This chapter is my idea of what could have happened if the Marauders had Divinations with Trelawny. Hope you enjoy!
You, Mr. Black. Tell me of what you dreamed when you chanced to dream last eve."
"Bet he dreamed the same I did – dumping Snivellus into his Potions cauldron," James whispered to Remus, who warned him to be quiet.
"I suggest that each of you listen closely to Mr. Black in case I choose one of you to attempt an interpretation. Now, Sirius."
"Well, Professor Trelawny, I dreamed about a big black shaggy dog that was chasing a really sorry looking rat." James and Lupin laughed out loud. Peter smiled broadly while Severus and Lucius exchanged confused looks behind him.
"Oh, my," Trelawny exclaimed. "This is most disturbing." She stepped backwards, her right hand at her throat as an anxious look came over her face. Sirius winked at James before standing up.
"Professor? Is something wrong?" he asked with a fake timidity. "You don't look very well." The professor attempted to compose herself enough to manage an explanation.
"You poor child. It's so, so cruel, and you're so young, too."
"Please, Professor. Tell me what it is!"
"Dear Sirius. I guess I haven't covered this yet, but . . ." she paused. "It's known as a grim. Seeing a black dog is an absolute sure sign that . . . well, that you are going to die soon." James snorted and Remus stifled an even louder laugh. Sirius, not finished with his little games, ignored them, sitting down in pretend shock as he gasped.
"Wow," he finally said. "Professor, h-how long d-do you think I, um, well, h-have to l-live?" he stammered. This brought another outburst of laughter from his friends as well as more than a few distraught looks from second-year girls in the room.
"I cannot believe you students! Mr. Potter, and Mr. Lupin, I've just informed all of you that your friend Sirius is going to die, and you think this is funny?" They boys looked down, trying to avoid eye contact with her and each other. "I cannot believe your insensitivity."
"And we can't believe that Divination nonsense," Remus whispered gleefully to James when she was out of hearing.
"I do not feel that I am able to teach any more today. You are all dismissed." The students silently left the room. The few (James, Remus, and Peter included) who wanted to cheer refrained to avoid ruining their escape.
"Great job, Sirius. That class is such a waste." Lupin exclaimed.
"Yeah," James agreed, clapping him on the back. "That was genius. Gonna chase some rats today, eh, Padfoot?"
"Shh," Sirius warned even as he chuckled. "Have you seen any?"
"Wait! Are you talking about me?" Peter asked. His three best friends just laughed. Lily tapped Sirius on the shoulder.
"You don' think you're really going to die, do you?" The worry was evident in her eyes.
"Nah," Sirius replied. "I'm not going anywhere. It's too much fun here."
"But Professor Trelawny said . . ."
"C'mon, Lily. You don't honestly think she knows what she's talking about." James stated.
"But James . . ."
"Listen, Lil, I just made that up, okay? I didn't really have a dream about a grim ," Sirius explained.
"You didn't?"
"No. Just don't go tellin' everyone that."
"So you lied?"
"Evans, give him a break. He's a marked man, remember?" James said, annoyed.
"James Potter!" Lily yelled.
Okay, review and tell me what you think. And if you have any other ideas for a Harry Potter "what if" let me know!
-Hope