Yes, I know I've taken forever to update! I'm sorry!! I'll just say my thanks and put the real authors note on the bottom and let you get on to reading. Warning: It's a bit long!
Purebloodprincess—Your story is so much better than mine! That reminds me....you gotta update!! Thanks for your review! Hope to see another one.
Melloyellow1120—It's not a problem. These things happen. I'm glad for your review though. I love getting them! Hope to see you review again!
KLLRS—Lol. I love reading your reviews. You make them extra long which is always cool. Yeah, that was a bit intense. Hopefully in here it'll lighten up a bit. And as for Professor Johnson....well you just gotta wait and see! But yeah, usually when I get mad, I'm quiet. Lol yeah that's an odd way to handle it, but what can I say?
Blood Emerald—I was wondering where you went! Glad to see you back and reviewing! Your still giving me a 10? YAY! I'm glad your not getting bored with the story. As for James....well, read this chapter then tell me what you think of him!
MissBlueAngel—You made me feel so much better! I love talking to you. Yeah, I have you a little shout out on my profile, did you see it? Email me, okay?
Kiko loved kurama—I am soo sorry!! Yeah, I have to remember that I'm not the only one going through something and that some people have it worse than me. I'm trying to be less selfish and concentrate on others needs before mine. Your review wasn't long at all! It was just right. Hope to see another review!
Stephanie—Here's the next chapter! It'll just get more suspenseful lol. But I hope to update more often. Yeah, Professor Johnson is really dirty. What's up with him, you ask? Only I know lol. You'll find out later though so don't worry.
Felicity 14—dun dun dun dun.....the moment of truth....will James really stop acting like a prick? Read on and find out! As for Professor Johnson, I can't answer yet. Sorry! And that was Sirius's thoughts. I thought it was a nice touch. I'll have to do it again, only maybe with Lily's thoughts.
Chapter 24—I'm sorry
James was once again in a forest. The fog was so thick, James had to squint to see. There were five figures laying on the floor.....Who were they?
'Maybe they can help me.' James thought as he made his was over to them. As he got closer, he could slowly make out who they were. 'It can't be....'
James stopped a few feet away, his voice caught in his throat.
Shadows still engulfed the figures, but he could make out dark auburn hair. 'Who are they?'
James inched slower. He now stood over the figures. It was still dark, so James slowly took out his wand.
"Lumos." He muttered. Light shone from his wand and spread over the five figures. James gasped.
Emma, Lily, Remus, Sirius, and Peter lay sprawled across the ground, mouths slightly open with blood all over them.
"No....." James whispered. For some reason, he wasn't shocked, wasn't sad. He felt nothing but hatred. Not for Voldemort, but for the five figured in front of him.
Remus slowly looked up. "James...." He croaked.
James grinned evilly and pointed his wand at his former friend. "It's been fun, Remus. But all good times must come to an end."
Remus looked at him confused and weak. James gave a cold laugh.
"Avada Kedvra."
James shot up in be, his face soaked in sweat. His breath become short gasps. Trying to calm down, James rubbed his hands over his face.
'A dream.' He reminded himself. 'Nothing but a stupid dream.....'
The pendant on his neck was slightly burning him because of the heat, but now that was pretty common when he woke up, so it didn't bother him. James just stayed in bed, staring at the ceiling. Sighing, he opened the curtain and looked at the clock.
'Pretty early.' James thought. It was around six o clock. James looked over at Sirius's bed, where he was snoring quietly. It had been a few days since their last fight. They hadn't talked at all. James was feeling pretty lonely, but didn't say anything about it. He knew he was acting foolish, that his friends only cared. But he still couldn't get Johnson's words out of his head. Sighing, James stood up and stretched. He had a Quidditch game in a few hours, so he figured he should get ready. He tried to keep his eyes open.
He found that he wasn't able to get much sleep lately, due mainly to the nightmares. Ever since the last three nights, he only got about a few hours of sleep. Now, with a Quidditch game, James found it hard to even keep his eyes open. Hopefully he wouldn't pass out and fall off his broom. He got up and stumbled out of bed.
After pulling on his robes, he left the dormitory. School had grown dull without his friends. Others were shocked at the Marauders split up, but didn't say anything about it. Still, James dreams were getting worse, and there was still no word from him mum. The Daily Prophet had left him alone for awhile, obviously they got the message.
James turned a corner and—
"Ouch!"
"Ow! Oooh, I'm so sorr—"
James was on the floor after bumping into a girl. However, the girl stopped her apology after seeing who she bumped into. Lily Evans stared down at him icily.
"Potter." She said coolly.
'Okay....she's still sore about the fight, too.' James thought sadly.
"Sorry, Evans." He replied, standing and straightening his robes. "You should watch where your going though, Evans. Someone could seriously get hurt."
Lily glared and stomped off.
"Not very tactful, are you James?" someone asked next to him.
James spun around to face Emma, who was leaning against a classroom sore and smiling.
"I thought you were ignoring me too?" James said in an annoyed voice.
Emma shook her head. "I know what your doing, James. And you don't have to. We don't need you to protect us. We told you we'd stand by your side and we meant it." Emma said softly.
James looked away. "You're the only one with that attitude. No one else seems to care."
Sighing, Emma walked up in front of him. "Well, I won't lie. But the others are a bit upset. You're not the only one to blame though, we all lost our heads. But really, it's time we set this straight. It's so boring without the Marauders." Emma gave a little laugh.
James smiled and ruffled his hair. "Maybe....well....I'm heading down to the locker room. The game should start soon. See you there?"
Emma nodded. "See you there."
They both parted.
"Okay, team!" James called, addressing his team in their scarlet robes, "I feel pretty confident. We never lost to Slytherin before, I doubt we'll start now. Just play your best."
The team nodded and they walked out. Outside in the stands, people were cheering loudly. The applause was deafening.
"And now," yelled commentator Kevin Hurley, "here comes the Gryffindor team!"
Both teams rose high into the air. Madam Hooch came out with the balls in her hand.
"I want a nice, clean game!" she called up. She threw the balls up and the game began.
James quickly grabbed the Quaffle and set off toward the goal posts. He quickly blocked out the commentating—it would only distract him more anyways.
James dodged most of the Slytherin team. He was so close to the goal posts.....he was about to throw the ball...
WHAM!
A Bludger came shooting past and knocked the Quaffle out of James hands. A Slytherin Chaser caught it and zoomed toward the posts. James spun around, looking for Remus and Sirius—who were beaters.
But there they were. Just hovering over the air, staring at James wearily. James made to open his mouth, but shut it quickly. He didn't know he made them that angry to where they wouldn't even defend him to a Quidditch game. Guilt quickly began to take over, but he ignored it.
'Concentrate on the game.' He reminded himself. For once, he opened his ears to the commentating.
"This is very curious indeed! Potter was just pelted with a Bludger while Black and Lupin just watched! Well, looks like the great Marauders have fallen." Kevin yelled into the microphone.
There wre many cheers from the Slytherins but boos from the rest of the crowd. James tightened his grip on the Firebolt, trying to block out the face, but to no avail.
"And the Slytherins are happy! Skytherin Chaser Jon Kenlie races to the goal while Gryffindor Keeper tries to block it......now, I may be a Hufflepuff, but I don't fancy Sltyerhin winni—BLOCK IT!! And—ahh...." Kevin cursed loudly. "Slytherin takes the lead ten-nil."
Many groans filled the stadium, but James knew it meant nothing. They wre only down by ten, they could easily catch up, if they played their cards right.
James raced toward the end of the field, to help Emma out, who now had the Quaffle. As he passed Sirius and Remus, he yelled, "Hey you blokes! Get in the game!"
They both glared.
'Okay....not a good sign.' James thought miserably.
Ignoring them, James sped toward Emma to help assist, when suddenly a wave of dizziness swept over him. He held on tightly to his broom. He stood there for about ten seconds before gaining his composure.
'What was that?' he wondered. James then shook his head. He's eyelids were beginning to feel heavy—probably the result of not getting much sleep.
'At this rate,' James thought vaguely, 'Someone had better catch the Snitch or I'll just fall asleep on the spot.'
"Hey, you git! Get in the game!" Sirius yelled, mimicking James words from moments ago.
"WHERE ARE THE GRYFFINDOR BEATERS?!" Kevin yelled from the stands. "EMMA JUNGHER WAS JUST KNOCKED WITH A BLUDER—WHERE'S POTTER?! SLYTHERIN'S AIMING FOR THE GOAL.....BLOCK IT!"
Three fourths of the crowd groaned while Kevin swore. "Slytherin takes the lead twenty to zero."
The Slytherins all cheered loudly. However, their victory didn't last long. The third Gryffindor Chaser—Jon Blark—passed the ball to James, who quickly made a goal. Cheers erupted from the stands. Kevin was grinning.
"Gryffindor scores thanks to Potter! We were wondering when the Marauders would get in the game! Okay, Slytherin Chaser grabs the Quaffle....ouch, Black, did you have to throw your bat at him that hard?"
Sirius yelled something from his position from his broom.
"Sorry, mate, going to have to speak louder." Kevin said into the microphone, cupping his ear. "Ah....that was Nott? Oh. Great going, mate! He got exactly what he deserved for cheating on my ex girl—"
James chuckled and resumed playing. Gryffindor quickly took the lead, making the score forty to twenty. James had got hit with the Bludger a few times; his side was starting to hurt and he found it more difficult to stay awake. Sirius and Remus were doing their jobs well—except when it came to James. Whenever a Bludger would come his way, they would conveniently be on the other side of the field, pretending like they didn't see anything.
Emma had just scored another point, making the score fifty to twenty. The Slytherins were now getting desperate. Without the Bludgers, they had a hard time getting the Quaffle. Also, Sirius and Remus were always aiming the Bludgers at them.
Finally, getting sick of playing fair, Slytherin captain Ken Mander grabbed a bat and hit two Bludgers as hard he could at Sirius.
James forced himself to spin around just in time to see the Bludgers aiming for Sirius. Without thinking, James flew toward Sirius with one thought in his mind: 'I've pushed them away long enough.'
James flew in front of Sirius and felt an instant pain in his stomach that caused him to nearly black out. Yelling out, James kind of spun around in circles on his broom.
"James!" Sirius shouted, his face white.
Gasping for air, James forced himself to smile. Meanwhile, Kevin's voice boomed through the stadium.
"GRYFFINDOR SEEKER AND SLYTHERIN SEEKER ARE BOTH NECK TO NECK TO CATCH THE SNITCH!"
James didn't think he could stay awake any longer. He played his best. He even defended Sirius. He hoped that would be enough to show how sorry he was.
"THEY'RE BOTH AT IT! IT'S SO CLOSE....SOMEONE CATCH IT!"
James lowered his broom toward the ground. He just stepped on the ground when the Quidditch pitch burst into a tremendous applause and yelling of happiness.
"THEY DID IT! GRYFFINDOR WINS!"
"Thank you." James muttered, closing his eyes.
"No. Thank you." A voice muttered in his ear. He tried to turn around, to open his eyes, but he just felt his knees buckle. He felt someone grab him around the waist and put andarm around him, supporting him.
"Come on, Prongs. Let's get you to the changing rooms." The same voice said.
'Prongs??' James vision was fuzzy. 'I haven't heard that name for so long.'
James felt himself being half dragged across the field.
"Padfoot?" he asked softly.
Sirius laughed. "It's me, mate. You know, you really don't look good."
James laughed. "Those Bludgers did hit me pretty hard."
James heard a door open and heard his broom clatter to the floor.
"You know, you didn't have to do that for me." Sirius said, letting go of James.
Waking up a bit more, James turned around to get a good look at his best friend. Sirius didn't look angry anymore. He was more worried.
"I had to. After I figured out what an arse I was being." James muttered.
Sirius laughed and tossed James his broom. "I'll admit, you were quite the git."
They both couldn't help but smile. Just then, James began to feel dizzy. He closed his eyes for a moment and his breath became a bit more shallow.
"Prongs?" Sirius asked, panic in his voice. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"
James opened his eyes, trying to savor the moment. Everything was swirling.....what was happening?
James saw a fuzzy figure and knew it was Sirius.
"P-Padfoot?" James muttered,
He heard Sirius quickly walk over to him, and put and arm on his shoulder in case he passed out.
"Prongs? Are you okay? Really, you don't look well." Sirius said, trying not to panic. But James was turning pale. James shut his eyes.
"Padfoot?"
"Yeah, Prongs?" Sirius was looking around to see if anyone could help.
Now, James felt too dizzy. He couldn't go on. He mumbled his last words, "I-I'm sorry."
Everything went black.
James groaned softly. He was on something warm....he couldn't place it.
"Sssh! I think he's waking up!"
'I know that voice.' James thought vaguely. Slowly, he opened his eyes and saw red. Turning his head slowly, he realized in was in his own bed in the dormitory. He was on his back, trying to remember what happened. Then, it all came back. The Quidditch game, his falling, and becoming friends with Sirius again.
James smiled. 'Friends with Sirius....'
"It's about time you woke up, mate!"
James was taken by such surprise that he fell off the edge of the bed. Coughing, he looked up to see Sirius sitting on the end of the bed, chuckling.
"Sirius!" James yelled on mock anger.
James and Sirius both laughed—something they hadn't done in awhile. James looked around.
"Er.....Sirius, what happened? What bout the game?" James asked.
Sirius came over and sat next to James. "We won." He stated proudly. "We got the Snitch. You flew to the ground and didn't look so well. So, me, being the brilliant friend I am—"James laughed at this, "—what? It's true! Anyways, I half dragged you to the locker rooms. Then you passed out there. I got Remus and Emma to help me carry you to your dormitory, since I honestly think you've seen enough of the dormitory. You've been asleep for one and a half days!"
James looked surprised. "Are you sure?"
"Yes! Our How could I not know? We thoroughly embarrassed the Slytherins in front of the school one and a half days ago!"
"And....where are Remus, Lily, Peter, and Emma? Are they still upset with me?" James asked hesitantly.
"Why don't you find out yourself?" Sirius exclaimed, standing up. James was about to ask him what he meant, when the door opened slowly to reveal Lily, Remus, Emma, and Peter. Neither four of them looked upset, only concerned and awkward.
They four walked in and stood in front of James and Sirius.
"Er....so, how are you?" James asked awkwardly.
Then, quite suddenly, Lily made an odd sobbing sound and threw her arms around James, crying into his shoulder. James was completely taken aback, as were everyone else.
"Lily?" James asked weakly, hugging her back.
"I'm sorry!" she cried. She looked up, eyes red and puffy. "I'm so sorry for the way I acted! I should have been more sensitive or....or something! I'm so sorry and if you never forgive me I understand! When Sirius was carrying you away on the Quidditch pitch, all I could think about was how horribly I treated you! And James, I'm sorry, I'll never, ever—"
James put his finger to her lips and smiled. "Lily, your rambling." He said softly. "It was my fault. I shouldn't have exploded on you guys like that. You're my friends and the only people that are keeping me here. I would easily just walk out and find my dad, but I know I have to stay here and keep you safe. If anything, I'm sorry."
James looked up at each of his friends. They all nodded and smiled, showing him that things were finally back to no rmal—partly.
"So, we're friends now?" James asked.
Remus sat next to James and smiled. "Prongs, you couldn't get rid of us even if you tried."
James laughed. Lily stood up and gained her composure.
"Okay, so now what?" Peter asked, who had been quiet the entire time.
"We celebrate!" Sirius yelled happily, jumping up.
"Here?" Emma asked, looking around the messy dormitory in distaste.
"No." Sirius said indignantly. "We're off to the kitchens."
"Of course, it's alright with the prefects." James said, eyeing Remus and Lily playfully.
Lily sighed. "I guess this one time it'll be okay."
James and Sirius both jumped up and headed out the door. They had just opened it when Lily spoke up.
"But there's one condition!" Lily called.
Sirius and James turned. James grinned at her cockily.
"Is Lily Evans requesting a date with the one and only James Potter?" James asked coyly.
Lily tried to look disgusted, but ended up smiling instead. Giggling, she threw a pillow at him.
"No." she replied. "I was actually going to say that I want you to go to the Hospital Wing and then meet us in the kitchens."
James frowned. "Why?"
Lily shrugged. "Just a check up. I'll go with you even. The rest can go and meet us in the kitchens."
James looked at Sirius and he shrugged.
"There's nothing wrong with me." James said.
"I know. But you can never be too sure." Lily said taking his arm.
They group them headed out of the Portrait Hole, where they got many weird looks in the Common Room. It's been awhile since you saw the Marauders together. Once they were out, the group parted. Lily and James going to the hospital wing, with Sirius, Emma, Remus, and Peter going to the kitchens.
"See you soon!" Emma called while disappearing from sight.
James and Lily made some small talk while stepping into the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey looking worried.
"Oh my dear!" she cried, swiftly walking over to them. "Has there been another attack?"
"No!" James said quickly, because the women looked on the verge of tears. "I actually just came for a check up."
Madam Pomfrey sighed in relief. "Yes." She said, while shooing James over to a bed. "I heard about the Quidditch game. Sit here Mr. Potter, and drink this sleeping potion. You should be awake in a few moments. Afterwards, you are welcome to leave. I'll send you the results by owl."
James thought that was a bit odd, but decided not to say anything about it. He took the goblet Madam Pomfrey gave him, then, with one look at Lily, drank it. In moments, he put his head on the pillow and fell into a dreamless nap.
James felt someone shaking his shoulder gently. Groaning, James slowly opened his eyes. Lily came into his vision, her huge green eyes staring down at him worriedly. Slowly, James stood up.
"What happened? Where's Madam Pomfrey?" James asked, noticing the nurse was missing.
Lily bit her lip. "After you went to sleep, a piece of parchment came out of nowhere. I'm guessing they were your results. Anyways, she scanned it, got all teary eyed, then ran out, saying she needed to talk to McGonagall." Lily explained.
James got up and smiled.
"What?" Lily asked, nonplussed.
"Let's go the Transfiguration room." James said, making his way out of the hospital wing.
"Wait!" Lily called, running to catch up with him. "We can't! We'll get caught!"
"Lily!" James replied, looking insulted, "Your with a Marauder now! We can get away with anything."
Lily bit her lip.
"Do you trust me?" James asked softly.
Lily looked like she was studying him. Then, she sighed in a defeated way.
"Of course." She answered.
The two made their way toward the classroom. When they got there, the door was opened ajar. They crouched behind a suit of armor, listening intently.
"Albus, what are we going to do?" Madam Pomfrey asked, still sounding tearful.
"For all we know," piped up McGonagall, "He could still be under the curse."
"Poppy," Dumbledore said, "Will you once again state your problem?"
"Yes, Headmaster. I just did a check up on Mr. Potter. The results came. Mr. Potter has been subjected to and Unforgivable and could possibly be under it as we speak! He could be used to get inside information."
"Which curse would this be, Poppy?"
"The Imperius Curse, sir."
Lily gasped. James hit his head against the wall.
'Things were just starting to get back to normal.' He thought miserably.
A/N. Like it? So there you have it. James stopped acting like a prick and they've made up. But things are far from over! It may get a little darker. I have some good ideas for the ending. Wow, this was a long chapter. Hope you didn't get bored from reading it! Okay, I'll update soon. I promise I'll try. But Wednesday I'm leaving for retreat. I'll type up the story, but I don't think it'll be ready but then. I'm in for a busy week. Okay, so here you go! This took awhile....I'm off to eat a salad.
Yeah, I know what your thinking. Why is a 13 year old eating a salad instead of pizza and ice cream, you ask?? (I'm turning 14 in a couple of weeks!) Easy. I'm getting fight. Yeah...alittle blunt. Anyways, me and my fat self are off to the kitchen!! (Okay, I didn't mean to insult people who think their overweight! Honestly, I think no one's over weight but me. I was cursed with it. Lol, anyways, I'm off. (yeah...I was kidding....I'm not fat!! Honeslty, I swear!) Last time I have coffee before writing an authors note. Okay, now I gotta think of ideas for 'Prove it to you.'
Love always,
Amour-Lily