The Ties That Bind
Chapter Nine: Christmas Holidays
December 12, 1971
Sirius lay on his bed, looking up at the high arched ceiling. When he had come home, the house elves had taken care of his luggage. Hector, his tawny owl, was off flying somewhere. Sirius glanced at the empty cage and then sighed, looking back up. Narcissa will be at Hogwarts next year...I haven't seen her yet, but I have this feeling she's going to hate me. The welcome had been a cold one when Sirius had arrived at the manor. Macnair had been the one to pick him up at King's Crossing and he hadn't said a word to Sirius. Bellatrix and Andromeda were unusually quiet in the car ride and when they had arrived home, they had all gone their separate ways.
Sirius closed his eyes, hoping his mother was gone. He didn't want to put up with her yelling and scolding that he had disgraced the name of Black and brought shame to the family.
Though, it was unavoidable. The door opened and Sirius sat up to see his father, Procyon, standing there. And he didn't look happy. "So you're back," Procyon said coolly. "I've heard some things about you and I do not like it."
"Father, I got top marks," Sirius said, standing.
"You got beat by a Mudblood."
"James and I were right behind her, and it's only for this term, we still have the end of the year grades." Sirius winced, regretting that he had said James' name at the menacing look his father gave him.
"Potter? I've heard about that too. Seems you're making the wrong sort of friends. Shall we teach you a lesson in that?"
Sirius' eyes widened slightly but he stood his ground. "I can make friends with who I want."
"You're a Gryffindor, a bloody Gryffindor," his father spat. "This family has housed nothing but Slytherins and we're proud of that."
"Not my uncle," Sirius retorted and immediately regretted it. Talking about his uncle was forbidden.
"What did you say?" Procyon hissed, his voice extremely soft. Which only meant one thing: Procyon was very very mad.
"I can't help the house I'm Sorted into; we don't have control over it."
"Regulus would never have brought shame to this family."
"He hasn't even gone to Hogwarts yet!"
"That's not the point. The point is that he's much better than you; it's plain to see. You should be more like your brother."
"I'm my own person! I'm not going to change that just because you want me to!"
In a matter of seconds, Procyon had his son by the front of his shirt, lifting him up to be face to face. "Don't you dare talk back to me," he hissed, his dark eyes cold and stormy.
Sirius swallowed but refused to give into his father. "James is my best friend, and I'm a Gryffindor. You're just going to have to live with that."
Before Sirius could react, he felt the tip of his father's wand lifting his chin up. "Are you that eager to suffer?"
Sirius's heart was hammering in his chest and he had closed his eyes. James. Just keep thinking of good things, not the wand at my throat...not the fact that I could be at the end of a rather nasty curse...happy thoughts...happy thoughts.
"Uncle?"
Sirius cracked one eye open to see Bellatrix standing there. "I'm busy, Bellatrix," Procyon said.
"I need your help with this curse I'm trying to perfect."
"Why don't you try it on your cousin, he's not worth anything." Procyon threw Sirius back onto his bed and walked towards Bellatrix. "I'll deal with you later," Procyon said coldly, glancing back at Sirius. Then he and Bellatrix left.
Sirius rubbed his throat, his heart still beating wildly in his chest, trying to calm his breathing down. I have nothing here. Sirius lay down on his back, closing his eyes, just laying there. There's no way I can get out to see James...Then he remembered something and sat up. The cloak! He jumped off his bed and ran to his trunk, throwing it open and digging through his robes and books. Then he pulled out the shimmering cloak, grinning. Relief poured through him as he held the cloak in his hands. James had given it to him right before they had left the train.
"Never know if you'll need this, mate," James said as they stood to leave. "I think it'll better suit you over these holidays. Besides, that way if you need to get out of that house, all you have to do is throw on the cloak and get yourself to Godric's Hollow."
"Thanks, James." Sirius smiled.
"You're my best friend. I'm not going to leave you with your family."
Sirius smiled, remembering that conversation. You're always there when I need you, James. Throwing on the cloak, he disappeared.
"Mom!" James grinned, running into the house in front of his father and enveloping Samantha in a huge hug.
"Whoa! Someone missed me," Samantha said, smiling and hugging her son back. She looked up to see Bryon hauling in James' trunk and Alexander, his snowy owl.
"He talked non-stop on the way home," Bryon laughed. "He knew you'd have your famous cookies waiting for him."
James gave his mother an innocent grin and Samantha laughed. "Of course I do." Samantha led James into the kitchen where a pile of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies were sitting on the table. James ran to the plate, gobbling up a few within a matter of minutes. "Careful, sweetie, you don't want to ruin your dinner. I've made your favorite."
"Wicked!" James grinned with a mouthful of cookies.
Samantha just laughed. "Finish chewing first."
Bryon walked in, having taken James' things to his room. "Don't I get a welcome home too?" he asked, grinning.
"Yes, dear," Samantha said, smiling. She walked over, kissing Bryon lightly.
"That's what I'm talking about," Bryon said, hugging Samantha and kissing her back.
"Ewww, Mom! Dad! I'm trying to eat here!" James made a face.
His parents broke apart, laughing. "Sorry, James," Bryon said, grinning.
James just rolled his eyes. "Grownups. I'm going to go outside and play some Quidditch with Leon, alright?"
"Sure. Dinner's in an hour," Samantha said.
"Brill." James ran out the door, then backpedaled to the table, grabbing a cookie, flashed a grin at his parents and ran out.
Samantha and Bryon both laughed. "I'm so proud of him. Making Gryffindor and getting such good grades," Samantha said, smiling after James.
"He gets that after you," Bryon said, snaking an arm around Samantha's waist, pulling her tight against him.
She laughed. "And he got his trouble making from you." She smirked up at him. "How many detentions has our son received?"
Bryon grinned. "He's only had a handful. That's not even close to how many I had."
"You're too easy on him."
"I'm easy?" Bryon arched an eyebrow, smirking. "You're the one that spoils him with cookies and good food."
"And that's bad how?" Samantha grinned, ruffling Bryon's hair.
"Oh, you messed with the hair. Now it's serious," Bryon grinned back, scooping Samantha up in his arms. "I think you're in for some punishment."
"I'm so scared," Samantha smirked.
"You should be." Bryon carried Samantha out of the room and right into Sirius.
Sirius fell back onto the floor, the cloak sliding off him and he just smiled sheepishly. "Um, hi Mr. and Mrs. Potter."
"Well, look at what we have here," Bryon said, smiling as he set Samantha down. He reached down, helping Sirius to his feet.
"Is something wrong, Sirius?" Samantha asked.
"My father is ready to kill me or curse me, though I don't know which is worse."
"You're welcome to stay the night, Sirius. I'm sure James won't mind," Samantha said. "Bryon, can you get the extra bed ready?"
"Sure." Bryon smiled at Sirius. "It'll be alright. Why don't you go out back, that's where James is. He and Leon are playing Quidditch."
"Okay, thanks." Sirius smiled, grabbing the cloak and heading outside.
"Is that your invisibility cloak?" Samantha arched an eyebrow, looking at Bryon.
Bryon looked at her innocently. "Now where would you get an idea like that?"
"Of all the times I saw you disappearing under that cloak? I think I'd know." Samantha smirked.
Bryon just smiled. "Perhaps." Then he turned serious. "Sam, we can't keep him here."
Samantha sighed. "I know. All we can really do is keep the door open for him, whenever he needs it."
"Alphard's the only one that can really help him," Bryon said, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed lightly over his chest.
"But he's in Germany right now, isn't he? On a mission."
"Yeah, and he won't be back for another month or so. And I don't think he can take Sirius yet. He was actually talking to me about that a few months ago before he got his mission. He really wants to take Sirius, but with his probable promotion and everything he has to do right now, there's no way. He and his wife split awhile back, so he can't be there all the time for Sirius."
"We'll do what we can."
December 13, 1971
Peter had been met with a warm welcome as well, and his parents had been pleased with his scores. Though he could tell they were slightly disappointed and he vowed to do better in the spring.
"Peter! Can you come downstairs for a moment?" his mother called.
"Coming, Mum!" Peter gave his owl, Marvin, an owl treat and then ran downstairs. Finding his mother in the kitchen, he stopped. "What did you need?"
Charlene turned from the batch of biscuits she was making and smiled upon seeing Peter. "First, I'd like a taste test."
Peter grinned and hurried over to stand beside his mother. When she handed him a small glob of dough, he ate it and nodded. "Perfect!"
"Good. Your father and I were talking last night. We received an invitation. It's on the table," Charlene motioned with a dough covered hand towards the kitchen table.
Peter walked over, curious and picked up the envelope. The wax seal was broken so he couldn't tell who it was from. Pulling out the letter, he read over it and then looked up at his mother.
"Are we going, Mum?"
Charlene nodded. "Your father thought it best to agree to attend. Since it is at Donovan Malfoy's request, your father knew Mr. Malfoy wouldn't be pleased if we didn't come. And what with everything that's been happening, we should be there."
"What do you mean?" Peter asked, confused.
Charlene smiled a little. "It's nothing to worry yourself over, Peter. I just wanted to let you know about the dinner party. It's next Thursday, so don't make any plans."
And what plans would that be? Peter thought, slightly bitter. It's not like I have any friends here. "Okay, Mum," was all he said, however. "I'm going to go out back."
"Just don't get dirty."
Peter nodded, running out.
Rabastan found his brother, Rudolphus, sitting at his desk, working at something. "Rudolphus? Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what do you need?" Rudolphus asked, turning to look at Rabastan.
"You know Romulus Lupin, right?"
Rudolphus nodded. "Right, one of the half breeds. What about him?"
"Well, he's my friend and all. Can't he be invited to the party?"
"You have to talk to Mr. Malfoy about that."
"But you're friends with Lucius. And I figured if you could convince Lucius it was alright, then he could talk to his father."
"You know Mr. Malfoy doesn't approve of anything other than purebloods. You shouldn't either."
"Come on, Rudolphus. He's one of my really good friends. You know he's alright. It's his brother that's the strange one. Romulus is just like us."
"No he's not. You best remember that."
"I know," Rabastan sighed, a little aggravated at his brother. "I'm just saying. Can you please just talk to Lucius? It'd be more fun if Romulus was there."
"Alright," Rudolphus consented. "But you owe me, little brother."
"Thanks." Rabastan smiled, leaving.
Remus sat curled up in a chair by the window, reading Hogwarts: A History, for lack of nothing better to do. And the fact that he had re-read all of his other books. His mother had been extremely happy to see him and she had asked him at least a dozen times how school went and if the professors had been helpful to him with his needs. He had assured her that he had been fine and said he had made many friends. Which, technically, wasn't a complete lie. He had Peter and Lily. And at least now James and Sirius were acquaintances. It seemed after he had helped them with their prank, they hadn't picked on him as much and it felt good.
But he couldn't help dreading the fact that if they ever found out what he was; he'd be thrown out as an outcast. I don't want that. Merlin, I've grown to love Hogwarts and I don't want to leave. It's the one place I feel at home. And for the most part, I get along with everyone. I don't know what I'd do if I had to leave.
He glanced over at the letter lying on the small table by the couch. They had received it that morning with the post. It was a letter inviting them to a dinner party at the Malfoys'. Though Remus knew that no one knew what he was except for his family, he still didn't want to go. The primary reason being that that night was the night of the full moon. He would be sick enough and didn't want to deal with people, especially Malfoy and his gang.
"Remus, supper is ready," his mother, Sandra, called from the kitchen.
"Coming." He stood, setting his book down and walking into the kitchen.
Romulus was already there, leaning back in his chair, smirking at Remus. "Looks like I got an invitation to a party. Not like they'd want you."
Remus cooled his gaze towards his brother, about to speak when their mother spoke instead. "Romulus," she warned.
"What? It's the truth. Why would they want him?"
"You know very well about your brother's condition."
"Mum! Enough," Remus sighed, grabbing an apple. "I'm going for a walk."
"Remus –" their mother began but Remus was already gone. She sighed and looked at Romulus. "Don't you have anything better to do than taunt your brother?"
"It's fun." Romulus smirked. "Why not do it?"
"You know very well why not. Can't you at least be civil to your brother?"
"That was civil."
"You should be good to him. He goes through enough."
"I doubt he wants you babying him, Mum. I think he hates that more. Besides, he's a freak, nothing more to it."
"Romulus!" Sandra said sharply. "That's enough. Go upstairs and no dinner until you apologize to Remus."
"Fine, whatever." Romulus rolled his eyes, standing and left. Sandra sighed, looking out the window, spotting Remus sitting on the swing-seat. Someone please, ease his suffering, she wished, closing her eyes slightly. Then she went about fixing her sons plates of food, placing them in the fridge for later.
Lily was lining up her dolls on her dresser, fixing their skirts when her mother walked in. She smiled over at Rosemary. "Hi, Mum."
Rosemary smiled. "We're so proud of you, Lily. Being the top witch of your class. I made your favorite tonight: spaghetti. And your dad is bringing home a special desert for you."
"Thanks!" Lily grinned, running over and hugging her mother.
"You deserve it." Rosemary smiled down at her youngest daughter. "I have a present for you."
"Oooh!" Lily's eyes lit up. "What is it? What is it?" She bounced lightly on her toes.
Rosemary laughed. "Patience, sweetheart. Follow me." Lily followed her mother out eagerly and into the living room. "Now, I know you're getting older but I still think you should have this." Rosemary handed Lily a soft blue crocheted blanket, which Lily hugged tightly.
"I love it, Mum!"
Rosemary smiled. "I'm glad. It's your grandmother's, Lily. She gave it to me when I was little, and now I think you should have it. Then you can give it to your son or daughter."
"Thanks!" Lily ran over and hugged her mother tightly.
"Why does she get that blanket?" a cold voice asked with barely hidden hurt.
Lily and Rosemary turned to see Petunia standing in the doorway. Lily bit her lip, noticing the hurt in Petunia's eyes.
"Because Lily deserves it. She got top marks in school," Rosemary said simply. "And you're too old. You don't like dolls or blankets."
"With good reason. They're stupid." Petunia glared at Lily. "Spoiled little prat. You get everything." She turned, storming out.
Rosemary didn't seem fazed by this. Petunia, after all, was a teenage girl and she was used her moods. Rosemary smiled at Lily. "Don't worry, sweetie. Why don't you go run your blanket up to your room and then come to the kitchen to help me set the table."
"Okay." Lily left, hoping to run into Petunia. She spotted her down the hall. "Petunia!" Petunia ignored her. "Petunia! Please, I'm sorry."
Petunia stopped and turned, glaring at Lily with enough hatred that made Lily take a step back, clutching the blanket to her chest. "You're not sorry. You're just trying to get everything your way. The perfect Lily way. Well, you're not. You're just annoying and spoiled. Don't talk to me," she spat, going into her room and slamming the door.
Lily bit her lip, tears welling up in her eyes. Then she ran into her room, falling onto the bed and crying into her blanket.
When Lily didn't come downstairs, Rosemary grew worried and walked up to Lily's room. She saw Lily crying on her bed and walked over, taking a seat next to Lily, rubbing her back lightly. "Sweetie, it'll be alright," she soothed.
"Why does she hate me?" Lily sniffed, looking up at her mother, rubbing her puffy eyes.
"She doesn't hate you," Rosemary said, pulling Lily into a hug and rocking her lightly. "She's growing up and she's moody. It's not your fault. Don't ever think it's your fault." After a little more of quiet rocking, Lily calmed down enough to go downstairs and help set the table.
Just as Lily put the last set of silverware down on the table, her dad walked in. "Hello, Richard," Rosemary said, kissing her husband lightly on the cheek. Lily turned, grinning and ran into Richard's arms.
"Dad!"
"Hey there," Richard said smiling as he hugged Lily tight. Setting her down, he looked at her. "You're growing too fast."
"Dad!" Lily rolled her eyes, laughing. "I haven't grown that much!"
"Well then I don't know if I can give you this present," he teased. "It's only for big girls."
"But Dad –" she protested.
He laughed, ruffling her hair. "After dinner."
"Okay!" Lily brightened.
"Supper time," Rosemary said and they sat down to eat. Petunia joined them a few minutes later, taking her seat silently.
They were about halfway through dinner when Rosemary spoke. "Richard, would you like to get Lily's present?"
"How come I didn't get a present when I got top marks in my class?" Petunia asked.
"You're too old. You got presents when you were younger," Rosemary said. "Now stop ruining supper with your foul mood."
Petunia sulked, crossing her arms and glaring.
"How do you like Hogwarts?" Richard asked, changing the subject in an effort to lighten the mood.
"I love it!" Lily smiled. "There's so much to learn and to see! And magic is wicked! The professor's are all very nice and though it is hard, I have fun doing it."
"That's wonderful, dear," Rosemary beamed.
"We miss you when you're gone, but I'm glad that you're having such a good time," Richard said, smiling. "Now, since we've finished, I think it's time for desert! Close your eyes, Lily." Lily grinned, closing her eyes in anticipation. "And...open."
Lily opened her eyes and gasped. Sitting in front of her was a tiny cake with the words Congrats Lily! and a picture of a tiny castle. "Wow! Thanks!"
"You're welcome," Richard said, taking the cake and cutting it into pieces.
Petunia stood. "I don't want any." She walked out.
"Would anyone like ice cream?" Rosemary asked, ignoring Petunia.
"Me!" Lily smiled.
Desert went smoothly and afterwards, Lily headed upstairs, crashing on her bed.
When Sirius snuck back into his house, he walked into the living room. By the huge fireplace, he spotted Narcissa sitting on the rug, combing one of her dolls hair. She had always loved her dolls and though she didn't play with them, she groomed them and kept them pretty. Sirius was amazed at how much his cousin had grown. She was now ten, but her beauty was beyond words.
He held a doll behind his back that he had bought for her earlier that day. He loved her a lot and hoped that she wasn't going to hate him for what had happened at Hogwarts.
"Narcissa?" he said softly, walking over to her.
She didn't look up. "Go away, Sirius."
He was taken aback by the coolness in her voice and it hurt him deeply. She hates me... "I wanted to give you this." He held out the doll.
"Thanks," she said in an equally cool voice, taking the doll and just dropping it into the pile of dolls.
That made another stab in his heart and he swallowed. "Narcissa, please, don't be mad."
"You're a traitor. And you shamed our family. I don't want anything to do with you." She turned her back to him, continuing to groom her dolls.
Sirius stepped back, obvious pain and hurt on his face. He knew those words. Just like what my father said to me...they've gone and changed her. How could they? "Just because I got Sorted into another house doesn't mean we can't still play together."
"Yes it does." She stood, grabbing her dolls and glaring at him. She's never looked at me with so much hate before, he thought. "You've ruined everything because you got into that bloody house. I hate you!"
She ran out and Sirius just sunk into a chair. Those last words had cut through him, still ringing in his ears. He placed his face in his hands.
December 17, 1971
Sirius remained home the morning of the dinner party. Not wanting to get into even more trouble, he had bided his time, pretending to be the obedient son. However, that didn't mean he'd be that way later. He and James had planned a nice little prank for that evening and Sirius couldn't wait to see Snape's face.
Sirius was glad Alex and Frank would be there, though he did wonder why Mr. Malfoy invited those families. He had heard that Malfoy had even invited the Weasleys and with the way his father spoke about them, Sirius had thought that Malfoy wouldn't have wanted anything to do with them. But, James would be there, and that's all Sirius really cared about. The grownups could do whatever they wanted; Sirius only wanted to have fun.
James, meanwhile, was dreading the party. He hated having to dress up and he felt like a clown in his dress robes. They were stiff and uncomfortable and his mother would be dragging him around, showing him off. He just wanted to prank and do boy stuff. His only relief was that Sirius was coming and, though Leon wouldn't be there, at least the party would be a little interesting. He and Sirius would make sure of that.
Remus wouldn't be attending, as he would be in the underground chamber most of the night. Romulus complained that Remus was holding him back and wanted to be with his friends. So their mother had agreed to let Romulus go, so long as he stayed with the Lestranges.
Peter was nervous because neither Remus nor Leon would be there at the party, which meant he'd have to stick close to his parents. He didn't like anyone else there. Though James and Sirius had left him alone after Remus had helped them with the prank, he wasn't so sure they'd stick to their word.
That evening, James and Sirius stood in a corner of a circular large room in Malfoy Manor. Adults were milling around, talking with each other and the kids had grouped together with their friends.
Time to prank, James thought, winking slightly at Sirius. "Okay, so I was talking to my dad yesterday and he told me about this new Order. It's called the Order of the Hippogriff."
"Seriously?" Sirius asked, arching an eyebrow. Play it up, he thought with an inward smirk.
James nodded, catching Snape out of the corner of his eye. "Yeah. It's strange, I know, but it's only just come out. It deals with animals or something like that, my dad didn't say exactly. But he did tell me that Mr. Malfoy received the appointment of Supreme Whoziwazi of the Order of the Hippogriff. It's really good, nearly as good as the Order of Merlin."
"Wow." Sirius' eyes went wide. "You know what...we should bring it up at dinner. I'd bet we'd look smart then. Maybe my dad wouldn't kill me if Mr. Malfoy liked me."
"Good idea." James grinned. "Let's do it." He lowered his voice, but it was still loud enough for Snape. "But don't tell Snape. He'd go and steal the spotlight if he knew."
"I know."
Snape, who was standing nearby, smirked. Perfect. I'll look real good now. He spotted Evan and headed over to speak with him.
Once James and Sirius saw that Snape had turned his back on them, they slapped a high five, grinning. "Perfect," Sirius said.
Peter, who was sticking close to his mother, saw James and Sirius slap a high five. Probably doing another prank. I just hope it's not against me. He slid a little closer to his mother while she spoke to Nanci Longbottom.
"Dinner is served!" a voice called and everyone began making their way into the dining hall.
Remus sat on a log in the underground chamber. Hugging his knees to his chest, he rested his chin on top, just waiting for the full moon to come out. His stomach was twisting in knots and his entire body ached. Please, just get it over with.
He closed his eyes and memories flooded back from when he was little.
"Remy! Looks!" a three-year old Romulus called.
It was nearly dark as Remus ran to his brother's side, crouching down beside him. "Ooh!" It was a colorful butterfly that had hurt its wing. It lay fluttering on the grass.
"Touch it!"
Remus tried to touch it, but it fluttered away. "Where it go?"
Romulus, however, had found something better. It was a small area of short tree stumps and he had already climbed up on one. "Watches me Remy!"
Remus stood and grinned. "Let me!" He ran over, climbing up onto one of the stumps as well. Their mother watched from the porch, smiling.
"Be careful!" she called, standing and walking over to them.
Romulus hopped onto one of the smaller stumps, but slipped, scraping his knee. He began wailing, holding his leg. "Mummy!" he cried.
"Rom!" Remus crawled over to his brother, wrapping his arms around his brother. "It be okay."
"Here, let me, Remus," their mother said, picking up Romulus and carrying him into the kitchen.
Remus followed, watching their mother as she patched up Romulus' knee with a flick of her wand. "He okay?"
"Yes, Remus," she said smiling. Romulus sniffed as he was placed on the floor. "No sad faces. It's your birthdays today, remember?"
Remus grinned. "Cake?"
She laughed. "Yes, Remus. You'll get cake."
"I wants ice cream," Romulus said, taking his brother's hand.
"Of course. Now, why don't you go play outside."
They nodded, running outside. She smiled, following them and sitting on the porch, taking out a book. Lighting the lamp on the porch and using her wand to light the small lamps that hovered around the yard, she settled back in her chair. The lights were a barrier that kept all the night creatures away. It had kept them safe for three years and she was confident that nothing would happen. Remus and Romulus loved the outdoors, especially at night, and it was their birthday. She kept glancing up, keeping an eye on them. They were playing with some dirt, building little towers. She smiled, looking down to read.
Remus looked up and saw a shadow in the woods. Then he saw a shaggy looking dog and his eyes lit up. He had always liked dogs. Standing, he walked towards it. Romulus was too busy making his tower to pay attention.
The shaggy dog slipped back into the shadows and Remus followed, curious. He wanted to pet it...why was it leaving? He didn't even notice as he went deeper into the forest. Romulus, however, had noticed his brother was gone and had stood, walking after Remus.
Remus saw the dog and ran over to it to pet it when it suddenly snarled, snapping at him. He screamed, seeing its big teeth and ran. He felt a sharp sting in his leg as it bit him. He fell into a hole and scrambled against the back wall of dirt. The dog snapped its teeth by the opening, but when it couldn't reach Remus, it left. Remus began crying, clutching at himself.
Upon hearing a scream, their mother's head jerked up. Jumping from her chair, she spotted Romulus standing at the edge of the woods and raced towards him. "Romulus, where's your brother?" Romulus could only point to the woods, shaking. The child looked positively terrified. "Mother of Merlin," she whispered. "Romulus, you stay right there. You understand! Don't move!"
Romulus just swallowed, his eyes wide. She raced into the woods. "REMUS!!" she screamed. She looked around wildly. "REMUS!!"
She heard crying and ran towards it, using her wand to light the way. Finally, she found Remus hiding in a dirty hole beneath a log. "Remus! Thank Merlin!" She fell to her knees. "Come here, sweetie."
Remus stared at her, tears coursing down his cheeks. "Mummy! It hurts!"
"What hurts? Let me see." She reached for him and he shook his head.
"No! It come!"
"What come?"
"The big thing! Bad teeth!"
She froze, her heart stopping at her son's words. "Remus, please. Come to me. Nothing's here. Nothing will hurt you."
Remus finally crawled out and she gathered him in her arms, running out of the woods. She stopped to scoop up Romulus and ran into the house, sitting Romulus on the kitchen chair and Remus on the table. Pulling off Remus' pants, she cried when she saw the bite mark on his leg.
"Mummy?" Romulus asked, looking up at their mother, scared. Remus was sniffling, just looking at her.
"It's okay, sweetheart. Go play with your toys." She managed to pull her wand out of her dress pocket and shakily healed Remus' cut, though it left a scar. Then she couldn't take it anymore and sunk to her knees, sobbing into her arms.
"Mummy?" Remus whispered and she looked up at him with tear filled eyes.
"Oh baby..." She reached up, pulling him into her arms and rocking him. "It'll be okay," she whispered, still crying.
Remus rubbed his leg lightly as he thought back to that moment. The moment when his entire life had changed. All I had wanted to do was see the wolf. I just thought it was a dog and I wanted to pet it. Then it bit me...Romulus and I were so close when we were little. We always looked after each other, but now...we couldn't be farther apart.
He felt a prickling sensation on his arms and knew the full moon had finally come out. As the changes began, he lost all sense of reason, howling into the night.
James glanced out the window at the full moon and then looked back at the on going conversation at the dinner table. They were on desert and so far, the dinner had gone smoothly. The only reason the kids were allowed at the table were if they were attending Hogwarts currently and they were told not to speak until desert. When's Snape going to say it? he wondered, catching Sirius' eye. Sirius shrugged.
Mr. Black glared slightly at Sirius, who began picking at his desert.
"Mr. Malfoy?"
James looked to see Snape looking at Mr. Malfoy. He held back his snicker. This is it, he thought.
"Yes?" Mr. Malfoy said. The adults drew their attention to Snape, as none of the children had spoken yet. It had been just adult conversation.
"I wanted to say congratulations on your appointment as Supreme Whoziwazi of the Order of Hippogriff."
Sirius snickered and James kicked him under the table, which made Sirius turn the snicker into a cough.
"What?" Mr. Malfoy looked at Severus like he had grown a third head. "What are you talking about, child?"
"But didn't you –" Severus began.
"There is no such thing called an Order of Hippogriff," Mr. Lestrange said. "Where would you get an idea like that?"
"But I –" Severus' face turned red to the roots of his hair.
"Don't talk about something that you know nothing about," Mr. Macnair said. "Honestly, Charles, what do you teach your son? He should know better."
"We teach him the right things," Mr. Snape retorted. "He was merely misinformed."
"Gentlemen, please," Mr. Malfoy said, making a sitting motion with his hand. "Calm down. He's a child. He doesn't know better."
Severus looked at James and Sirius with a look of pure hatred. They just humiliated me in front of everyone, Severus thought. How dare they.
James and Sirius just looked back at him with innocent looks on their faces, slapping a high five beneath the table.
When everyone was excused from the table, Severus walked over to where James and Sirius were standing. "I'll get you back for that," he hissed.
"For what?" James asked innocently. "Did we do something, Sirius?"
"No, I don't think so," Sirius said, with equal innocence. "You must be imagining things again, Snape."
Severus glared at them icily. "We'll see about that." He turned, walking away.
"That was too good!" James laughed and hit Sirius lightly on the arm. "But you need to stop laughing! You almost gave it away."
"Sorry! But it was hilarious."
"It was." They grinned. When their parents came to take them home, they merely winked at each other and left.
December 25, 1971
Christmas dawned with a light snow that quickly covered the ground and made the day very magical. Though only in some places was it enjoyable.
The closest thing Sirius had to a Christmas was being out in the snow. There was no tree and no decorations. And as for presents; that was a laugh. He didn't get presents. Ever. So he sat outside in the snow, making a snow man, wondering what James was up to.
"Watch out!" a voice yelled and Sirius turned just in time to get hit face- first with a snowball. He brushed the snow off his face to see Andromeda standing there, laughing. "Sorry!" she yelled. "I warned you!"
"Oh you did, did you?" Sirius smirked, making his own snow ball and throwing it at her. She shrieked, barely dodging it. Within a matter of minutes, there was a huge snow ball fight going on between them, with forts and everything.
She's the only one I'd consider family, Sirius thought, laughing as he threw another snow ball at her, hitting her fort. Other than my Uncle Alphard of course. They're the only two that make being a Black bearable.
Thinking too much made him unable to dodge the snowball that Andromeda had launched, hitting his fort and spraying him with snow. "I think this calls for drastic measures!" He laughed and sprung out of his fort, running at her. She shrieked, laughing and scrambled away. He caught up to her and tackled her in the snow. "Too slow!"
She pushed him off her and put snow into his shirt. "Not too slow!" He laughed, throwing a pile of snow at her.
Suddenly, a snowball hit Sirius in the back and he spun, but saw no one there. "Who did that?" Andromeda was laughing and Sirius turned to her. "Oh, you're going to get it now." He ran after her and she shrieked, running away from him.
She tripped slightly, which brought the invisibility cloak off of James, leaving him standing there in the snow, grinning. "Looks like she blew my cover," James said, laughing.
"So it was you!" Sirius accused. He laughed and threw a snowball at James, who ducked it.
"You have to be faster than that, Sirius!" James called as he made a huge snowball, which only ended up with him tumbling backwards and the ball of snow landing on top of him.
"Uh huh." Sirius grinned down at James. He held out a hand, helping James to his feet.
"Blimey! You have an invisibility cloak?" Andromeda asked, wide-eyed.
Sirius and James turned to look at her. "Now what are we going to do?" James asked Sirius, narrowing his gaze slightly towards Andromeda. "She'll tell for sure."
"No she won't, right Andromeda?" Sirius asked, looking at his cousin.
"Why would I?" She shrugged. "I just think it's wicked that you have one," she smiled, handing the cloak back to James. "I won't tell anyone, I promise."
"Can we trust her?" James asked, looking at Sirius.
"I trust her with my life," Sirius said simply. I know she won't tell anyone. If anyone can keep a secret, it's her. And we'd do anything for each other.
"Okay then." James looked at Andromeda. "Not a word."
Andromeda nodded. "Don't worry."
"Do you really want to be around this place for Christmas?" James asked, looking at Sirius.
"Of course not," Sirius answered.
James looked at Andromeda. "If Sirius and I leave, would you cover for him?"
"It's fine. Go, Sirius. I doubt they'll even notice you're gone."
"Thanks," Sirius said, smiling. "Let's go." James nodded and the two boys disappeared beneath the cloak. Andromeda smiled, rewrapping her scarf and headed back inside.
December 27, 1971
Lily was sitting at a table in the room off of the living room. Her mother used it more as a sitting room, with its white wicker furniture and green plants sitting around on the tables and hanging on the peach colored walls.
Stretching her arms over her head, Lily yawned slightly. She had been working on her essay for History of Magic on the goblin wars. They were supposed to make a time line and then find a specific event to write a roll of parchment on. Petunia was off with her boyfriend, Vernon, and her parents were over at the neighbors for tea. So it was nice and quiet, which was good because Lily had a lot of homework she wanted to finish and to read ahead in her books.
Flipping the page in her book, she found another date and wrote it down on her time line. Just then, the doorbell rang and Lily looked up, confused. No one was supposed to be coming here...maybe it's a package or something. She stood, straightening her skirt and walked to the front door, opening it. Her eyes went wide when she saw the person standing there.
"Hey! How's it going?" Jaina grinned.
"Jaina!" Lily laughed, hugging her best friend tightly. "I didn't think you'd see me over the holidays, what with everything your family is doing. I thought you were going on a trip?"
"We're back now. Since there's only a few days left before we go back to school, mum and dad wanted to be back to get everything ready."
"Well, come in. No one's here except me." Lily led Jaina out to the sitting room.
Jaina made a face. "Homework? Lils, it's the holidays. You aren't supposed to do homework until at least the night before we go back."
Lily laughed. "You know I always want to be ahead."
"Too many stuffy books can't be good for you." Jaina grinned. "But at least that explains it."
"Explains what?" Lily eyed her friend.
Jaina just looked at her innocently. "Nothing."
"You brought it up, you have to tell me."
"It's nothing, really," Jaina said, still grinning.
Lily just rolled her eyes, laughing. "Well, whatever it is, it doesn't matter. So how was your Christmas?"
"Brilliant, and yours?"
"The same. My parents bought me some more quills and a few books, plus new clothes. Petunia, of course, got a bit shirty with me when Mum asked her if she would clean up the table after supper. She kept going on and on about how I got more presents than her, which is not true. We got the same amount, but," Lily shrugged. "Petunia's been that way since I got my acceptance letter."
"Sorry to hear that." Jaina patted Lily on the shoulder. "I wouldn't let her get to you; she's not really worth it."
At this, Lily took offense, and her face said it. "Yes, she is. I love my sister, and I would do anything for her. No matter how she treats me."
"Sorry." Jaina held up a hand. She quickly changed the subject, hoping Lily would calm down. "Anyways, the reason I came here was that Jacen and I are going into Hogsmeade with my mum later today and I was hoping you'd come."
"I'd have to ask my parents, I don't know if I can."
"Where are they?"
"Over at the Burkes'. We can go over there now though."
"Okay, then let's."
"How did you get here, anyways?" Lily asked, looking at Jaina confused as they walked over to the Burkes' house.
"I was going to Floo over, but I thought you might think that a bit odd, especially your 'rents if they saw me," Jaina laughed. "Since they're Muggles and all. So I took the tube."
"Is that what we'd be taking back to your house?"
"No, my mum will Apparate here later once I Floo her that everything's okay."
"I know about Apparating, but what's Flooing?"
"It's how witches and wizards can travel. A bit messy, but it's fast. Uses the fireplaces and powder. I can also use this stuff," Jaina held up a small pouch, "to just talk to her through the fire."
"Wicked. Can you show me?" Lily grinned.
"Sure." Jaina smiled.
Lily led Jaina around the back of the neighbor's house and found her parents sitting with Mr. and Mrs. Burkes. "Lily," Rosemary said, smiling over at her daughter. "Who's your friend?"
"This is Jaina, Mum," Lily introduced. "She's one of my friends from school."
"Oh, that's nice, dear. Did you need something?" her mother asked.
"Lily goes to a school for the Gifted," her father explained to the inquiring looks of the Burkes'.
"That's wonderful!" Mrs. Burkes exclaimed. "You have quite the talented daughter."
"Thank you," Richard smiled with pride.
"Well, Jaina and her brother and mum are going to Hogsmeade," Lily said whilst her father spoke to the Burkes. "It's a village near my school, with all sorts of fascinating things. Remember when I wrote you about it? Jaina had told me about the village before."
"Oh...yes yes, I remember. So they want you to come?" Rosemary asked and Lily nodded. "I don't see why it would be a problem. Just be back before dark."
Jaina smiled. "We will, Mrs. Evans. Thanks!"
"You're welcome, dear," Rosemary said, smiling. "I trust my Lily."
"Thanks, Mum." Lily hugged her mother. "I'll see you after supper!" Lily and Jaina ran out and back to Lily's house. "Okay, so how does the Floo work?"
"Like this." Jaina grinned and tossed some of the powder into the fireplace, which made the fire turn green. "Mum?"
A face appeared in the flames and Lily jumped back. "Whoa!"
"Hello, Jaina. Hello, Lily," the face said.
"H-Hi," Lily stammered. This is odd, but cool.
"Lily's 'rents said it was okay for her to come," Jaina said.
"Good." The face disappeared and suddenly a tall woman wearing a light blue dress and a matching winter robe appeared in the living room. Lily shrieked, staring. The woman smiled. "My name is Diana. I'm Jaina's mother."
"Um...h-hello," Lily said, swallowing.
"I'm sorry, dear. Didn't mean to frighten you," Diana said. The woman's warm demeanor was comforting and when she smiled, it made Lily feel better.
"It's okay, I just didn't expect it," Lily said.
"Well, shall we be going? Jacen is at The Three Broomsticks waiting for us," Diana said.
"Sure, Mum," Jaina said. Diana smiled, throwing some powder into the fireplace, making it turn green. They Flooed to Hogsmeade.
"Want to go to Hogsmeade?" James asked as he and Sirius helped Samantha with making cookies. Though the boys ate more of the dough then they actually put on the trays, there were still a lot of cookies.
"Sure," Sirius smiled as he put a ball of dough on the tray. He had been with James since Christmas and he was enjoying himself immensely. It had been two of the best days of his life.
"I'm sure my dad wouldn't mind taking us. He finally has a few days off of work for the holidays, since nothing huge is going on at the moment."
"So how many cookies have you two actually made?" Samantha asked, walking into the kitchen. She grinned.
James and Sirius looked at her innocently. "We'd made plenty," James said, nodding and pointing to the trays of cookies.
"And ate about twice that much?" Samantha teased.
"We're growing boys, Mrs. Potter," Sirius said, smiling.
She laughed. "Yes, I know. Why don't you two run along and I can finish up here."
"Okay." James and Sirius washed their hands and left the kitchen. Bryon was sitting in the living room, reading the Daily Prophet and James saw a disturbing picture on the front page. He couldn't quite make it out from where he was standing, but it looked as though wizards were picking through the remains of something, and it didn't look pretty. "Um, Dad...what is that?" James asked, pointing to the picture.
"What, this?" Bryon asked. "Nothing to worry yourselves about." Bryon shifted the paper so the image was behind another page of the paper.
"Well," James continued. I'll find out what that is. Between Sirius and I, I know we'll find it out, James thought. "Sirius and I were wondering if you could take us into Hogsmeade. Honeydukes is having its huge sale on Floating Pops, Fizzing Whizbees and their chocolate bars." And we could get a few things from Zonko's, James thought with a smile.
Bryon looked as though he was going to say no but then nodded. "Get some warmer clothes on and we'll go."
"Thanks!" James grinned. "Come on, Sirius. You can use some of my things." He and Sirius went upstairs to James' room where James began searching through his wardrobe. "Did you see that picture on the front page? My dad wouldn't let me see it, but it looks like something big happened."
Sirius sat on James' four-poster and looked around James' room. "I saw something, in the headlines. Something about Muggles. What do you think happened?"
James shrugged, tossing Sirius one of his winter cloaks. "That's why we need to see that paper. We can listen at Hogsmeade; maybe we'll find out something."
"Sounds good." Sirius bundled up, pulling on the cloak. James did the same and they headed back downstairs to Bryon.
"Ready, Dad," James said and Bryon nodded.
"Okay, then." Bryon threw some Floo powder into the fireplace and they were off.
Remus sat in a corner of The Three Broomsticks, sipping a butterbeer and reading a book. He had needed to get away from his family and this was close to where he lived and it was warm. And so far that day he had heard quite a lot of interesting things. But the next conversation he would over hear would be the top of it.
Two middle-aged wizards wearing dark blue robes walked over to a table in the corner, sitting down and began whispering quietly. Due to Remus' acute hearing and the fact that the wizards were only a few tables away, he could hear them quite clearly.
"Did you talk to Crouch about it?" one of them whispered.
"I've tried, Adrian," the other said. "He just said it's a fluke; some random act. He doesn't think it had anything to do with Voldemort."
Remus sunk back into the booth, keeping his book covering his face, but wasn't reading. He just listened. Voldemort? Wasn't he that wizard a while back...made an attack in Hogsmeade but nothing happened after that. Why would he suddenly do something now?
"What about Bryon Potter? He's Head Auror, you know he'd listen," the one called Adrian said.
"Not yet. He's been away on leave for the past few days. But I'm sure he's thinking the same thing. Two attacks within three days? That's not coincidence."
"I know, Prinston, but what can we do? I don't think the Ministry or Crouch will act until something big happens. And by then, it'll be too late."
"Those poor Muggles...they never saw it coming," Prinston sighed. "Five of them, dead. Tortured to death, mark my words. Those weren't random Muggle killings. It was made by a witch or wizard."
"All we can really do is wait. We just have to hope and pray that nothing else will happen."
"We're Aurors, Adrian. We shouldn't just be lounging around, talking and laughing. We should be out there, making sure an attack like the one in Hogsmeade two years ago doesn't happen again."
Adrian stood. "We'll do what we can."
"But I don't like it."
"Nor do I." The two Aurors walked away, leaving behind more than two empty cups. Remus' head was filled with questions now, none of them making sense and none of them helping to answer the others. They really think it's Voldemort behind it...but it doesn't make sense. Why would Voldemort suddenly do this? I wish I had some way of knowing.
He looked over his book and groaned inwardly. James, Sirius, and a tall man that looked very much like James were heading his way. Mr. Potter, no doubt. And probably the Bryon Potter the two Aurors were talking about. They took a seat at a booth nearby, just listening.
"So what did you two get in Honeydukes?" Bryon asked.
Sirius and James grinned, dumping out their bags, covering the table with colorful candy. "Tons!" James said. "Ice mice, fizzing whizbees, chocolate, singing pops –" and the listen when on and on.
Bryon laughed. "Just don't fill yourself up on candy, or your mother won't be happy."
"We won't," Sirius said through a mouthful of chocolate.
Madam Rosmerta came by at that moment, setting down three butterbeers. "Enjoy yourselves," she said, smiling. "And don't worry about what's been happenin'. It won't happen in Hogsmeade, you can be sure of that." She walked away, her turquoise heels clicking on the hard wood floor.
"Dad?" James looked at Bryon curiously.
"Don't, James," Bryon said, holding up a hand. "I told you, it's nothing you need to worry about."
"But she –"
"James," Bryon said warningly and James sighed, leaning back.
"You never tell me anything." Why does he have to keep secrets all the time? It's not fair, James thought.
"Mr. Potter, you know we'll find out eventually," Sirius pointed out. "Why not just tell us now so we know the truth?"
Bryon looked at Sirius. "This is nothing a pair of eleven-year old wizards need to worry about, alright? I don't like repeating myself. So stop asking, because I can't tell you."
"So there is something going on," James said, sitting up.
Bryon sighed and looked up. "Stay here, I'll be right back." Bryon stood, walking over to a man in the corner booth.
"Who is that?" Sirius asked James.
James looked at the man closely. It was hard to make him out. "I think...I think that's Adrian Wilkes. He works with my dad."
Remus turned his attention to Bryon and Adrian, recognizing Adrian from earlier. Bryon and Adrian began talking in undertones.
"Bryon, good to see you," Adrian said, clapping his friend on the shoulder. "I'm glad you came in tonight. There's more going down. I just got word that there's been another attack, on Muggles. In Little Hangleton. Some sort of rich family, close to the Riddles, I think. No one misses them much, but some neighbor found the entire family. Said they were dead no doubt, but no signs of the killing." Adrian gave him a knowing look.
"The killing curse," Bryon said simply.
"Right you are. I know the Daily Prophet has some how managed to get the news on the two killings, but that's all they need to know. If they even caught wind of the other killings that have happened, I don't like to think what would happen. I know for sure that Crouch and Roger don't want a mass panic."
Bryon sighed, running a hand through his hair. He glanced over at James and Sirius. "Something's up."
"Do you think it could be Voldemort?"
Bryon shrugged. "I don't know, Adrian. We don't have proof of it. We don't even know for sure if he was behind the attack in Hogsmeade. I'll talk to Roger, but I know what he'll say. We don't have enough proof to go to the Ministry. We just have to wait and see what happens."
"There'll be more attacks."
"For everyone's sake, I really hope you're wrong."
Lily walked into The Three Broomsticks with Jaina, Jacen, and Diana. Their faces were red from the cold as they found a seat, getting warm butterbeers all around to sip at.
"Zonko's is the best!" Jaina exclaimed once she had warmed up.
"I think Scrivenshaft's is far more interesting," Jacen said.
"Dusty quills? No thank you," Jaina laughed.
"That's just because you don't like writing."
"I don't like school work period!"
"That's your problem, sis. You need to do at least some homework."
"Then why don't you do it for me?" Jaina asked, ruffling Jacen's hair.
"Because you won't learn anything," Jacen said, messing with Jaina's hair. The twins got into a hair rustling match, which turned into laughter. Diana watched them with a smile.
Lily smiled at the twins. They're so close. It's good. She sighed a little. I wish I were that close to my sister.
"Oy! Look, its James!" Jaina grinned, standing. "I'll be right back." Lily watched as Jaina ran over to where James and Sirius were sitting, sliding right into their conversation, which sent all three into peals of laughter.
Jacen looked at Lily, smiling a little. "Don't mind her. She's been talking non-stop about James and Sirius since we got back from school. Planning pranks, no doubt."
Lily shrugged. "I don't have a problem with it. It's not like we have to have the same friends."
"Are those two boys good in school?" Diana asked.
"They were right under me in final grades this term," Lily said.
"That's good. But you say their troublemakers?"
"Sort of," Jacen said with a laugh. "They pick on the Slytherins most of the time."
"As long as it's fun and games," Diana said with a smile.
"Oh it is, Mum. Don't worry," Jacen assured her.
"I still wonder why I was put in Gryffindor," Lily said, sipping her butterbeer. "I thought I'd be a Ravenclaw."
"Don't worry," Diana said. "I was Sorted into Gryffindor and I thought I was more a Hufflepuff. But it proved me wrong in the end."
"Hey, Mum?" Jaina asked, running over. "James and Sirius are going to go around Hogsmeade for a little longer. Can I go with them?"
"Sure," Diana said.
"You want to come?" Jaina asked Lily.
Lily shook her head. "It's too cold. I'll just stay here."
"Okay." Jaina grinned and ran out with James and Sirius, who were followed by Bryon.
"Hey, Lily." They looked up to see Remus standing there, a book in his hands.
"Hi, Remus," Lily said, smiling.
"Hey," Jacen said.
"Hello," Diana said. "And you are?"
"Oh, sorry, I'm Remus Lupin. I'm in Lily's year," Remus said quickly.
"Have a seat, join us," Diana pulled out a chair.
"Actually, I have to be going. I just wanted to say hi."
"Good to meet you," Diana said.
"I'll see you on the train," Lily said with a wave.
"Bye!" Jacen said, smiling. Remus waved and left.
"He's very smart. He was right up there with me," Lily said, looking at Diana and Jacen.
"He seems very nice," Diana said.
"Oh, he is," Lily said. "So what's that shack Jaina was talking about?"
"The old abandoned shack on the hill," Jacen explained. "I think it was there this year...not sure if it was there before. I don't think so. I've heard rumors at school, about how's it's haunted and there's things that scream and yell inside. Creepy if you ask me. I wouldn't go near it."
"Sounds like it. I think I've heard some things," Lily said.
"The people here in Hogsmeade call it the Shrieking Shack," Diana said. "Who knows if the rumors are true, but strange sounds are heard from it."
"Some day, we'll check it out," Lily said with a smile.
"Until then, we'll stay warm and safe in here," Jacen said and they all laughed, sipping their butterbeers.
"It doesn't look haunted from here," Jaina said. James, Sirius and she stood by the barbed wire fence, looking up the hill at the shack. Bryon stood nearby, watching them but speaking into a small device to his boss, Roger.
"Oh it is, trust me," James said. "Sirius and I went there on Halloween and we heard all sorts of howling and screaming from it."
"We tried to get in, but you can't," Sirius said. "We thought we saw something in there, though."
"Maybe you just didn't try hard enough," Jaina said.
"We did, trust me," Sirius said. "But it's all boarded up. And there are charms on it, I'm sure, because I couldn't even touch the glass." We're so good at telling a tall tale, Sirius thought with an inward smirk.
"Right," James said, nodding.
Bryon came over at that moment. "Boys, and Jaina, I think it's time Jaina headed back to The Three Broomsticks. It's nearly dark and we have supper to get to."
"Okay, thanks Mr. Potter, for letting me come." Jaina smiled, waved and left.
"She's nice," Bryon said. "One of your friends from school?"
"Sort of," James said, shrugging. "We see here around occasionally. But she's mostly with Evans."
"The girl that topped you?" Bryon teased, smiling.
"Be quiet, Dad," James laughed, grabbing a handful of snow and throwing it at Bryon.
"Throwing snowballs now, are we?" Bryon arched an eyebrow. "Well, if that's the case –" Bryon gathered up a huge snowball and threw it at James.
Soon the three of them were in a huge snowball fight and soaked to the bone. When they finally got home, supper had just been set on the table. Changing into warm clothes, they sat down for a good dinner, full of jokes, laughter and a good time.
Chapter Nine: Christmas Holidays
December 12, 1971
Sirius lay on his bed, looking up at the high arched ceiling. When he had come home, the house elves had taken care of his luggage. Hector, his tawny owl, was off flying somewhere. Sirius glanced at the empty cage and then sighed, looking back up. Narcissa will be at Hogwarts next year...I haven't seen her yet, but I have this feeling she's going to hate me. The welcome had been a cold one when Sirius had arrived at the manor. Macnair had been the one to pick him up at King's Crossing and he hadn't said a word to Sirius. Bellatrix and Andromeda were unusually quiet in the car ride and when they had arrived home, they had all gone their separate ways.
Sirius closed his eyes, hoping his mother was gone. He didn't want to put up with her yelling and scolding that he had disgraced the name of Black and brought shame to the family.
Though, it was unavoidable. The door opened and Sirius sat up to see his father, Procyon, standing there. And he didn't look happy. "So you're back," Procyon said coolly. "I've heard some things about you and I do not like it."
"Father, I got top marks," Sirius said, standing.
"You got beat by a Mudblood."
"James and I were right behind her, and it's only for this term, we still have the end of the year grades." Sirius winced, regretting that he had said James' name at the menacing look his father gave him.
"Potter? I've heard about that too. Seems you're making the wrong sort of friends. Shall we teach you a lesson in that?"
Sirius' eyes widened slightly but he stood his ground. "I can make friends with who I want."
"You're a Gryffindor, a bloody Gryffindor," his father spat. "This family has housed nothing but Slytherins and we're proud of that."
"Not my uncle," Sirius retorted and immediately regretted it. Talking about his uncle was forbidden.
"What did you say?" Procyon hissed, his voice extremely soft. Which only meant one thing: Procyon was very very mad.
"I can't help the house I'm Sorted into; we don't have control over it."
"Regulus would never have brought shame to this family."
"He hasn't even gone to Hogwarts yet!"
"That's not the point. The point is that he's much better than you; it's plain to see. You should be more like your brother."
"I'm my own person! I'm not going to change that just because you want me to!"
In a matter of seconds, Procyon had his son by the front of his shirt, lifting him up to be face to face. "Don't you dare talk back to me," he hissed, his dark eyes cold and stormy.
Sirius swallowed but refused to give into his father. "James is my best friend, and I'm a Gryffindor. You're just going to have to live with that."
Before Sirius could react, he felt the tip of his father's wand lifting his chin up. "Are you that eager to suffer?"
Sirius's heart was hammering in his chest and he had closed his eyes. James. Just keep thinking of good things, not the wand at my throat...not the fact that I could be at the end of a rather nasty curse...happy thoughts...happy thoughts.
"Uncle?"
Sirius cracked one eye open to see Bellatrix standing there. "I'm busy, Bellatrix," Procyon said.
"I need your help with this curse I'm trying to perfect."
"Why don't you try it on your cousin, he's not worth anything." Procyon threw Sirius back onto his bed and walked towards Bellatrix. "I'll deal with you later," Procyon said coldly, glancing back at Sirius. Then he and Bellatrix left.
Sirius rubbed his throat, his heart still beating wildly in his chest, trying to calm his breathing down. I have nothing here. Sirius lay down on his back, closing his eyes, just laying there. There's no way I can get out to see James...Then he remembered something and sat up. The cloak! He jumped off his bed and ran to his trunk, throwing it open and digging through his robes and books. Then he pulled out the shimmering cloak, grinning. Relief poured through him as he held the cloak in his hands. James had given it to him right before they had left the train.
"Never know if you'll need this, mate," James said as they stood to leave. "I think it'll better suit you over these holidays. Besides, that way if you need to get out of that house, all you have to do is throw on the cloak and get yourself to Godric's Hollow."
"Thanks, James." Sirius smiled.
"You're my best friend. I'm not going to leave you with your family."
Sirius smiled, remembering that conversation. You're always there when I need you, James. Throwing on the cloak, he disappeared.
"Mom!" James grinned, running into the house in front of his father and enveloping Samantha in a huge hug.
"Whoa! Someone missed me," Samantha said, smiling and hugging her son back. She looked up to see Bryon hauling in James' trunk and Alexander, his snowy owl.
"He talked non-stop on the way home," Bryon laughed. "He knew you'd have your famous cookies waiting for him."
James gave his mother an innocent grin and Samantha laughed. "Of course I do." Samantha led James into the kitchen where a pile of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies were sitting on the table. James ran to the plate, gobbling up a few within a matter of minutes. "Careful, sweetie, you don't want to ruin your dinner. I've made your favorite."
"Wicked!" James grinned with a mouthful of cookies.
Samantha just laughed. "Finish chewing first."
Bryon walked in, having taken James' things to his room. "Don't I get a welcome home too?" he asked, grinning.
"Yes, dear," Samantha said, smiling. She walked over, kissing Bryon lightly.
"That's what I'm talking about," Bryon said, hugging Samantha and kissing her back.
"Ewww, Mom! Dad! I'm trying to eat here!" James made a face.
His parents broke apart, laughing. "Sorry, James," Bryon said, grinning.
James just rolled his eyes. "Grownups. I'm going to go outside and play some Quidditch with Leon, alright?"
"Sure. Dinner's in an hour," Samantha said.
"Brill." James ran out the door, then backpedaled to the table, grabbing a cookie, flashed a grin at his parents and ran out.
Samantha and Bryon both laughed. "I'm so proud of him. Making Gryffindor and getting such good grades," Samantha said, smiling after James.
"He gets that after you," Bryon said, snaking an arm around Samantha's waist, pulling her tight against him.
She laughed. "And he got his trouble making from you." She smirked up at him. "How many detentions has our son received?"
Bryon grinned. "He's only had a handful. That's not even close to how many I had."
"You're too easy on him."
"I'm easy?" Bryon arched an eyebrow, smirking. "You're the one that spoils him with cookies and good food."
"And that's bad how?" Samantha grinned, ruffling Bryon's hair.
"Oh, you messed with the hair. Now it's serious," Bryon grinned back, scooping Samantha up in his arms. "I think you're in for some punishment."
"I'm so scared," Samantha smirked.
"You should be." Bryon carried Samantha out of the room and right into Sirius.
Sirius fell back onto the floor, the cloak sliding off him and he just smiled sheepishly. "Um, hi Mr. and Mrs. Potter."
"Well, look at what we have here," Bryon said, smiling as he set Samantha down. He reached down, helping Sirius to his feet.
"Is something wrong, Sirius?" Samantha asked.
"My father is ready to kill me or curse me, though I don't know which is worse."
"You're welcome to stay the night, Sirius. I'm sure James won't mind," Samantha said. "Bryon, can you get the extra bed ready?"
"Sure." Bryon smiled at Sirius. "It'll be alright. Why don't you go out back, that's where James is. He and Leon are playing Quidditch."
"Okay, thanks." Sirius smiled, grabbing the cloak and heading outside.
"Is that your invisibility cloak?" Samantha arched an eyebrow, looking at Bryon.
Bryon looked at her innocently. "Now where would you get an idea like that?"
"Of all the times I saw you disappearing under that cloak? I think I'd know." Samantha smirked.
Bryon just smiled. "Perhaps." Then he turned serious. "Sam, we can't keep him here."
Samantha sighed. "I know. All we can really do is keep the door open for him, whenever he needs it."
"Alphard's the only one that can really help him," Bryon said, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed lightly over his chest.
"But he's in Germany right now, isn't he? On a mission."
"Yeah, and he won't be back for another month or so. And I don't think he can take Sirius yet. He was actually talking to me about that a few months ago before he got his mission. He really wants to take Sirius, but with his probable promotion and everything he has to do right now, there's no way. He and his wife split awhile back, so he can't be there all the time for Sirius."
"We'll do what we can."
December 13, 1971
Peter had been met with a warm welcome as well, and his parents had been pleased with his scores. Though he could tell they were slightly disappointed and he vowed to do better in the spring.
"Peter! Can you come downstairs for a moment?" his mother called.
"Coming, Mum!" Peter gave his owl, Marvin, an owl treat and then ran downstairs. Finding his mother in the kitchen, he stopped. "What did you need?"
Charlene turned from the batch of biscuits she was making and smiled upon seeing Peter. "First, I'd like a taste test."
Peter grinned and hurried over to stand beside his mother. When she handed him a small glob of dough, he ate it and nodded. "Perfect!"
"Good. Your father and I were talking last night. We received an invitation. It's on the table," Charlene motioned with a dough covered hand towards the kitchen table.
Peter walked over, curious and picked up the envelope. The wax seal was broken so he couldn't tell who it was from. Pulling out the letter, he read over it and then looked up at his mother.
"Are we going, Mum?"
Charlene nodded. "Your father thought it best to agree to attend. Since it is at Donovan Malfoy's request, your father knew Mr. Malfoy wouldn't be pleased if we didn't come. And what with everything that's been happening, we should be there."
"What do you mean?" Peter asked, confused.
Charlene smiled a little. "It's nothing to worry yourself over, Peter. I just wanted to let you know about the dinner party. It's next Thursday, so don't make any plans."
And what plans would that be? Peter thought, slightly bitter. It's not like I have any friends here. "Okay, Mum," was all he said, however. "I'm going to go out back."
"Just don't get dirty."
Peter nodded, running out.
Rabastan found his brother, Rudolphus, sitting at his desk, working at something. "Rudolphus? Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what do you need?" Rudolphus asked, turning to look at Rabastan.
"You know Romulus Lupin, right?"
Rudolphus nodded. "Right, one of the half breeds. What about him?"
"Well, he's my friend and all. Can't he be invited to the party?"
"You have to talk to Mr. Malfoy about that."
"But you're friends with Lucius. And I figured if you could convince Lucius it was alright, then he could talk to his father."
"You know Mr. Malfoy doesn't approve of anything other than purebloods. You shouldn't either."
"Come on, Rudolphus. He's one of my really good friends. You know he's alright. It's his brother that's the strange one. Romulus is just like us."
"No he's not. You best remember that."
"I know," Rabastan sighed, a little aggravated at his brother. "I'm just saying. Can you please just talk to Lucius? It'd be more fun if Romulus was there."
"Alright," Rudolphus consented. "But you owe me, little brother."
"Thanks." Rabastan smiled, leaving.
Remus sat curled up in a chair by the window, reading Hogwarts: A History, for lack of nothing better to do. And the fact that he had re-read all of his other books. His mother had been extremely happy to see him and she had asked him at least a dozen times how school went and if the professors had been helpful to him with his needs. He had assured her that he had been fine and said he had made many friends. Which, technically, wasn't a complete lie. He had Peter and Lily. And at least now James and Sirius were acquaintances. It seemed after he had helped them with their prank, they hadn't picked on him as much and it felt good.
But he couldn't help dreading the fact that if they ever found out what he was; he'd be thrown out as an outcast. I don't want that. Merlin, I've grown to love Hogwarts and I don't want to leave. It's the one place I feel at home. And for the most part, I get along with everyone. I don't know what I'd do if I had to leave.
He glanced over at the letter lying on the small table by the couch. They had received it that morning with the post. It was a letter inviting them to a dinner party at the Malfoys'. Though Remus knew that no one knew what he was except for his family, he still didn't want to go. The primary reason being that that night was the night of the full moon. He would be sick enough and didn't want to deal with people, especially Malfoy and his gang.
"Remus, supper is ready," his mother, Sandra, called from the kitchen.
"Coming." He stood, setting his book down and walking into the kitchen.
Romulus was already there, leaning back in his chair, smirking at Remus. "Looks like I got an invitation to a party. Not like they'd want you."
Remus cooled his gaze towards his brother, about to speak when their mother spoke instead. "Romulus," she warned.
"What? It's the truth. Why would they want him?"
"You know very well about your brother's condition."
"Mum! Enough," Remus sighed, grabbing an apple. "I'm going for a walk."
"Remus –" their mother began but Remus was already gone. She sighed and looked at Romulus. "Don't you have anything better to do than taunt your brother?"
"It's fun." Romulus smirked. "Why not do it?"
"You know very well why not. Can't you at least be civil to your brother?"
"That was civil."
"You should be good to him. He goes through enough."
"I doubt he wants you babying him, Mum. I think he hates that more. Besides, he's a freak, nothing more to it."
"Romulus!" Sandra said sharply. "That's enough. Go upstairs and no dinner until you apologize to Remus."
"Fine, whatever." Romulus rolled his eyes, standing and left. Sandra sighed, looking out the window, spotting Remus sitting on the swing-seat. Someone please, ease his suffering, she wished, closing her eyes slightly. Then she went about fixing her sons plates of food, placing them in the fridge for later.
Lily was lining up her dolls on her dresser, fixing their skirts when her mother walked in. She smiled over at Rosemary. "Hi, Mum."
Rosemary smiled. "We're so proud of you, Lily. Being the top witch of your class. I made your favorite tonight: spaghetti. And your dad is bringing home a special desert for you."
"Thanks!" Lily grinned, running over and hugging her mother.
"You deserve it." Rosemary smiled down at her youngest daughter. "I have a present for you."
"Oooh!" Lily's eyes lit up. "What is it? What is it?" She bounced lightly on her toes.
Rosemary laughed. "Patience, sweetheart. Follow me." Lily followed her mother out eagerly and into the living room. "Now, I know you're getting older but I still think you should have this." Rosemary handed Lily a soft blue crocheted blanket, which Lily hugged tightly.
"I love it, Mum!"
Rosemary smiled. "I'm glad. It's your grandmother's, Lily. She gave it to me when I was little, and now I think you should have it. Then you can give it to your son or daughter."
"Thanks!" Lily ran over and hugged her mother tightly.
"Why does she get that blanket?" a cold voice asked with barely hidden hurt.
Lily and Rosemary turned to see Petunia standing in the doorway. Lily bit her lip, noticing the hurt in Petunia's eyes.
"Because Lily deserves it. She got top marks in school," Rosemary said simply. "And you're too old. You don't like dolls or blankets."
"With good reason. They're stupid." Petunia glared at Lily. "Spoiled little prat. You get everything." She turned, storming out.
Rosemary didn't seem fazed by this. Petunia, after all, was a teenage girl and she was used her moods. Rosemary smiled at Lily. "Don't worry, sweetie. Why don't you go run your blanket up to your room and then come to the kitchen to help me set the table."
"Okay." Lily left, hoping to run into Petunia. She spotted her down the hall. "Petunia!" Petunia ignored her. "Petunia! Please, I'm sorry."
Petunia stopped and turned, glaring at Lily with enough hatred that made Lily take a step back, clutching the blanket to her chest. "You're not sorry. You're just trying to get everything your way. The perfect Lily way. Well, you're not. You're just annoying and spoiled. Don't talk to me," she spat, going into her room and slamming the door.
Lily bit her lip, tears welling up in her eyes. Then she ran into her room, falling onto the bed and crying into her blanket.
When Lily didn't come downstairs, Rosemary grew worried and walked up to Lily's room. She saw Lily crying on her bed and walked over, taking a seat next to Lily, rubbing her back lightly. "Sweetie, it'll be alright," she soothed.
"Why does she hate me?" Lily sniffed, looking up at her mother, rubbing her puffy eyes.
"She doesn't hate you," Rosemary said, pulling Lily into a hug and rocking her lightly. "She's growing up and she's moody. It's not your fault. Don't ever think it's your fault." After a little more of quiet rocking, Lily calmed down enough to go downstairs and help set the table.
Just as Lily put the last set of silverware down on the table, her dad walked in. "Hello, Richard," Rosemary said, kissing her husband lightly on the cheek. Lily turned, grinning and ran into Richard's arms.
"Dad!"
"Hey there," Richard said smiling as he hugged Lily tight. Setting her down, he looked at her. "You're growing too fast."
"Dad!" Lily rolled her eyes, laughing. "I haven't grown that much!"
"Well then I don't know if I can give you this present," he teased. "It's only for big girls."
"But Dad –" she protested.
He laughed, ruffling her hair. "After dinner."
"Okay!" Lily brightened.
"Supper time," Rosemary said and they sat down to eat. Petunia joined them a few minutes later, taking her seat silently.
They were about halfway through dinner when Rosemary spoke. "Richard, would you like to get Lily's present?"
"How come I didn't get a present when I got top marks in my class?" Petunia asked.
"You're too old. You got presents when you were younger," Rosemary said. "Now stop ruining supper with your foul mood."
Petunia sulked, crossing her arms and glaring.
"How do you like Hogwarts?" Richard asked, changing the subject in an effort to lighten the mood.
"I love it!" Lily smiled. "There's so much to learn and to see! And magic is wicked! The professor's are all very nice and though it is hard, I have fun doing it."
"That's wonderful, dear," Rosemary beamed.
"We miss you when you're gone, but I'm glad that you're having such a good time," Richard said, smiling. "Now, since we've finished, I think it's time for desert! Close your eyes, Lily." Lily grinned, closing her eyes in anticipation. "And...open."
Lily opened her eyes and gasped. Sitting in front of her was a tiny cake with the words Congrats Lily! and a picture of a tiny castle. "Wow! Thanks!"
"You're welcome," Richard said, taking the cake and cutting it into pieces.
Petunia stood. "I don't want any." She walked out.
"Would anyone like ice cream?" Rosemary asked, ignoring Petunia.
"Me!" Lily smiled.
Desert went smoothly and afterwards, Lily headed upstairs, crashing on her bed.
When Sirius snuck back into his house, he walked into the living room. By the huge fireplace, he spotted Narcissa sitting on the rug, combing one of her dolls hair. She had always loved her dolls and though she didn't play with them, she groomed them and kept them pretty. Sirius was amazed at how much his cousin had grown. She was now ten, but her beauty was beyond words.
He held a doll behind his back that he had bought for her earlier that day. He loved her a lot and hoped that she wasn't going to hate him for what had happened at Hogwarts.
"Narcissa?" he said softly, walking over to her.
She didn't look up. "Go away, Sirius."
He was taken aback by the coolness in her voice and it hurt him deeply. She hates me... "I wanted to give you this." He held out the doll.
"Thanks," she said in an equally cool voice, taking the doll and just dropping it into the pile of dolls.
That made another stab in his heart and he swallowed. "Narcissa, please, don't be mad."
"You're a traitor. And you shamed our family. I don't want anything to do with you." She turned her back to him, continuing to groom her dolls.
Sirius stepped back, obvious pain and hurt on his face. He knew those words. Just like what my father said to me...they've gone and changed her. How could they? "Just because I got Sorted into another house doesn't mean we can't still play together."
"Yes it does." She stood, grabbing her dolls and glaring at him. She's never looked at me with so much hate before, he thought. "You've ruined everything because you got into that bloody house. I hate you!"
She ran out and Sirius just sunk into a chair. Those last words had cut through him, still ringing in his ears. He placed his face in his hands.
December 17, 1971
Sirius remained home the morning of the dinner party. Not wanting to get into even more trouble, he had bided his time, pretending to be the obedient son. However, that didn't mean he'd be that way later. He and James had planned a nice little prank for that evening and Sirius couldn't wait to see Snape's face.
Sirius was glad Alex and Frank would be there, though he did wonder why Mr. Malfoy invited those families. He had heard that Malfoy had even invited the Weasleys and with the way his father spoke about them, Sirius had thought that Malfoy wouldn't have wanted anything to do with them. But, James would be there, and that's all Sirius really cared about. The grownups could do whatever they wanted; Sirius only wanted to have fun.
James, meanwhile, was dreading the party. He hated having to dress up and he felt like a clown in his dress robes. They were stiff and uncomfortable and his mother would be dragging him around, showing him off. He just wanted to prank and do boy stuff. His only relief was that Sirius was coming and, though Leon wouldn't be there, at least the party would be a little interesting. He and Sirius would make sure of that.
Remus wouldn't be attending, as he would be in the underground chamber most of the night. Romulus complained that Remus was holding him back and wanted to be with his friends. So their mother had agreed to let Romulus go, so long as he stayed with the Lestranges.
Peter was nervous because neither Remus nor Leon would be there at the party, which meant he'd have to stick close to his parents. He didn't like anyone else there. Though James and Sirius had left him alone after Remus had helped them with the prank, he wasn't so sure they'd stick to their word.
That evening, James and Sirius stood in a corner of a circular large room in Malfoy Manor. Adults were milling around, talking with each other and the kids had grouped together with their friends.
Time to prank, James thought, winking slightly at Sirius. "Okay, so I was talking to my dad yesterday and he told me about this new Order. It's called the Order of the Hippogriff."
"Seriously?" Sirius asked, arching an eyebrow. Play it up, he thought with an inward smirk.
James nodded, catching Snape out of the corner of his eye. "Yeah. It's strange, I know, but it's only just come out. It deals with animals or something like that, my dad didn't say exactly. But he did tell me that Mr. Malfoy received the appointment of Supreme Whoziwazi of the Order of the Hippogriff. It's really good, nearly as good as the Order of Merlin."
"Wow." Sirius' eyes went wide. "You know what...we should bring it up at dinner. I'd bet we'd look smart then. Maybe my dad wouldn't kill me if Mr. Malfoy liked me."
"Good idea." James grinned. "Let's do it." He lowered his voice, but it was still loud enough for Snape. "But don't tell Snape. He'd go and steal the spotlight if he knew."
"I know."
Snape, who was standing nearby, smirked. Perfect. I'll look real good now. He spotted Evan and headed over to speak with him.
Once James and Sirius saw that Snape had turned his back on them, they slapped a high five, grinning. "Perfect," Sirius said.
Peter, who was sticking close to his mother, saw James and Sirius slap a high five. Probably doing another prank. I just hope it's not against me. He slid a little closer to his mother while she spoke to Nanci Longbottom.
"Dinner is served!" a voice called and everyone began making their way into the dining hall.
Remus sat on a log in the underground chamber. Hugging his knees to his chest, he rested his chin on top, just waiting for the full moon to come out. His stomach was twisting in knots and his entire body ached. Please, just get it over with.
He closed his eyes and memories flooded back from when he was little.
"Remy! Looks!" a three-year old Romulus called.
It was nearly dark as Remus ran to his brother's side, crouching down beside him. "Ooh!" It was a colorful butterfly that had hurt its wing. It lay fluttering on the grass.
"Touch it!"
Remus tried to touch it, but it fluttered away. "Where it go?"
Romulus, however, had found something better. It was a small area of short tree stumps and he had already climbed up on one. "Watches me Remy!"
Remus stood and grinned. "Let me!" He ran over, climbing up onto one of the stumps as well. Their mother watched from the porch, smiling.
"Be careful!" she called, standing and walking over to them.
Romulus hopped onto one of the smaller stumps, but slipped, scraping his knee. He began wailing, holding his leg. "Mummy!" he cried.
"Rom!" Remus crawled over to his brother, wrapping his arms around his brother. "It be okay."
"Here, let me, Remus," their mother said, picking up Romulus and carrying him into the kitchen.
Remus followed, watching their mother as she patched up Romulus' knee with a flick of her wand. "He okay?"
"Yes, Remus," she said smiling. Romulus sniffed as he was placed on the floor. "No sad faces. It's your birthdays today, remember?"
Remus grinned. "Cake?"
She laughed. "Yes, Remus. You'll get cake."
"I wants ice cream," Romulus said, taking his brother's hand.
"Of course. Now, why don't you go play outside."
They nodded, running outside. She smiled, following them and sitting on the porch, taking out a book. Lighting the lamp on the porch and using her wand to light the small lamps that hovered around the yard, she settled back in her chair. The lights were a barrier that kept all the night creatures away. It had kept them safe for three years and she was confident that nothing would happen. Remus and Romulus loved the outdoors, especially at night, and it was their birthday. She kept glancing up, keeping an eye on them. They were playing with some dirt, building little towers. She smiled, looking down to read.
Remus looked up and saw a shadow in the woods. Then he saw a shaggy looking dog and his eyes lit up. He had always liked dogs. Standing, he walked towards it. Romulus was too busy making his tower to pay attention.
The shaggy dog slipped back into the shadows and Remus followed, curious. He wanted to pet it...why was it leaving? He didn't even notice as he went deeper into the forest. Romulus, however, had noticed his brother was gone and had stood, walking after Remus.
Remus saw the dog and ran over to it to pet it when it suddenly snarled, snapping at him. He screamed, seeing its big teeth and ran. He felt a sharp sting in his leg as it bit him. He fell into a hole and scrambled against the back wall of dirt. The dog snapped its teeth by the opening, but when it couldn't reach Remus, it left. Remus began crying, clutching at himself.
Upon hearing a scream, their mother's head jerked up. Jumping from her chair, she spotted Romulus standing at the edge of the woods and raced towards him. "Romulus, where's your brother?" Romulus could only point to the woods, shaking. The child looked positively terrified. "Mother of Merlin," she whispered. "Romulus, you stay right there. You understand! Don't move!"
Romulus just swallowed, his eyes wide. She raced into the woods. "REMUS!!" she screamed. She looked around wildly. "REMUS!!"
She heard crying and ran towards it, using her wand to light the way. Finally, she found Remus hiding in a dirty hole beneath a log. "Remus! Thank Merlin!" She fell to her knees. "Come here, sweetie."
Remus stared at her, tears coursing down his cheeks. "Mummy! It hurts!"
"What hurts? Let me see." She reached for him and he shook his head.
"No! It come!"
"What come?"
"The big thing! Bad teeth!"
She froze, her heart stopping at her son's words. "Remus, please. Come to me. Nothing's here. Nothing will hurt you."
Remus finally crawled out and she gathered him in her arms, running out of the woods. She stopped to scoop up Romulus and ran into the house, sitting Romulus on the kitchen chair and Remus on the table. Pulling off Remus' pants, she cried when she saw the bite mark on his leg.
"Mummy?" Romulus asked, looking up at their mother, scared. Remus was sniffling, just looking at her.
"It's okay, sweetheart. Go play with your toys." She managed to pull her wand out of her dress pocket and shakily healed Remus' cut, though it left a scar. Then she couldn't take it anymore and sunk to her knees, sobbing into her arms.
"Mummy?" Remus whispered and she looked up at him with tear filled eyes.
"Oh baby..." She reached up, pulling him into her arms and rocking him. "It'll be okay," she whispered, still crying.
Remus rubbed his leg lightly as he thought back to that moment. The moment when his entire life had changed. All I had wanted to do was see the wolf. I just thought it was a dog and I wanted to pet it. Then it bit me...Romulus and I were so close when we were little. We always looked after each other, but now...we couldn't be farther apart.
He felt a prickling sensation on his arms and knew the full moon had finally come out. As the changes began, he lost all sense of reason, howling into the night.
James glanced out the window at the full moon and then looked back at the on going conversation at the dinner table. They were on desert and so far, the dinner had gone smoothly. The only reason the kids were allowed at the table were if they were attending Hogwarts currently and they were told not to speak until desert. When's Snape going to say it? he wondered, catching Sirius' eye. Sirius shrugged.
Mr. Black glared slightly at Sirius, who began picking at his desert.
"Mr. Malfoy?"
James looked to see Snape looking at Mr. Malfoy. He held back his snicker. This is it, he thought.
"Yes?" Mr. Malfoy said. The adults drew their attention to Snape, as none of the children had spoken yet. It had been just adult conversation.
"I wanted to say congratulations on your appointment as Supreme Whoziwazi of the Order of Hippogriff."
Sirius snickered and James kicked him under the table, which made Sirius turn the snicker into a cough.
"What?" Mr. Malfoy looked at Severus like he had grown a third head. "What are you talking about, child?"
"But didn't you –" Severus began.
"There is no such thing called an Order of Hippogriff," Mr. Lestrange said. "Where would you get an idea like that?"
"But I –" Severus' face turned red to the roots of his hair.
"Don't talk about something that you know nothing about," Mr. Macnair said. "Honestly, Charles, what do you teach your son? He should know better."
"We teach him the right things," Mr. Snape retorted. "He was merely misinformed."
"Gentlemen, please," Mr. Malfoy said, making a sitting motion with his hand. "Calm down. He's a child. He doesn't know better."
Severus looked at James and Sirius with a look of pure hatred. They just humiliated me in front of everyone, Severus thought. How dare they.
James and Sirius just looked back at him with innocent looks on their faces, slapping a high five beneath the table.
When everyone was excused from the table, Severus walked over to where James and Sirius were standing. "I'll get you back for that," he hissed.
"For what?" James asked innocently. "Did we do something, Sirius?"
"No, I don't think so," Sirius said, with equal innocence. "You must be imagining things again, Snape."
Severus glared at them icily. "We'll see about that." He turned, walking away.
"That was too good!" James laughed and hit Sirius lightly on the arm. "But you need to stop laughing! You almost gave it away."
"Sorry! But it was hilarious."
"It was." They grinned. When their parents came to take them home, they merely winked at each other and left.
December 25, 1971
Christmas dawned with a light snow that quickly covered the ground and made the day very magical. Though only in some places was it enjoyable.
The closest thing Sirius had to a Christmas was being out in the snow. There was no tree and no decorations. And as for presents; that was a laugh. He didn't get presents. Ever. So he sat outside in the snow, making a snow man, wondering what James was up to.
"Watch out!" a voice yelled and Sirius turned just in time to get hit face- first with a snowball. He brushed the snow off his face to see Andromeda standing there, laughing. "Sorry!" she yelled. "I warned you!"
"Oh you did, did you?" Sirius smirked, making his own snow ball and throwing it at her. She shrieked, barely dodging it. Within a matter of minutes, there was a huge snow ball fight going on between them, with forts and everything.
She's the only one I'd consider family, Sirius thought, laughing as he threw another snow ball at her, hitting her fort. Other than my Uncle Alphard of course. They're the only two that make being a Black bearable.
Thinking too much made him unable to dodge the snowball that Andromeda had launched, hitting his fort and spraying him with snow. "I think this calls for drastic measures!" He laughed and sprung out of his fort, running at her. She shrieked, laughing and scrambled away. He caught up to her and tackled her in the snow. "Too slow!"
She pushed him off her and put snow into his shirt. "Not too slow!" He laughed, throwing a pile of snow at her.
Suddenly, a snowball hit Sirius in the back and he spun, but saw no one there. "Who did that?" Andromeda was laughing and Sirius turned to her. "Oh, you're going to get it now." He ran after her and she shrieked, running away from him.
She tripped slightly, which brought the invisibility cloak off of James, leaving him standing there in the snow, grinning. "Looks like she blew my cover," James said, laughing.
"So it was you!" Sirius accused. He laughed and threw a snowball at James, who ducked it.
"You have to be faster than that, Sirius!" James called as he made a huge snowball, which only ended up with him tumbling backwards and the ball of snow landing on top of him.
"Uh huh." Sirius grinned down at James. He held out a hand, helping James to his feet.
"Blimey! You have an invisibility cloak?" Andromeda asked, wide-eyed.
Sirius and James turned to look at her. "Now what are we going to do?" James asked Sirius, narrowing his gaze slightly towards Andromeda. "She'll tell for sure."
"No she won't, right Andromeda?" Sirius asked, looking at his cousin.
"Why would I?" She shrugged. "I just think it's wicked that you have one," she smiled, handing the cloak back to James. "I won't tell anyone, I promise."
"Can we trust her?" James asked, looking at Sirius.
"I trust her with my life," Sirius said simply. I know she won't tell anyone. If anyone can keep a secret, it's her. And we'd do anything for each other.
"Okay then." James looked at Andromeda. "Not a word."
Andromeda nodded. "Don't worry."
"Do you really want to be around this place for Christmas?" James asked, looking at Sirius.
"Of course not," Sirius answered.
James looked at Andromeda. "If Sirius and I leave, would you cover for him?"
"It's fine. Go, Sirius. I doubt they'll even notice you're gone."
"Thanks," Sirius said, smiling. "Let's go." James nodded and the two boys disappeared beneath the cloak. Andromeda smiled, rewrapping her scarf and headed back inside.
December 27, 1971
Lily was sitting at a table in the room off of the living room. Her mother used it more as a sitting room, with its white wicker furniture and green plants sitting around on the tables and hanging on the peach colored walls.
Stretching her arms over her head, Lily yawned slightly. She had been working on her essay for History of Magic on the goblin wars. They were supposed to make a time line and then find a specific event to write a roll of parchment on. Petunia was off with her boyfriend, Vernon, and her parents were over at the neighbors for tea. So it was nice and quiet, which was good because Lily had a lot of homework she wanted to finish and to read ahead in her books.
Flipping the page in her book, she found another date and wrote it down on her time line. Just then, the doorbell rang and Lily looked up, confused. No one was supposed to be coming here...maybe it's a package or something. She stood, straightening her skirt and walked to the front door, opening it. Her eyes went wide when she saw the person standing there.
"Hey! How's it going?" Jaina grinned.
"Jaina!" Lily laughed, hugging her best friend tightly. "I didn't think you'd see me over the holidays, what with everything your family is doing. I thought you were going on a trip?"
"We're back now. Since there's only a few days left before we go back to school, mum and dad wanted to be back to get everything ready."
"Well, come in. No one's here except me." Lily led Jaina out to the sitting room.
Jaina made a face. "Homework? Lils, it's the holidays. You aren't supposed to do homework until at least the night before we go back."
Lily laughed. "You know I always want to be ahead."
"Too many stuffy books can't be good for you." Jaina grinned. "But at least that explains it."
"Explains what?" Lily eyed her friend.
Jaina just looked at her innocently. "Nothing."
"You brought it up, you have to tell me."
"It's nothing, really," Jaina said, still grinning.
Lily just rolled her eyes, laughing. "Well, whatever it is, it doesn't matter. So how was your Christmas?"
"Brilliant, and yours?"
"The same. My parents bought me some more quills and a few books, plus new clothes. Petunia, of course, got a bit shirty with me when Mum asked her if she would clean up the table after supper. She kept going on and on about how I got more presents than her, which is not true. We got the same amount, but," Lily shrugged. "Petunia's been that way since I got my acceptance letter."
"Sorry to hear that." Jaina patted Lily on the shoulder. "I wouldn't let her get to you; she's not really worth it."
At this, Lily took offense, and her face said it. "Yes, she is. I love my sister, and I would do anything for her. No matter how she treats me."
"Sorry." Jaina held up a hand. She quickly changed the subject, hoping Lily would calm down. "Anyways, the reason I came here was that Jacen and I are going into Hogsmeade with my mum later today and I was hoping you'd come."
"I'd have to ask my parents, I don't know if I can."
"Where are they?"
"Over at the Burkes'. We can go over there now though."
"Okay, then let's."
"How did you get here, anyways?" Lily asked, looking at Jaina confused as they walked over to the Burkes' house.
"I was going to Floo over, but I thought you might think that a bit odd, especially your 'rents if they saw me," Jaina laughed. "Since they're Muggles and all. So I took the tube."
"Is that what we'd be taking back to your house?"
"No, my mum will Apparate here later once I Floo her that everything's okay."
"I know about Apparating, but what's Flooing?"
"It's how witches and wizards can travel. A bit messy, but it's fast. Uses the fireplaces and powder. I can also use this stuff," Jaina held up a small pouch, "to just talk to her through the fire."
"Wicked. Can you show me?" Lily grinned.
"Sure." Jaina smiled.
Lily led Jaina around the back of the neighbor's house and found her parents sitting with Mr. and Mrs. Burkes. "Lily," Rosemary said, smiling over at her daughter. "Who's your friend?"
"This is Jaina, Mum," Lily introduced. "She's one of my friends from school."
"Oh, that's nice, dear. Did you need something?" her mother asked.
"Lily goes to a school for the Gifted," her father explained to the inquiring looks of the Burkes'.
"That's wonderful!" Mrs. Burkes exclaimed. "You have quite the talented daughter."
"Thank you," Richard smiled with pride.
"Well, Jaina and her brother and mum are going to Hogsmeade," Lily said whilst her father spoke to the Burkes. "It's a village near my school, with all sorts of fascinating things. Remember when I wrote you about it? Jaina had told me about the village before."
"Oh...yes yes, I remember. So they want you to come?" Rosemary asked and Lily nodded. "I don't see why it would be a problem. Just be back before dark."
Jaina smiled. "We will, Mrs. Evans. Thanks!"
"You're welcome, dear," Rosemary said, smiling. "I trust my Lily."
"Thanks, Mum." Lily hugged her mother. "I'll see you after supper!" Lily and Jaina ran out and back to Lily's house. "Okay, so how does the Floo work?"
"Like this." Jaina grinned and tossed some of the powder into the fireplace, which made the fire turn green. "Mum?"
A face appeared in the flames and Lily jumped back. "Whoa!"
"Hello, Jaina. Hello, Lily," the face said.
"H-Hi," Lily stammered. This is odd, but cool.
"Lily's 'rents said it was okay for her to come," Jaina said.
"Good." The face disappeared and suddenly a tall woman wearing a light blue dress and a matching winter robe appeared in the living room. Lily shrieked, staring. The woman smiled. "My name is Diana. I'm Jaina's mother."
"Um...h-hello," Lily said, swallowing.
"I'm sorry, dear. Didn't mean to frighten you," Diana said. The woman's warm demeanor was comforting and when she smiled, it made Lily feel better.
"It's okay, I just didn't expect it," Lily said.
"Well, shall we be going? Jacen is at The Three Broomsticks waiting for us," Diana said.
"Sure, Mum," Jaina said. Diana smiled, throwing some powder into the fireplace, making it turn green. They Flooed to Hogsmeade.
"Want to go to Hogsmeade?" James asked as he and Sirius helped Samantha with making cookies. Though the boys ate more of the dough then they actually put on the trays, there were still a lot of cookies.
"Sure," Sirius smiled as he put a ball of dough on the tray. He had been with James since Christmas and he was enjoying himself immensely. It had been two of the best days of his life.
"I'm sure my dad wouldn't mind taking us. He finally has a few days off of work for the holidays, since nothing huge is going on at the moment."
"So how many cookies have you two actually made?" Samantha asked, walking into the kitchen. She grinned.
James and Sirius looked at her innocently. "We'd made plenty," James said, nodding and pointing to the trays of cookies.
"And ate about twice that much?" Samantha teased.
"We're growing boys, Mrs. Potter," Sirius said, smiling.
She laughed. "Yes, I know. Why don't you two run along and I can finish up here."
"Okay." James and Sirius washed their hands and left the kitchen. Bryon was sitting in the living room, reading the Daily Prophet and James saw a disturbing picture on the front page. He couldn't quite make it out from where he was standing, but it looked as though wizards were picking through the remains of something, and it didn't look pretty. "Um, Dad...what is that?" James asked, pointing to the picture.
"What, this?" Bryon asked. "Nothing to worry yourselves about." Bryon shifted the paper so the image was behind another page of the paper.
"Well," James continued. I'll find out what that is. Between Sirius and I, I know we'll find it out, James thought. "Sirius and I were wondering if you could take us into Hogsmeade. Honeydukes is having its huge sale on Floating Pops, Fizzing Whizbees and their chocolate bars." And we could get a few things from Zonko's, James thought with a smile.
Bryon looked as though he was going to say no but then nodded. "Get some warmer clothes on and we'll go."
"Thanks!" James grinned. "Come on, Sirius. You can use some of my things." He and Sirius went upstairs to James' room where James began searching through his wardrobe. "Did you see that picture on the front page? My dad wouldn't let me see it, but it looks like something big happened."
Sirius sat on James' four-poster and looked around James' room. "I saw something, in the headlines. Something about Muggles. What do you think happened?"
James shrugged, tossing Sirius one of his winter cloaks. "That's why we need to see that paper. We can listen at Hogsmeade; maybe we'll find out something."
"Sounds good." Sirius bundled up, pulling on the cloak. James did the same and they headed back downstairs to Bryon.
"Ready, Dad," James said and Bryon nodded.
"Okay, then." Bryon threw some Floo powder into the fireplace and they were off.
Remus sat in a corner of The Three Broomsticks, sipping a butterbeer and reading a book. He had needed to get away from his family and this was close to where he lived and it was warm. And so far that day he had heard quite a lot of interesting things. But the next conversation he would over hear would be the top of it.
Two middle-aged wizards wearing dark blue robes walked over to a table in the corner, sitting down and began whispering quietly. Due to Remus' acute hearing and the fact that the wizards were only a few tables away, he could hear them quite clearly.
"Did you talk to Crouch about it?" one of them whispered.
"I've tried, Adrian," the other said. "He just said it's a fluke; some random act. He doesn't think it had anything to do with Voldemort."
Remus sunk back into the booth, keeping his book covering his face, but wasn't reading. He just listened. Voldemort? Wasn't he that wizard a while back...made an attack in Hogsmeade but nothing happened after that. Why would he suddenly do something now?
"What about Bryon Potter? He's Head Auror, you know he'd listen," the one called Adrian said.
"Not yet. He's been away on leave for the past few days. But I'm sure he's thinking the same thing. Two attacks within three days? That's not coincidence."
"I know, Prinston, but what can we do? I don't think the Ministry or Crouch will act until something big happens. And by then, it'll be too late."
"Those poor Muggles...they never saw it coming," Prinston sighed. "Five of them, dead. Tortured to death, mark my words. Those weren't random Muggle killings. It was made by a witch or wizard."
"All we can really do is wait. We just have to hope and pray that nothing else will happen."
"We're Aurors, Adrian. We shouldn't just be lounging around, talking and laughing. We should be out there, making sure an attack like the one in Hogsmeade two years ago doesn't happen again."
Adrian stood. "We'll do what we can."
"But I don't like it."
"Nor do I." The two Aurors walked away, leaving behind more than two empty cups. Remus' head was filled with questions now, none of them making sense and none of them helping to answer the others. They really think it's Voldemort behind it...but it doesn't make sense. Why would Voldemort suddenly do this? I wish I had some way of knowing.
He looked over his book and groaned inwardly. James, Sirius, and a tall man that looked very much like James were heading his way. Mr. Potter, no doubt. And probably the Bryon Potter the two Aurors were talking about. They took a seat at a booth nearby, just listening.
"So what did you two get in Honeydukes?" Bryon asked.
Sirius and James grinned, dumping out their bags, covering the table with colorful candy. "Tons!" James said. "Ice mice, fizzing whizbees, chocolate, singing pops –" and the listen when on and on.
Bryon laughed. "Just don't fill yourself up on candy, or your mother won't be happy."
"We won't," Sirius said through a mouthful of chocolate.
Madam Rosmerta came by at that moment, setting down three butterbeers. "Enjoy yourselves," she said, smiling. "And don't worry about what's been happenin'. It won't happen in Hogsmeade, you can be sure of that." She walked away, her turquoise heels clicking on the hard wood floor.
"Dad?" James looked at Bryon curiously.
"Don't, James," Bryon said, holding up a hand. "I told you, it's nothing you need to worry about."
"But she –"
"James," Bryon said warningly and James sighed, leaning back.
"You never tell me anything." Why does he have to keep secrets all the time? It's not fair, James thought.
"Mr. Potter, you know we'll find out eventually," Sirius pointed out. "Why not just tell us now so we know the truth?"
Bryon looked at Sirius. "This is nothing a pair of eleven-year old wizards need to worry about, alright? I don't like repeating myself. So stop asking, because I can't tell you."
"So there is something going on," James said, sitting up.
Bryon sighed and looked up. "Stay here, I'll be right back." Bryon stood, walking over to a man in the corner booth.
"Who is that?" Sirius asked James.
James looked at the man closely. It was hard to make him out. "I think...I think that's Adrian Wilkes. He works with my dad."
Remus turned his attention to Bryon and Adrian, recognizing Adrian from earlier. Bryon and Adrian began talking in undertones.
"Bryon, good to see you," Adrian said, clapping his friend on the shoulder. "I'm glad you came in tonight. There's more going down. I just got word that there's been another attack, on Muggles. In Little Hangleton. Some sort of rich family, close to the Riddles, I think. No one misses them much, but some neighbor found the entire family. Said they were dead no doubt, but no signs of the killing." Adrian gave him a knowing look.
"The killing curse," Bryon said simply.
"Right you are. I know the Daily Prophet has some how managed to get the news on the two killings, but that's all they need to know. If they even caught wind of the other killings that have happened, I don't like to think what would happen. I know for sure that Crouch and Roger don't want a mass panic."
Bryon sighed, running a hand through his hair. He glanced over at James and Sirius. "Something's up."
"Do you think it could be Voldemort?"
Bryon shrugged. "I don't know, Adrian. We don't have proof of it. We don't even know for sure if he was behind the attack in Hogsmeade. I'll talk to Roger, but I know what he'll say. We don't have enough proof to go to the Ministry. We just have to wait and see what happens."
"There'll be more attacks."
"For everyone's sake, I really hope you're wrong."
Lily walked into The Three Broomsticks with Jaina, Jacen, and Diana. Their faces were red from the cold as they found a seat, getting warm butterbeers all around to sip at.
"Zonko's is the best!" Jaina exclaimed once she had warmed up.
"I think Scrivenshaft's is far more interesting," Jacen said.
"Dusty quills? No thank you," Jaina laughed.
"That's just because you don't like writing."
"I don't like school work period!"
"That's your problem, sis. You need to do at least some homework."
"Then why don't you do it for me?" Jaina asked, ruffling Jacen's hair.
"Because you won't learn anything," Jacen said, messing with Jaina's hair. The twins got into a hair rustling match, which turned into laughter. Diana watched them with a smile.
Lily smiled at the twins. They're so close. It's good. She sighed a little. I wish I were that close to my sister.
"Oy! Look, its James!" Jaina grinned, standing. "I'll be right back." Lily watched as Jaina ran over to where James and Sirius were sitting, sliding right into their conversation, which sent all three into peals of laughter.
Jacen looked at Lily, smiling a little. "Don't mind her. She's been talking non-stop about James and Sirius since we got back from school. Planning pranks, no doubt."
Lily shrugged. "I don't have a problem with it. It's not like we have to have the same friends."
"Are those two boys good in school?" Diana asked.
"They were right under me in final grades this term," Lily said.
"That's good. But you say their troublemakers?"
"Sort of," Jacen said with a laugh. "They pick on the Slytherins most of the time."
"As long as it's fun and games," Diana said with a smile.
"Oh it is, Mum. Don't worry," Jacen assured her.
"I still wonder why I was put in Gryffindor," Lily said, sipping her butterbeer. "I thought I'd be a Ravenclaw."
"Don't worry," Diana said. "I was Sorted into Gryffindor and I thought I was more a Hufflepuff. But it proved me wrong in the end."
"Hey, Mum?" Jaina asked, running over. "James and Sirius are going to go around Hogsmeade for a little longer. Can I go with them?"
"Sure," Diana said.
"You want to come?" Jaina asked Lily.
Lily shook her head. "It's too cold. I'll just stay here."
"Okay." Jaina grinned and ran out with James and Sirius, who were followed by Bryon.
"Hey, Lily." They looked up to see Remus standing there, a book in his hands.
"Hi, Remus," Lily said, smiling.
"Hey," Jacen said.
"Hello," Diana said. "And you are?"
"Oh, sorry, I'm Remus Lupin. I'm in Lily's year," Remus said quickly.
"Have a seat, join us," Diana pulled out a chair.
"Actually, I have to be going. I just wanted to say hi."
"Good to meet you," Diana said.
"I'll see you on the train," Lily said with a wave.
"Bye!" Jacen said, smiling. Remus waved and left.
"He's very smart. He was right up there with me," Lily said, looking at Diana and Jacen.
"He seems very nice," Diana said.
"Oh, he is," Lily said. "So what's that shack Jaina was talking about?"
"The old abandoned shack on the hill," Jacen explained. "I think it was there this year...not sure if it was there before. I don't think so. I've heard rumors at school, about how's it's haunted and there's things that scream and yell inside. Creepy if you ask me. I wouldn't go near it."
"Sounds like it. I think I've heard some things," Lily said.
"The people here in Hogsmeade call it the Shrieking Shack," Diana said. "Who knows if the rumors are true, but strange sounds are heard from it."
"Some day, we'll check it out," Lily said with a smile.
"Until then, we'll stay warm and safe in here," Jacen said and they all laughed, sipping their butterbeers.
"It doesn't look haunted from here," Jaina said. James, Sirius and she stood by the barbed wire fence, looking up the hill at the shack. Bryon stood nearby, watching them but speaking into a small device to his boss, Roger.
"Oh it is, trust me," James said. "Sirius and I went there on Halloween and we heard all sorts of howling and screaming from it."
"We tried to get in, but you can't," Sirius said. "We thought we saw something in there, though."
"Maybe you just didn't try hard enough," Jaina said.
"We did, trust me," Sirius said. "But it's all boarded up. And there are charms on it, I'm sure, because I couldn't even touch the glass." We're so good at telling a tall tale, Sirius thought with an inward smirk.
"Right," James said, nodding.
Bryon came over at that moment. "Boys, and Jaina, I think it's time Jaina headed back to The Three Broomsticks. It's nearly dark and we have supper to get to."
"Okay, thanks Mr. Potter, for letting me come." Jaina smiled, waved and left.
"She's nice," Bryon said. "One of your friends from school?"
"Sort of," James said, shrugging. "We see here around occasionally. But she's mostly with Evans."
"The girl that topped you?" Bryon teased, smiling.
"Be quiet, Dad," James laughed, grabbing a handful of snow and throwing it at Bryon.
"Throwing snowballs now, are we?" Bryon arched an eyebrow. "Well, if that's the case –" Bryon gathered up a huge snowball and threw it at James.
Soon the three of them were in a huge snowball fight and soaked to the bone. When they finally got home, supper had just been set on the table. Changing into warm clothes, they sat down for a good dinner, full of jokes, laughter and a good time.