As time goes on Chapter 28: Goodbye Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, Prongs, a harry potter fanfic

I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG! Honestly, I feel horrible. This chapter is pretty long but I hope it will make up for my lack of updates for the past two months. You guys have been waiting long enough, so I'll just put the rest of my Author notes at the end of the chapter. Again, thank you so much for your patience. Anymore news will be written on my profile. Thanks to:

Jameslover- Hey. Hm, I did post once after January and before this. Have you read those? I know I've had long periods of times when I didn't update, but don't worry, I would neveer abandon it! This is my last week of school. After that I'll have loads of times to update. As for the Marauders being friends again..well, lol, read this chapter.

Leela74- Thank you so much! I love reading your reviews lol. As for your story, I look forward to reading it! The moment it comes out, let me know! I'll give you your first long review!

the muggle marauder- thank you so much for reading! Especially when it's so long. As for the comma and periods, I reread this whole chapter just to make sure I did it right! Hopefully it will be easier to read. Thank you so much for commenting on that. I hope to see another review from you!

MaddyPaddy- You cried! I am so sorry I made you cry! But does that mean I did a good job on the emotion?

Heartbreakerginny- Wow, an 11? I feel very special. Thank you, you've just made me smile. Here's more, just what you wanted. And yes, I'll read your fics as soon as I can. I hope to see another update from you!

Farslake- Yeah, I feel bad for James, too. As for why they have to suffer...unfortunetely for them, I am the author of this story and they are forced to do whatever it ell them to. Don't worry! That was only the beginning of their drama.

KLLRS- The suspense is only beginning.

Me- Yes, very poor Remus, and Sirius and James. Here's the next chapter! Hope to hear from you again.

Okay, I think I've kept you guys waiting long enough. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I never used to do this things before because I thought you guys would just figure that if I were J.K Rowling herself, I wouldn't be writing on a FAN site. But recently one of my stories have been deleted because I didn't put a disclaimer. :'( So, I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER!

BOLD-FLASHBACK

Italics- DREAM

How the hell did we wind up like this?
Why weren't we able, to see the signs that we missed
And try turn the tables

I wish you'd unclench your fists, and unpack your suitcase
Lately there's been too much of this
But don't think it's too late

Nothing's wrong, just as long as
You know that someday I will

Someday, somehow
I'm gonna make it all right but not right now
I know you're wondering when
(You're the only one who knows that)
Someday, somehow
I'm gonna make it all right but not right now
I know you're wondering when

Well I'd hope that since we're here anyway
That we could end up saying
Things we've always needed to say
So we could end up staying
Now the story's played out like this
Just like a paperback novel
Let's rewrite an ending that fits
Instead of a Hollywood horror

Nothing's wrong, just as long as
You know that someday I will

-Nickleback 'Someday'

Chapter 28- Good bye Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs

With a sinking feeling in his stomach, James walked toward the Headmaster's desk and took a seat next to Sirius and Remus. He tried to catch their eyes, but both of them had their eyes set on the floor. Peter, who was on James far left, was looking quite nervous. Not that James could blame him. The punishement they would all face would most definitely be hard. He was secretely scared that they might have to confess to being an illegal Animagus. Sirius, who was on James left, was staring at the floor, looking quite guilty. On James right sat Remus who was only glaring hard at the floor. On his far left, much to James distaste, sat Snape, actually looking quite gleeful.

James couldn't help but scowl at this. 'He's happy that he finally got his chance to get us all expelled.'

Dumbledore regarded each of them carefully before opening his mouth to speak. Now, there was no twinkle in his eyes, no trace of the warm smile he usually once held. Now, he looked grave and serious.

"As you know, we have a very serious matter at hand." Dumbledore said, looking at each of them seriously. "This leaves me in quite a predicament. However, I will be fair and listen to what each of you have to say."

James squirmed in his seat uncomfortably.

"Mr. Pettigrew? Would you like to go first?" Dumbledore asked.

James felt his heart sink. There was noway to explain what Peter was doing in the Shrieking Shack unless he said he transformed into a rat...

Peter glanced at his friends. It was obvious he was nervous and debating on what he should say.

"Mr. Pettigrew?" Dumbledore prompted.

"Er..." Peter seemed to be picking his words carefully. "Well...er..see...I was on my way down to--" he casted James a nervous looked-- "Dinner. I noticed Madame Pomfrey taking Remus down to the Shrieking Shack--"

"Am I too assume that Mr. Lupin has already told you of his condition?" Dumbledore asked. Remus flinched slightly.

"Yes," Peter said nervously.

"He was a part of this whole plan to kill me!" Snape shouted suddenly.

"Shut up," Sirius snapped. "No one would waste their time plotting to kill a sniveling old prat like yourself."

"He had to have been a part of it!" Snape argued, ignoring Sirius's comment. "I saw Pettigrew in the Shrieking Shack!"

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at Peter. "Oh?" Dumbledore looked at him expectantly. "Mr. Pettigrew, if you were aware of Mr. Lupin's condition, may I ask why you went into the Shack when you knew quite well you would be coming face to face with a full fledged werewolf?"

Snape smirked smugly.

Peter once again shifted uncomfortably. "I was simply curios, Professor," came the short reply.

Now it was time for James to raise his eyebrows. Peter was sitting here lyng through his teeth for them...

'Always knew we could trust him.' he thought.

But Dumbledore didn't seemed quite pleased with this answer. To James, it seemed like he knew they were lying. Deciding to let it go, Dumbledore then turned his attention to James. James then felt the same nervousness Peter must have felt. It was as if those blue eyes were looking right through him--getting the whole story without James even having to say anything.

"Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore asked quietly. "May we hear your side of the story?"

"Right," James began to explain umcomfortably. He was, however, suprised by how convincing the words came out. "I was on my way back from dinner when Sirius came running up to me, panting and saying he had done something wrong. He told me he had told Snape where to find Moo...er...I mean, Remus. Right. He told me Snape told him were to find Remus. Sirius and I ran down to the Whomping Willow to try and stop Snape. Naturally, being the little are he is--er, Sorry, Professor--he ran down the tunnel anyways, regardless of what we had to say. That was when we came face to face with Remus. We ran out of the Shack and into the forest. Remus was behind the entire time, but we did manage to get away."

James ended his story with finality in his voice. For a moment, he thought he might get away with it. But Dumbledore was staring at him with a fixed expression, not looking thoroughly convinced. James looked down at the floor, not wanting to make eye contact with the Headmaster.

"Very well," Dumbledore spoke at last. "Remus...please give us your side of the story."

Remus shrugged, his voice completely emotionless. "Not much to say, Professor," he said, looking at the Professor. His eyes were as emotionless as his voice. "I went down to the Shack as usual. I transformed. I woke up in the hospital wing and Sirius told me Snape knew. That's about it."

Dumbledore nodded. For a moment, Remus and James made eye contact, but Remus looked away quickly. James was only a little surprised by how Remus coincidentally forgot to tell Dumbledore how Jamse, Sirius, and Peter transformed. Regardless of whether or not he was angry at them, James knew Remus wouldn't give away their secret.

"He's lieing!" Snape shouted suddenly, pointed at Remus. "He's lieing! He knows more, Professor! I know he does!"

"I believe every word he said," Dumbledore stated simply.

"You can't trust a werewolf!" Snape yelled.

Sirius, while knocking over his chair, immediately jumped out of his seat, pointing his wand at Snape's nose. Dumbledore raised his hand.

"Mr. Snape, you will not say such a thing to your fellow classmate again." Dumbledore said firmly. "You will not repeat what he is to anyone, do I make myself understood?"

Snape nodded glumly, never taking his eyes off Sirius's wand.

"Mr. Black--" Dumbledore started to say, but was cut off by Remus.

"Black, put your wand down. I don't need you to defend me. It's your own bloody fault we're all here in the first place," Remus said angrily.

Turning his head sharply to Remus, Sirius lowered his wand. The words had obviously stung him badly. Picking up his chair, Sirius sat down, staring at the floor guiltily. All in all, it looked quite pathetic. Though he was very compasstionate toward his best friend, James was forced to think of him as a little child was on time out for breaking his mother's vase. This look didn't belong on his best friend's face.

Dumbledore turned his attention to Sirius. "Mr. Black," Dumbledore spoke more firmly with him. "An explanation for why you did what you did, please."

Sirius's gaze remained fixed on the ground.

"Mr. Black?" Dumbledore repeated.

There were a few more minutes of silence until--

"Snape got me angry," Sirius replied quietly.

"Oh?" Dumbledore looked at the teenager. "What could he have possibly said to make you feel he deserved to be thrown in the Shrieking Shack?"

"I didn'tthrow him in the Shack," Sirius said, the tiniest hint of anger evident in his voice. "He went on his own stupidity. His own pleasure in seeing us get expelled is what got him into this mess."

Dumbledore nodded. "While I agree it was foolish for Mr. Snape to let his hate toward you four decide his actions, you did supply the imformation he needed."

Sirius stayed silent.

"What, then, Mr. Black," Dumbledore repeated, "Did Mr. Snape say to you that caused you to become so angry you sent him in the Shrieking Shack?"

Sirius shot a nervous glance at James. James noticed this and raised his eyebrows in response. For a few moments, the two made eye contact and refused to look away. James tried hard to read the emotions and thoughts that appeared to be so evident in his best friend's eyes. All James saw was regret and guilt.

"Mr. Black?"

Dumbledore's voice brought the two back to reality. Both boys looked up at their Headmaster, who was looking at them patiently.

"The slimy git talked about James parents," Sirius spat out, glaring icily at Snape, who just glared right back.

For a moment, James felt dizzy. His parents? Snape had talked about his parents? A sudden rush of emotions left him feeling quite confused. This wasn't right. They were here to talk about Remus and Sirius and Snape...not about his parents? When had his parents gotten involved in all this? It was bad enough they were out fighting a war, they didn't need to be brought into James school fights. When Sirius mentioned his parents, all the guilt, anger, and hurt came rushing back to him all at once. He tried to block out the memories...but it was no use. Images of John and his dad flashed through his head, causing James to moan and hold his head, willing the images to go away.

Without looking up, James managed to say, "What about my parents?"

Sirius saw the state James was in and stayed silent. He knew this would happen. He knew it would bring back the memories. James just sat there, holding his head. Sirius couldn't see his face, but he was sure it was contorted in pain trying to will away all the images. He knew James all too well.

'Your so stupid, Sirius!' he thought. 'Not only did you get Remus to hate you, but you brought back the memories James have been trying to forget since Christmas. I'm so stupid...why did I let Snape get me so angry? It cost me so much...'

"Sirius?"

Sirius looked up. James voice had snapped him out of his thoughts. James was looking straight at Sirius, looking quite serious, angry, and a little hurt.

"Sirius, what did he say about my parents?" James repeated.

Sirius just stared at his friend, begging him with his eyes not to make him say anything.

"Padfoot?" James looked at Sirius sadly this time. His voice was almost pleading. "Please, what did he say that got you so angry?"

Sirius looked away. "I'm sorry, Prongs," he said so quietly he wasn't sure James had even heard him. Taking a huge breath, he looked up, directly into James eyes, and said, "He said...we were the reasonsyour dad was captured and that out of all the people, he would have least expected their son and his best friend to get them killed."

In an instant, James was out of his seat yelling, "You bloody git!" and had successfully tackled Snape, with the chair going with them both. Snape had tried to dodge him but to no avail. James tackled him and they both fell to the ground.

"Potter, get off of me!"

"Your slimy mouth isn't fit to talk about my parents!"

"Mr. Potter!"

"James!"

"Prongs!"

"JAMES!"

"Oy, shut up, Peter, and let him beat the greasy git to a pulp!"

"Sirius, I hardly think that will help our case. He thinks we tried to murder him!"

"We should have left you! We never should have helped you! We should have left you to Moony--"

"Mr. Potter, that is enough!"

With a flick of Dumbledore's wand, James was thrown off of Snape as if an invisible hand had grabbed him by the shirt and shoved him roughly to the ground.

A bit dazed, James looked up at the Headmaster. He felt a chill run down his spine. He had never seen his Headmaster look so serious. He didn't look angry like he was at the time when John was captured, or firm like he was when he tried to get a point across. He was just...serious. It caught James off guard and he found himself a bit scared of him.

"Mr. Potter, if you will kindly take your seat." This was an order, not a request. James picked up his chair and sank into it, quite sure he was going to pay for the stunt he just pulled. Snape stood up, brushed off his robes, and sat down, looking quite smug at the fact that he had probably just gotten James into bigger trouble. Snape had learned early on that one of their biggest weaknesses was that they were easily-angered. Sirius, however, was looking at James quite proudly, causing James to flash him the smallest grin.

"Am I to assume, Mr. Black," Dumbledore said, quite seriously. "That the moment James parents were mentioned you became so angry the only thing you wanted was to cause him as much pain as possible?"

"I didn't want to kill him," Sirius murmured.

"Liar!" Snape shouted, starting to rise from his chair.

"Mr. Snape," Dumbledore warned.

"I don't know what came over me, Professor," Sirius admitted. "The next thing I know Snape is rushing toward the Whomping Willow and I run to James, knowing he'll help me. We both ran after Snape, trying to get him to turn around, but he wouldn't listen to us."

"At what point did Mr. Snape believe you?"

"When he saw the werewolf for himself," Sirius muttered hestitantly.

"So now I'm just 'the werewolf', am I?" Remus spat.

Sirius looked at him with wide eyes. "No..Moony, that't not what I meant!"

Remus opened his mouth to retort, but Dumbledore raised his hand.

"There will be plenty of time for arguing later," Dumbledore said, sounding quite serious. "But now, we need to hear Mr. Snape's account of what happened."

Snape looked at the Marauders smugly. He was sure he would get them expelled.

"Well," Snape began, "the idiot Black--"

"There will be no need to name calling, Mr. Snape," Dumbledore said curtly.

"Right," Snape flushed. "Well, after he got mad, he told me where the Whomping Willow is. I ran down and went through the tunnel. I went inside the Shrieking Shack and came face to face with a werewolf. That is pretty much all there is to it, Professor. However, I must say, they hid it quite well. They made it seemde like the were actually trying to save me. But it was all an act, Professor. Theywanted that to happen. They tried to kill me!"

"We saved your life!" James shouted.

"A question," Dumbledore raised his voice slightly, gaining the attention of all five boys, "for the Marauders is in order."

James, Sirius, Peter, and Remus looked at him.

"How," Dumbledore continued, "Did you save Snape and yourselved from a full grown werewolf? Surely you four didn't use your bare hands?"

James glanced at his friends, who had begun to look uneasy.

"We're fast runners, Professor," James said, trying to sound convincing.

"Oh?" Dumbledore obviously didn't believe him. "And you ran all night until the moon was gone? Highly unlikely, Mr. Potter."

James stayed silent, thinking up of ever possible lie or excuse he could come up with, but each was more unlikely than the next.

"Mr. Potter, if you four do not give me the whole story, I'm afraid expulsion will the the only possible answer. I have tried hard to keep Mr. Lupin here, and he has done quite well, might I add. But the more people who know, the harder it will be to defend him if anyone were to find out his secret." Dumbledore said, quite seriously.

James swallowed hard. 'Think, James, come on!'

Just then, Peter spoke up quietly, "We used our wands, Professor."

"I beg your pardon?"

"We used out wands to...attack him."

Peter looked down guiltily, and James was caught slightly off guard at how well he could tell a lie and act as if it was the truth. Sirius looked at him, eyes widened slightly, while Snape looked furious.

"That's not true!" He yelled. "I would have seen it!"

"You," Sirius snarled, "Passed out like a little girl while we were fighting to saveyour life."

James sat there, feeling slightly guilty that the Marauders, minus Remus, were lieing through their teeth to their Headmaster. Sirius was now even trying to play mind games with Snape. The only comfort James got out of this was the fact that he and his three friends were lieing together. To save each other from expulsion.

"You sent me down there!" Snape yelled, furiously pointing at Sirius.

"That's right," Sirius suddenly looked at Dumbledore. "I sent him down there, Professor. It was my own mistake to let my anger get the best of me. All James and Peter tried to do was to help me fix the mistake they made. James risked his life to save Snape, while I just did it so Remus would never know what I did." The guilt and pain caused Sirius's voice to shake slightly. "So, Professor, if there's anyone who should be punished, it should be me. Not James, because he did the right thing, not Remus, all he was was a tool to get revenge on Snape, or Peter, because he had nohing to do with it.

"I'm sorry. I want to take it back. I know what I did was unforgivable. I betrayed Remus. But, mate," Sirius looked at Remus directly in the eye, "No matter what you think, I didn't do it because I hate you."

Remus stared back at Sirius, a wave of emotions came over him to where he felt a bit light headed. He wanted to believe him, to believe he was sorry, but he couldn't. He wished things could go back to normal and they could go on planning their next prank for the Slytherhins, but he couldn't. Something inside him wouldn't let him. So, trying to hide the emotions that were quite evident in his eyes, he tore his gaze away from Sirius's firm one and stared straight ahead at Professor Dumbledore.

Dumbledore sighed and stared at his folded hands. "This puts me in quite a predicament. While you have broken enough rules to get you expelled, Mr. Black, I somehow do not think that is a suitable punishment."

Sirius looked up hopefully.

"However," Dumbledore's voice held no sympathy, it was firm and serious. "Eighty points will be taken from Gryffindor. You will serve detention for a month and will be suspended for one week--"

"Professor, where am I supposed to go?" Sirius cut in.

"Your parents," Dumbledore said simply.

Sirius's mouth dropped open while James and Peter stared at him with wide eyes. Remus even looked a little shocked. Not that Dumbledore could blame them. He knew the situation. Only last summer Sirius had run away from him house after a huge fight between him and his parents. He swore never to go back. What would his parents do if he did? His parents had hit him a few times before, too. James could only imagine the punishments Sirius would endure if he was to back to his old house.

"Professor.." Sirius asid slowly, a look of horror appearing across his face at the mention of his parents. "Couldn't I just go to James--"

"No," Dumbledore said firmly. "You're own house, Mr. Black."

Not willing for argue with his Headmaster, Sirius hung his head in defeat.

"That's all he gets!" Snape stood up and pointed an angry finger at Sirius. "He tried tokill me and you only suspend him? People get sent to Azkaban for trying to murder people!"

At any other moment James would have laughed at how mad Snape looked with his wide eyes, pale face, and incredulous stare.

"I do not think Mr. Black's motive was to kill you, Mr. Snape."

Snape opened his mouth furiously, but was stopped by Dumbledore. "Now," the Headmaster continued, "it is time for your own punishment, Mr. Snape."

Snape looked surprised at this statement.

"You will serve detention for two weeks and will go straight to your dormitory every night for a month. Eighty points will be taken from Slytherin."

Snape's mouth dropped. "I'm getting punished?" Snapeasked incredulously. "I was the victim, Professor!"

Dumbledore inclined his head. "While it is no doubt Mr. Black's foolishness that sent you down to the Shrieking Shack, it was your thirst for revenge and eagerness to see him expelled that allowed you to fall into his trap. Your own blindness is what got you in trouble. If you knew Mr. Black hated you so much, did it not strike u as odd that he would so willingly tell you where to find Mr. Lupin? You also provoked him, Mr. Snape, using the one thing you knew would get a rise out of him: the Potters.. That is why you are being punished."

Snape opened and closed his mouth a few times, obviously at a loss for words. James wanted to smirk, wanted to say some smart remark, but none would come.

Turning to Peter, Dumbledore spoke, "It seems to me that you had no huge role in this, Mr. Pettigrew." Peter gave a small sigh of relief.

"No punishment will be given to you."

Snape once again looked as if he was going to say something, but Dumbledore's firm voice and serious eyes caused him not to speak.

"Mr. Lupin."

Remus looked up slowly. His sad eyes met Dubmeldore's blue sympathetic oncs.

"Are you going to expel me?" Remus asked quietly.

For a moment, Dumbledore didn't speak. He simply stared at him. Finally, he replied, "No, Mr. Lupin, you will not be expelled. When I accepted you into Hogwarts, I knew you would have a lot of potential and would succeed here. And I was right. You are one of my best students, prefect, and a very loyal and respectable young man. When I accepted you, I made the extra precautions neceassary so that you may have a chance of a normal life. I will not be the one to strip that away from you."

For a while, no one spoke. The two just stared at each other, Dumbledore smiling slightly. Remus stared back as if he couldn't quite believe his ears. Then, slowly, he nodded. Dumbledore then turned serious and looked at James.

James instantly felt nauseous.

Swallowing hard, James asked, "What's my punishment, Professor?"

Dumbledore's blue eyes looked into James hazel ones, making him quite uncomfortable under the firm stare.

"It seems to me, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore spoke firmly, "that contrary to what Mr. Snape thinks, you were not involved in this. While I am surprised that you and Mr. Black had not plotted together, it seems to me that if it had not been for your quick form of action, Mr. Snape would have gotten a lot closer to seeing a side to Mr. Lupin than he wanted to see. You were brave and quickly went ro save your rival, knowing quite well that you were putting your own life in danger. but you did it out of loyalty for your friend, also knowing there was a slightly chace of you getting expelled. That is, why, Mr. Potter-"

James held his breath.

"I award Gryffindor twenty house points."

Sirius's mouth dropped, James looked at him with wide eyes, Peter and Remus both looked shocked, while Snape was making a funny noise of fury. He angrily stood up.

"HE'S REWARDED TWENTY POINTS FOR NEARLY KILLING ME! "Snape roared. "PROFESSOR, THEY PLANNED THIS! THEY ALL PLANNED TO SEND ME DOWN THERE! POTTER JUST GOT SCARED AT THE LAST MINUTE! THERE'S NOTHING HEROIC ABOUT THAT!"

"Mr. Snape," Dumbledore said firmly, "I highly doubt it was their intention to kill you. I believe Mr. Potter and Mr. Pettegrew when they say that had no part in it. But you, on the other hand, will not repeat what happened to anybody. You will not give away Mr. Lupin's secret. The moment you do, you will be expelled from Hogwarts. Along with Mr. Black for showing you the way to invade Mr. Lupin's privacy." Dumbledore added in an after thought.

Snape was flushed in anger. Dubmledore looked at him, the firmness gone from his voice. "Mr. Snape, I would not keep Mr. Lupin here if I believed he would purposely harm one of the student."

For a few moments, no one spoked.

Finally, Dumbledore said, "You are dismissed."

Snape stood up so quickly that his chair fell backwards with a loud bang. He stalked out of them room furiously, robes bellowing after him. Sirius tried to catch Remus's eye, but Remus got up from his chair and walked out, not even taking a glance back toward the office. Looking quite miserable, Sirius walked out. Peter made to follow him, but stopped to look at James. James stood up but didn't move. He stood awkwardly with his hands in his pockets. He gave Peter a meaningful nod, telling him to leave. Giving him a somewhat sad smile, Peter walked out, shutting the door behind him. James just stared at the door, feeling awkward. Behind him, Dumbledore once again spoke.

"Mr. Potter, is there something troubling you?"

Slowly, James turn to look at his Headmaster.

"Professor,"James started, "Sirius honestly didn't mean to send Snape down there. He wasn't thinking. Do you honestly have to send him back to his parents? You know what their like."

Folding his hands, Dumbledore looked up at James. "I know very well that he ran away from home because he could not stand it there a second longer. I believe he did not do it on purpose. But the fact still stands that hedid it, Mr. Potter. He is a very brilliant young man and very loyal. He proved that by defending you and your parents. He has proved it by putting his life in danger by saving you. You, also, have shown great courage by risking your life to save Mr. Snape and to protect Mr. Lupin's secret.

James could only nod.

"But Mr. Black was foolish to let Mr. Snape's mind games get to him. I wish there was another way, Mr. Potter, but the punishment still stands."

Feeling disaappointed, James looked down and nodded, showing that he understood.

'But I don't.' he thought. 'This could ruin all four of our friendships...'

/there was a few moments of silence where James just looked at the floor, debating whether or not to ask a question that has been haunting him for months now...but he couldn't..he wasn't sure if he could handle the response..

"Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore spoke softly. The seriousness of his voice was now gone, replaced by understanding and sympathy. It was as if he already knew what the question was.

Taking a deep breath, James looked at him.

"Professor..." James spoke slowly, "has there been any news on my dad?"

Dumbledore studied James for a moment. Sadly, he replied, "I am very sorry. No imformation about your father's or John's whereabouts have been found."

Trying to swallow the large lump that had formed in his throat, James asked, "A-and my mum?"

"Refuses to sleep until she finds them."

James nodded, disappointment taking over him. It had been nearly four months since his fathe was taken. Whyc ouldn't they find any imformation? Just then, a thought occured to James. He considered for a small moment telling Dumbledore that he felt like someone was using the Imperius curse on him during one of his Quidditch matches.

"James?" Dumbledore asked.

James turned to look at him.

"Is there anything you would like to tell me?" he asked kindly. "I would listen if you wanted to talk."

James stared at him for a moment, considering the consequences if he were to tell Dumbledore he thought someone in the catle was out to get him After a few moments of silence and staring, James said quietly, "No, Professor. But thank you."

Leaning back in his chair with his hands folded on the desk, Dumbledore sighed. "I wish I could help you, James." he said. "I am doing the best I can do find your them."

James nodded. "But, sir, do you think..do you think their..."

James couldn't finish the rest of his sentence. Luckily, Dumbledore cut in. "No, James. I have no doubt in my mind that they are still very much alive. "

James nodded and gave a small smile of gratitude. "Thank you, Professor."

Dumbledore gave him a smile. "If any news if discovered, I'll be sure to let you know."

A few moments later, James shut the door to the Headmaster's office and looked down the deserted corridor. He had hoped that his friends would be out here waiting for him. They usually were. Sighing and feeling a bit empty at the fact that the Marauders might split up, he made his way toward the Gryffindor Tower. All he wanted was to get to bed and not wake up.

He wondered when things began to spin out of control. He got his answer immediately. Ever since Christmas. Ever since then things have always been shaky between the Marauders, but now it had reached its breaking point. Since his friends had forgiven him for acting like a git, he was sure that if they could handle his foul mood, the four could handle anything together. But now, their old fears were surfacing and threatened to tear them apart. Remus's secret, Sirius being sent back to his parents, Snape thinking they were murders, James fear of losing his friends, and Peter not knowing whose side to take. All of them were hurt beyond imagination. But what James feared the most was that Sirius or Snape would want revenge.

He turned a corner and heard yelling.

"Sirius! Put your wand down!"

"No! He's going to pay for what he did, Remus!"

"It was your own stupidity that got us into this mess! Just let him go!"

Curiosuly, James peeked around the corner and saw Sirius with his wand out, Remus behind him, looking a bit angry, and Snape against the wall, pinned there by some invisible force.

"What, your not defending this piece of filth?" Sirius spat at Remus. "After all he's done to us?"

"What about what you did to me?" Remus snapped.

Sirius ignored him and gave Snape a hard jab in the chest with his wand. "You're going to regret ever provoking me, Snivellus." Sirius said so maliciously that James actually felt intimidated by his best friend.

"Sirius!" Remus had taken out his own wand and was pointing it to Sirius threateningly. "Make one more move and I swear I'll hex you into oblivion!"

Sirius eyed Remus's wand warily. He knew Remus's dueling skills were nothing short of advanced.

"Remus, why are you trying to stop me?" Sirius asked, obviously frusterated. "The moment we let him go you know he'll run off and tell everyone what you are!"

Remus stared at Sirius with hard eyes. "Dumbledore made sure he wouldn't tell anyone. He may hate us, but he has nowehere to go if he gets expelled from Hogwarts."

James took a moment to study the scene. Snape was still against the wall, panting heavily due to the pressureon his chest. Sirius still had his wand point at Snape but he was looking directly at Remus. Remus had his wand pointed toward Sirius and was giving him a hard look.

"Let him go," Remus said coldly.

For a moment, they made eye contact. Still looking at Remus, Sirius took his wand away from Snape and muttered the counter curse. Snape fell to the ground, panting heavily.

"There you go, Remus," Sirius said quietly. "I let him go."

Remus gave Sirius the smallest and quickest of all smiles. They continued to look at each other. James, however, noticed that behind them, Snape was slowly taking out his wand. James stood up and took a step forward, wanting to warn his them...

A shout and a sudden burst of red light aiming for James caused him to stop. It was so bright. Blindly, James yelled out and fell sideways, falling into something hard. The object and James fell to the ground. Deafening clattering could be heard, making enough noise to wake the castle. James yelled out as his arm seared with pain. He shut his eyes and the blinding red light went away.

"James!"

Sirius and Remus ran over to James, who was sprawled ontop of a broken suit of armor. Pieces of it lay all around James, who was suddenly quite dizzy. Helping him up, Sirius glared at Snape and shouted, "Snape! You bloody idiot!"

Snape stood in a fighting stance, wand ready. Remus took out his own wand and took a step forward. Temper getting the best of him, he growled, "I'll make you wish you were still with the werewolf."

"Moony!" James yelled as best he could, but his mind was still fuzzy and his vision was blurry. "No...stop..just..don't fight anymore. I-it's not right. We..we can beat it. C-can't let him tear us apart..."

"Shut the bloody hell up, Potter," Snape snapped. "You're rambling."

Sticking his wand in his robes, he turned on his heel and stalked off, looking much like he did when he stormed out of Dumbledore's office a few moments ago. Things still moving in his eyes, James looked at what he thought was an outline of Remus.

"Moony...S-Sirius didn't mean it...it was an accident--"

Cutting him off, Remus sighed. "This mistake cost me much more than either of you realize. I'm sorry, James, but I never was to see Sirius again."

In a moment Remus had turned the corner and was gone. James was still hanging onto Sirius for support when he spoke. He didn't want to be alone. He wanted someone to listen...

"P-Padfoot, I tried."

Holding onto to James a bit tighter, Sirius spoke, obviously upset, "I know, Prongs. Thanks."

The two stood there for a moment. James tried his best to stop the dizziness and stand on his own. But his arm hurt to much. They stayed there for a few moments while James tried to regain his composure.

"Prongs?" Sirius asked quietly.

"Yeah, Padfoot?" James vision was finally starting to clear.

"Do you think Remus will forgive me?"

"I...I hope so, Padfoot."

"Oh, Merlin, James...I really messed up this time."

"Sirius, it's okay. We'll all be friends again."

"This whole year has been hard..."

"I know."

"Do you think we'll get through it?"

James stopped to think of his answer. There was so much hurt James honsetly began to doubt that things would be the same again. Either way, he replied, "Yes, Padfoot, I think we'll get through it."

For a moment there was silence. James vision went back to normal and he finally was able to stand up on his own, even though his arm was still hurting him. Sirius just looked out the corridor window, as if he wanted to jump out of it.

"I better go pack," he said finally.

"What?" James looked at him confused.

"My suspension," Sirius replied shortly, distaste and a bit of fear in his voice. "I go to my parents tomorrow. Who knows what they'll do to me after running away..."

"Padfoot..."

Sirius sighed. "I just want to be alone right now, Prongs. Don't bother seeing me off tomorrow. I just want to be alone."

Tentantively, James put a hand on Sirius's shoulder. "Owl me if you need me, mate."

Sirius flashed him a sad smile and walked away, leaving James in the corridor alone. James leaned back against the wall and slid down until he was sitting on the floor, lost, confused, and angry. He hadn't felt mixed emotions like these since the night Lily's parents had been attacked. His stomach churned uncomfortably when he remembered the fight they had earlier that day. Her words rang through his ears.

Lily glared. daggers at him. "You know, Potter," she said angrily. "You never cease to amaze me. I actually thought that we could be-be friends! I thought you had actually changed. But apparently I was wrong. Ha, quite stupid of me, really." Lily laughed humorlessly. "Thinking that James Potter could ever change."

James sighed. He just blew it with Evans. Chances are that she would never want to speak to him again. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, not wanting to think or to feel...

"POTTER!"

James groaned. He had only been peaceful for hardly a second. He slowly opened his eyes and saw McGonagall walking swiftly towards him. He stood up, suddenly alarmed. He straightened his robes and his Professor stopped in font of him. She looked white and her eyes looked watery.

"Mr. Potter," she tried to keep her voice stern but James could tell there was fear in it, "please come with me to see the Headmaster."

"Is it Remus?" James grew a little scared and didn't want to move until he had some idea of what was going on. Professor McGonagall sniffed, turned around, and walked in the direction he had come in just a few minutes ago. James silently followed her, counting vaguely at how many times he had been to the Headmaster's office that day. Dinner was probably starting in just a few short minutes, he guessed, at how the corridors were empty and he could hear chatter coming from the Great Hall. How he wished he could be one of those kids eating, possibly planning his next prank with his friends...

"Ah, you again, boy?"

James jumped at the voice and looked up to see that he was already in front of the gargoyle, who had spoken to him.

"Yes, what trouble have you gotten into in the last twenty minutes since you last left this office?" the other gargoyle sneered.

Professor McGonagall impatiently said the password, causing the gargoyles to grumble and jump away, allowing James and his professor to step into the office. Professor Dumbledore hadhis back tothem with his hands behind his back.

"Albus?" McGonagall prompted.

Dumbledore turned around and looked at James, looking even more grim than he had when James entered the office with Remus, Sirius, Peter, and Snape,

"Sir...?" James was at a loss for words.

"Please, Mr. Potter, sit," Dumbledore gestured toward the chair in front of his desk. His tone was serious and a little angry. James quietly took a seat while McGonagall stood next to Dumbledore's desk. For a moment, no one spoke.

"Er..sir?" James broke the silence, starting to get worried. Was it Sirius?

Dumbledore looked at James, voice quiet. "Mr. Potter, I am afraid I have some bad news for you."

For a moment, Dumbledore watched James to see his reaction. When he got nothing but a slightly confused look, he continued. "I had promised you only moments ago that I would tell you immediately once I had gotten news from your parents. Well, I have," James started in his seat, "James...I am so sorry. We just got news that Mrs. Potter was kidnapped only a short few moments ago."

Time seemed to stop. It suddenly became hard for him to breathe. There was an odd roaring sound in his ears. "How...? Where...?"

Dumbledore sighed, regretting that he hadn't seen this coming. "Mrs. Potter was attacked and kidnapped from her home a few hours ago. By the time help arrived, it was too late."

McGonagall sniffed. James took no notice. His mind was reeling. "But Professor...the Fidelius Charm..." He couldn't put too sentences together. He was too shocked.

"The Secret Keeper must have told Voldemort's supporters the location of your house."

James head snapped up. He looked directly into his Professor's eyes. Reality began to sink in. The seriousness of the situation began to sink in. The horror and dread suddenly became too much for him.

"I thought you were their secret keeper?" James shot back accusingly.

"James, you know I would never betray your parents-"

"So how do you explain that they found my house? Took a lucky guess, did they?" James voice was rising with every word. McGonagall was giving him a warning look. He just glared back at her.

"James," Dumbledore said calmy, "At last minute the Potters asked me to give John the responsibility of being their Secret Keeper."

"John would never betray my mum!"

"I didn't say he did, James. Voldemort's supporters have terrible ways to break a man to get their imformation."

James was shaking now. Out of fear or anger, he didn't know. His mum was gone. His dad was gone. John, Sirius, Remus, Peter, Lily...

They were all gone.

He suddenly felt sick. He was hardly listening to was Dumbledore was saying anymore.

"Aurors are searching for clues. We're doing the best we can, James. I promise we'll find them."

James clenched his fists in anger. 'You promised you'd find my dad, then John a long time ago. Now mum is gone. How can I believe you?'

It became too much for him.

The girls grabbed some Floo Power and got into the fireplace. James thought he saw their lips move and in an instant they disappeared in a bunch of green flames. James made to move to the fireplace but heard a woman scream. He turned around to see his mum get hit with a spell. The ceiling on top of her was crumbling- it would fall on her any moment.

"MUM!" James screamed. He was about to run toward her when Sirius and Remus grabbed both of his arms.

"No! James, we need to get out of here! They'll be fine!" Sirius shouted.

"No! I need to help them! Let go!" James was screaming himself hoarse. Remus and Sirius dragged him to the fireplace.

"Potter Manor!" Remus bellowed. Last he saw, the ceiling on top of his mum collapsed. He turned and saw his dad's face with mingled fear, anger, and shock.

James let out a roar of frusteration and turned around.

"I need to go back!" he shouted. Sirius and Remus quickly grabbed him.

"No! There's nothing you can do!" Remus said sharply.

"I CAN"T JUST LEAVE THEM!" James roared. He kept on struggling until he was out of strength.
"You have to let your parents handle it!" Sirius said, trying to convince his friend.

"They can't fight off ten Death Eaters! I need to go back! LET GO! I can't leave them!" James bellowed. Why didn't they understand?

"You'll get yourself killed!" Sirius said loudly.

"But it's okay if my parents are killed!" James shouted in Sirius's face.

"Open it." his mum urged.

James gave her a questioning look, but obeyed nonetheless. He slowly unwrapped it and gasped at what he saw. It was a pendant, a gold pendant with a lion in the front of it. On the bottom of the Pendant, there was a red flag, and on the flag were golden letters spelling out 'Gryffindor.'

"Mum...can this mean...I mean-does it-what does it mean?" James asked, slightly breathless.

"James Potter, you are the last Heir of Gryffindor." Mrs. Potter said quietly, but proudly.

The pendant began to feel uncomfortably warm.

The Death Eaters hood fell off, showing the person underneath. James gasped in relief. He knew this guy, a friend of his Dad's.

"I'm glad you're here! Go help John, he needs it." James said, point to John who was losing control of the duel.

The man just put his wand to James neck with more force.

James eyes widened. "What are you doing?" he asked, fear in his voice.

Suddenly, he understood. Glaring at the man, he snarled, "I thought you were on our side! You joined the Dark side?"

With a mad glint in his eye, the man pulled James up so their faces were inches a part. The man put his mouth to James ear.

"Tell me," he whispered menacingly, "how does it feel to captured by the same man that murdered your father?"

"A portkey! I have a portkey! Everyone touch it!" James yelled.

His friends scrambled over to him while red light still blocked their vision, so it was difficult.

"Wait, John!" James yelled.

"It's okay, James! We'll come back for it!" Sirius yelled.

"No!" James shouted.

"Please, James! We need to get out of here!" Emma cried.

"We'll come back for him. I promise." Lily whispered in his ear. The six touched the Portkey, though James regretted it. The light finally faded away. The Portkey should be taking them out of there at any second.

Just then, Sam came out, holding the dagger. The dagger made contact with James friend, who screamed out in pain. Before a cry could escape James mouth, he felt a jerk in his naval—

The pendant began to grow hot. Everyone was gone. They all left him alone. 'How could you be so careless, mum? How could you let them take you? How could you leave me alone?' Tears stung the back of his eyes. He was sure not to let them fall.

It was as if James was a puppet. He felt his arm rise against his will. He had no control. James threw the Quaffle as hard as he could.

Sirius turned around just in time to see James throw the Quaffle at him. He quickly ducked, but nearly got unseated. For what seemed like minutes, everyone was silent. Then, Sirius grabbed his bat and hit the Bludger as hard as he could at James.

James had to quickly dodge it. Glaring, he snatched up Remus's club, who happened to be conveniently next to him, and flung it at Sirius.

I'm sorry I don't understand.

The bat hit Sirius in the nose. It instantly began to bleed. Fuming, Sirius charged full speed towards James, ignoring the screams behind him.

"SIRIUS! JAMES! NOOO!" Emma was screaming from her position on the field.

"WHAT'RE YOU DOING!" Remus bellowed, staring at them in horror.

Sirius had tackled James, causing them both to fall off their brooms and fall head first to the ground.

They were more than forty feet above the air and falling quickly. Screams filled both boys ears.

"SIRIUS!"

"JAMES!"

"SOMEONE CATCH THEM!" Lily screamed form the stands. She drew out her wand, but couldn't possibly think of a spell. Her mind had drawn blank.

Meanwhile, Sirius and James were holding onto each other, unaware of their fate.

"What's wrong with you, James!" Sirius screamed.

"Leave me alone!" James bellowed back.

"TELL ME WHAT'S GOING ON!"

"YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND!"

"TRY ME, JAMES!"

As James opened his mouth to speak, a scream filled the air. It was just then where both boys looked around, hearing the screams of their team mates.

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."

"Oy!" James spoke up, coming between Remus and Sirius. "Listen, I know your upset, Moony, but that was below the belt-"

"SO WAS WHAT HE DID!" Remus exploded. Tears were once again falling down his cheeks, but he didn't care. He was hurt beyond belief. It was more than he could handle. "I trusted you, Sirius. I trusted you..."

His sobs filled the room. "Why would you do this to me, Sirius? Why? I thought we were best mates..."

Sirius looked away, not wanting them to see the tear that was now falling down his cheek. James stood there, torn between his two friends, while Peter stood there, mouth still slightly open.

"I hate you!" Remus shouted in agony. For the first time, James, Sirius, and Peter heard the pain in his voice. He was hurt, betrayed, and terrified beyond belief. And for the first time during the whole argument, it showed. "I hate you! I hate you!"

'What will I do without you?' James thought. He couldn't take it all in...

"I'm just like them, James." Sirius whispered. "I betrayed Remus."

"Mr. Potter!"

"James...I am so sorry. We just got news that Mrs. Potter was kidnapped only a short few moments ago...

'Mum...'

James passed out.

James stood in front of a huge mansion. It was dark and cold, and had a sort of a misty look to it. The fog was also interfering with James vision. He took of his gold-rimmed glasses and rubbed his eyes. After putting them back on, he had a sudden urge to go in there. His pendant began to turn hot again. Since it had happened so much, it didn't seem to faze him. James took long strides toward the building. Something told him he was needed in there. When he reached the door, he found that it was already open. He took a small glance at a sign next to the door that read, 'Milgate Mansion.'

"NO! Leave my son alone! He doesn't know anything about this-he doesnt-"

"Silence, woman! Do not lie to me! You're son knows very well the power the pendand holds!"

"No! No, he doesn't!"

A woman could be heard sobbing inside the house. It seemed so familiar to James...

He quietly stepped into the house, which was dark except for a circle of lit candles held in the middle of them room, Two figures were inside the circle, their lights illluminated by the candles. James suddely felt his heart stop.

'Mum.'

Something was telling him to go, to run, to save her. Another part told him not to interfere. Not able to take his eyes off the scene, he hid behind a statue, listening to his other instinct to go and hide for the time being.

"Please, James knows nothing of the power-"

"The boy himself could become a threat!" said a cold, harsh voice. James couldn't see the face of the man it belonged to. He was in a black robes and had a black mask to hide his face.

"Please, please, not my son. He knows nothing of this!" Mrs. Potter sobbed.

"He knows he is the Heir of Gryffindor. That is more than enough for him to realize the power he posesses." the man said coldly.

Sobs subsiding slightly, Mrs. Potter looked up into the face of the man with determination. "You will never get my son."

The man laughed harshly. "It will be your son, Mrs. Potter, that will come to me. And when he does, I will be sure to give him your regards."

The man raised his wand and Mrs. Potter's eyes widened. James mind was once again screaming at him to do something, to save her, but the words kept playing in his head over and over. 'It, will be your son, Mrs. Potter, that will come to me."

The wand was pointed and his mum's heart, but still he could not find the courage to move.

"Avada Kedavra."

Just then, the pendant on James neck began to glow and grow so hot so quickly, it became unbearable. It was as if someone was holding a match to his very skin. As green light filled the room, gold light was the only that James could see. When his mum hit the ground, dead before even touching it, James let out a scream of pain. Not for the pendant that was burning his skin, but for the pain of knowing that he was too much of a coward to save him mum.

'Some Heir of Gryffindor.'

A/N. I'M DONE! YES! lol, not with the whole story, silly. Actually, as I was writing the last part of this story, I decided to take this story and its sequel in a whole new direction that I think you guys will enjoy. Again, I am so sorry it's been so long! I know I kept promising to update on certain days, but schoolwork always found a way to hold me down. But, I have finals all this week and after that no school! I'll have much more time to update my stories and start some new ones that I've been thinking about. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Be sure to review! As for me, I'm back to studying for my finals. :(

Til next time,

Amour Lily