to go unnoticed. If it was not for James and Sirius then surely he would have faded into the background.
Albus was shaken from his thoughts as he heard a knock at his door.
"Enter." He said serenely.
"Headmaster, I have brought Mr. Potter, Mr. Black and Mr. Lupin." Professor McGonagall stated, as she pushed the boys forward.
"Thank you, Minerva. Boys please sit down, we are still waiting for one more." He said as his eyes twinkled at Minerva as she exited. Albus peered over his half moon spectacles at his students. He let out a sigh knowing that what he was about to do was not something he was looking forward to, but knew that this last hyjinx was the last straw.
"Excuse me sir, but why exactly are we here?" James said after a few moments of silence.
"Mr. Potter, I have before me a list of your 'accomplishments' during your six years at this school, and let me say that it is quite impressive." The headmaster said seriously. James gave a big grin and nudged Sirius.
"This is not something to be proud of Mr. Potter, quite the opposite in fact." He replied to this behavior.
"Headmaster, it is just a bit of fun, honestly how can you sit there and tell me that I am wrong, my grandfather told me stories of your school days." James said haughtily.
As the Headmaster readied himself to respond, the door opened again.
"Headmaster." Severus said lowly.
"Ah, come in Mr. Snape." Albus motioned him to come in.
"What is HE doing here?" Sirius accused.
"You are one to talk Black!" Severus snapped back.
"Mr. Black, sit down! Mr. Snape, that chair, now!" The Headmaster rubbed his forehead in frustration.
"Now all of you are here for a reason. Combined you have earned eighty-nine detentions, twenty-seven visits to this office, and a negative one thousand seven hundred and seventy four house points. This, while is not the worse I have seen, it is very disconcerting to me and your Heads of Houses that all these detentions, visits, and house points is because of your hostility towards each other. Particularly Mr. Potter and Mr. Snape."
"Sir, I beg your pardon, but I do not deserve to be here." Severus said, disgusted.
"Sit back down, Mr. Snape, you are in no position to decided. Your violent outbursts, made up curses, and disrespect for your peers is disturbing. Mr. Potter, your righteous attitude, lack of respect towards your elders, and aggression is highly disappointing. Mr. Black, your aggression, and laid-back attitude towards responsibility is also disappointing. Mr. Lupin you hide your potential as much if not more than your condition." Before the boys had a chance to respond, the Headmaster continued.
"That said, your Heads of Houses and myself have decided that you four will spend your winter holiday together in camp. You will work through your problems, or I have no other choice but to expel you." The boys sat with a shocked look on their face unable to speak. Albus closed his eyes trying to suppress the regret he had as he spoke these words.
"There is no way that my parents have agreed to this!" James said nearly irate.
"They have, and will continue to support my decisions. Mr. Potter I suggest you accept this, and move on, or else your time in camp will be sorely spent.
"Surely, you can't expect us to spend four weeks with him!" Sirius shouted pointing his finger at Snape.
"I most certainly do, and it would be behoove you to get along."
"Sir, they will rip me apart, it is and always has been three or four against one! You can't expect me to do this! I hate you!" Severus shouted in anger.
"You may hate me now, but I hope that someday you can forgive me. This goes for all of you. I do this out of caring and love. You are all great wizards, but your powers if continue to go unchecked will get you in over your head, drowning. You will meet at 8'oclock in the morning on December 2nd. Mr. Lupin, I believe the full moon is on the 30th of November, so you will be in no danger. Pack light, and leave your wands in your rooms, or risk it being broken in front of you."
"I can't believe this, it is all HIS fault, the stupid little tattle tale!" James said under his breath to Sirius, referring to Snape.
Remus sat in silence, not really understanding what he was to gain from this experience. He was after all never the cause of the problems. Severus too, was quiet, seething with anger. Another wrong done unto him by the Headmaster! How he hated the stupid Gryffindors!
The four boys stalked off from the Headmaster's office, slamming the door in turn. Albus flinched as he looked over towards his Phoenix, Fawkes.
"I hope for their sakes they can work out their problems. Severus is already in over his head, I pray that the others will not follow in turn. To their ultimate success." Albus said raising his glass to Fawkes.
End of Chapter 1