Author's Note: I'm sure many were surprised or unnerved by what the original members had to go through but I had to give them a perfectly good reason for wanting to annihilate the dark lord and why they believe they could do that. As for Jeric, don't lose hope...I predict that he will soon regain his memory...(hehehe....of course I know he will...I'm the author and the readers would have my head if I don't ;-)) Oh, by the way, to those who are interested, there would be more about SSPEW later on....

Wytil I'm utterly honored by the fact that someone like you could appreciate my stories. As for your granddaughter, well, if she's that advanced...maybe I could make a special arrangement for her but I don't think old Voldie would be too thrilled to train someone who would probably replace him later on heheheh....

ettedanreb: no problem about the text msg...pwede mo naman ako i-ym eh..papasok yon sa cell ko pag d ako naka-online...and about the name of one of the mothers....napansin mo pala (duh! siyempre obvious naman eh ;-) hehehehe I could honestly say that it's intentional...I like u kasi hehehe...

Chapter 16 - Back to Hogwarts

The sun was almost up when the group had arrived at the school except for the two aurors who had retired to their own homes. They were so exhausted from the previous night's excitement that Dumbledore immediately sent Ron and Hermione to their dormitories while a disgruntled Snape escorted Draco to the infirmary.

Billy stared at the imposing figure of the potions master. He remembered that man. He was the one who called their house before but at the time, he was pretending to acquire their band's services and introduced himself as Mr. Atherton. If only they had agreed to meet him then maybe the accident wouldn't have happened. But who was he to question fate...maybe it was supposed to happen. However, he couldn't help himself but wonder. If that man's surname was indeed Snape and Bernadette Snape was his sister, didn't it mean that the embittered man was his uncle?

Billy was almost oblivious to his surroundings as he pondered upon how to approach the man on that particular subject. He just couldn't come to him and say 'Hey, you're my uncle, aren't you? Come on; let's form a one big happy family.' Things just did not follow such a straightforward and uncomplicated procedure. There was always something that made everything complex. Curiously, he checked the Headmaster's reaction. For some unfathomable reason, the old and wise man looked sadly at him before he requested the rest of the group to follow him to his office.

"I apologize for keeping you from your well-earned slumber but there are a few things with regards to your training that we must agree upon before we retire." began the Headmaster as he motioned the others to make themselves comfortable. "Professor Lupin has agreed to hold a separate defense lessons with you as well as Professor Snape. There are also two other professors who may be able to help you, particularly with Charms and Transfiguration, as you will be needing those as well. Would that be all right with you?"

The four mumbled a sleepy "yes, sir."

"That's one matter off my head then. As for my other concern, what do you want us to tell the others?"

"What do you mean, sir?" Jeric asked politely though he already had an idea what the old man was referring to.

"I am just wondering. Would you like me to inform the others of your arrival or would you prefer to conceal your presence? This time we're not going to impose anything. It's your decision." said the Headmaster amiably, giving each of them a soft smile.

The foul looked uncertainly at one another. They were aware that further secrecy would mean that their movements would be highly restricted to their training area and sleeping quarters and there would exist a constant paranoia of being discovered. However, the other option was not so appealing either. They knew their sudden appearance would stir some commotion and would cause innumerable annoying tongues to wag but surely, after a few days, people would begin to lose interest. The only problem was that Jeric might not be ready to face certain people yet. It was a complication that the older three carefully considered. Though they had only known the boy for a few months, they had all been quite close to him and knew that he was emotionally unstable at the moment. When it seemed that nobody wanted to answer, Lupin cleared his throat to offer a suggestion.

"I think we should stick with the truth. People are becoming restless in and outside the school. Har-Jeric's absence is causing people to entertain some utterly ridiculous rumors and speculations in their heads. We must put a stop to that especially now that Voldemort's already aware of Jeric's condition. If people heard that Jeric's alive and is currently staying at Hogwarts, then panic would be lessened." stated Lupin calmly and eyed the four hopefully.

Hearing his opinion, the four excused themselves for a while and discussed some things among themselves. Finally, it was Billy who spoke.

"Sir, I think Mr. Lupin's idea had some merit. However, we believe it would be better if we just tell everyone the sanitized version of the truth. That way less tongues would wag and fewer questions would be asked. We could just say that Harry had a minor accident that resulted to temporary memory loss and that, as his new friends, we were requested to be here to help him recuperate."

"It's better to get it over with as soon as possible so that they would have enough time to get used to the idea that they have to fight for themselves. I can't be the saviour anymore. Besides, people would find out anyway...the map never lies.." added Jeric.

"What map?" asked Lupin with great interest, his eyes betraying a slight hint of hope.

"The Marauder's Map, of cour---" Jeric stopped and frowned as the realization hit him. He did not know if he was pleased or dismayed at that. Fortunately, the professor only nodded his head absently. The headmaster kept him from contemplating further.

"Very well. I am positive that your mere presence is enough to uplift their spirits. At this time, hope is very important. It can inspire people into active participation instead of passive acceptance of what's happening around us. For now, you shall stay with Professor Lupin until I could find a more appropriate place for you. I am also leaving the matter of the Marauder's Journal into your hands. I trust that you are fully capable of handling whatever you might discover, however unpleasant it may be. But if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask Professor Lupin or myself. Rest well, you have a very interesting day ahead of you." said Dumbledore and with that, he ended the conversation.

The four young men followed Lupin to his chamber where they found a single bed and two double-deckers. The was was painted in red and gold with a rather curious looking portrait hanging at the middle. It had a large, embroidered M on the middle surrounded by four animated paintings of animals but it seemed that one of the animals had been burnt out of the picture. They just stared questioningly at the man who just shrugged his shoulders as if it was no big deal.

"Just the animagus form of the 'enlightened Marauder'." he said disgustedly.

The four understood at once and decided not to ask further questions until they had read the journal. Instead, they all started to settle on the double-decks provided for them. Billy and Jeric grumbled a little as they both got the top part but was soon placated by the cool air that greeted them when they reached the top.

"Err--sorry about the sleeping arrangement. It's just what the house-elves could produce at such short notice. I'm sure that Dumbledore would do something about it tomorrow." said Lupin sheepishly at witnessing their initial discomfort.

"Oh, it's okay. We're just not used to having to climb onto a narrow ladder before we could go to sleep." said Jeric good-naturedly. He couldn't recall who Lupin was or what part he played in his life but he felt that he was a kind-hearted fellow.

The werewolf looked at him sadly for a moment before setting his eyes on Matt who he realized was also staring at him.

"What?" he curiously asked the young man who had the same brown hair that he had.

Matt opened his mouth as if to ask something but changed his mind at the last second. He shook his head and bade the man good night. He saw the man smile at him then just before he closed his eyes, he heard him whisper something that was inaudible to others but not to him. He clearly heard what the man had said and that night, he had the most wonderful sleep in his lifetime.

Professor Lupin stared at the four figures sleeping peacefully in his room. He couldn't believe that a time would come that he would be meeting his and his friends' sons and have them stay with him even for a short while. He couldn't even begin to fully grasp the idea that he had a son...and he never knew! All those years wasted...Now, he realized why he couldn't love anyone else. His heart was long ago bestowed to someone else. He may not recall everything they had written on the journal but certain pieces were starting to come together. He, along with the other two Marauders, had so recklessly obliviated themselves and in their haste, they had unwittingly abandoned their sons

As he fixed his gaze on the brown-haired young man who had appeared too serious for his age and the other three figures lying so innocently on their beds, he did not notice the silent tears flowing down his cheeks.

I, Remus J. Lupin, the last true Marauder, do hereby solemnly swear to whole-heartedly support and help the descendants of the Marauders in their noble endeavor, however dangerous it may be and to protect them at all cost...even if it meant sacrificing my life for them....so help me my good friends, Padfoot and Prongs...

Despite the lack of proper sleep, the four soon found themselves out of bed when the sun was up. They were a little disappointed that the professor had already left but they had surmised that he did not want to disturb them so early in the morning. Feeling curious, they all decided to wander about and hoped that they would meet someone who could tell them where they could find any of the professors they had met the night before.

As they clumsily wandered around, they were held in awe by the intricate design of the castle -- the moving stairs, ancient portraits that followed their every move, the beautiful arrangement of flowers that adorned the hallways and many other novelties. For the first time since their arrival, they were able to appreciate the beauty and warmth that the enchanted castle exuded. The older three gaped in amazement. The castle was so breath-takingly magical yet still emanated an aura that was so in contrast with the forbidding one of S.S.P.E.W's. However, out of instinct, they turned around to check their backs from time to time. They couldn't afford to be lax in security at a place that they weren't yet familiar with.

Jeric, on the other hand, stared at each talking portrait and at each floating ghost with mounting confusion. Surprisingly, the perplexity was not brought about by the portraits that seemed alive nor was it due to the ghosts that roamed around as if it was a normal activity for them. It was not due to those oddities. He was more baffled abot the warm feeling that had suddenly engulfed his heart. It was an extremely pleasant feeling...like he was home after a very long and tiring journey...maybe he was. But wasn't his life so miserable that he had opted to run away?

Without knowing where his feet was heading to, he continued walking aimlessly while his friends followed closely behind him. Soon, they heard some loud voices and went to investigate what the commotion was all about. As soon as they stepped closer, Jeric was instantly overwhelmed with varying emotions ... regret... despair... fear... hope... HOPE? He stopped in his tracks and saw that his friends had done so as well. There were so many people in that room and they were not sure if they were supposed to join them or not. They started to leave when their eyes fell on the front table. Professor Dumbledore was there, along with Professor Lupin and the greasy-haired man they met the night before. It was at that point that they noticed the Headmaster winking at them before calling the attention of all those who were present.

"Students and fellow professors, it is my greatest pleasure to announce that Mr. Harry Potter had returned to Hogwarts. No, he never turned to the dark side and I hope no one had entertained that ridiculous idea on his or her head. Also, he was not captured or murdered as what the Prophet has darkly insinuated. He is, in fact, here with his new friends." With twinkling eyes, the Headmaster motioned one hand to the new arrivals' direction, beckoning them to occupy the vacant chairs which, incidentally, happened to be located at the Gryffindor table. He quickly introduced Billy, Chuck and Matt much to the delight of the female student population and dismay of the boys.

Then, on a slightly poignant tone, he continued. "Unfortunately, though, Mr. Potter had a minor accident that resulted to partial memory loss. His friends are here at the staff's request for they can help expedite Mr. Potter's recovery. Please don't harangue them for any information regarding the accident especially Mr. Potter. Too much pressure might cause further delay to his recovery." The headmaster was about to take his seat when he remembered something. "Oh, and please refer to Mr. Potter as Jeric until he decides to be called otherwise."

With that said, the staff immediately pressed Dumbledore for more information while the student body seemed too shocked to react and could only stare in fascination at the four young men who were now heading towards the Gryffindor table.

Jeric, as if on instinct, sat on his usual chair in between Ron and Hermone while the other three sat in front of him. He looked around the table and was met with several uncertain smiles but none was recognizable. He let his eyes wander to the other tables. There, on the farthest table, he saw what he was looking for. The blond-haired boy who had saved his life. He waved tentatively at the boy who seemed reluctant to meet his gaze. He frowned at that. Just a few hours ago, they were in the best of terms. Why did Draco suddenly seem to avoid him now? He tried to smile but the boy turned pale and had a stricken expression on his face.

Ron followed his gaze and immediately scowled at seeing the Slytherin. "Once a git, always a git!"

"Ronald, please, not now!" hissed Hermione in exasperation but the red-head did not seem to notice.

"Well, why not?" he asked heatedly. The memory of Jeric defending the slimy bastard still rang painfully in his ears.

Jeric fumed inwardly at that but he couldn't help feeling disappointed at Draco's actions too. "Ron, I don't want to fight you over that matter. I'm sure there's a perfectly good reason why you think so badly of him but please, for my sake, just give him a chance. He did save me yesterday, you know. Maybe he has a reason for avoiding me...."

Ron dropped his gaze. "Fine...if it's that important to you but if that git ever does anything to harm you, I'll make him pay." he said and sent Draco a scathing look while carelessly attacking the remaining food on his plate.

"Thanks. I really appreciate that." said Jeric sincerely.

Though Draco carefully avoided the raven-haired Gryffindor, his thoughts were filled with the memory of their short yet friendly conversation...and how the boy had defended him to his friends. It felt good to be treated as the good guy for once. It felt somehow rejuvenating to be treated nicely just for himself and not because of his wealth, power or what he could do for them. Unfortunately, it was an obliviated Potter who made him feel that way....Why should that person be him? Such cruel fate... He could never pursue that friendship... surely, when Potter regains his memory, all his efforts would just go down the drain...No, he could not risk that. Especially now that his father had unwittingly rationalized the events already. Everything could just be as they were. There was simply no need to choose sides. The letter he received that morning from his father made up his mind for him. He had burnt the offending parchment but the venomous message was clearly embedded on his head.

"You're a disgrace to our noble name! I have no idea what idiotic spirit had possessed you...defending that brat! How could you? If the dark lord was not so ecstatic about the news of Potter's memory loss, you would have been dead by now. It was only pure luck that I was able to convince him that you had planned to befriend the boy in order to acquire vital information about the old fool's rebellious group. So you better come up with something if you do not wish to be disowned or worse. Consider yourself warned... "

Draco still trembled at the memory. No, he absolutely could not disobey his father. The threat was too blatant to be ignored. He just hoped he could make up a believable report that could pass as Dumbledore's anti-Voldemort plan.

After several awkward glances, some Gryffindors summoned enough courage to talk to Jeric and his friends.

"Hey, mate! What happened to your glasses?" asked Seamus, careful to steer clear from the forbidden topic.

Jerry started at that. "Oh, did I wear glasses? I'm wearing contacts now."

"Contacts?" asked Ron and Seamus simultaneously.

"Contact lens. It's a substitute for eyeglasses." replied Jeric in an amused tone.

"Oh. By the way, where did you get those cool tattoos?" Seamus directed the question to the three who had accompanied Jeric. The three seemed to shy away from the conversation but could not really be considered impolite.

Billy had a pained expression on his face when he answered the seemingly innocent query. "Trust me. You wouldn't wish to know." he answered truthfully, earning more than the usual amount of interest from those who had heard his reply.

There was a minute of tensed silence after that. Whatever had bothered Billy seemed to have the same effect on the other two young men. Sensing their discomfort, Hermione changed the topic of the conversation.

"How long have you been playing?" she asked, knowing that the topic of music could easily lighten their mood.

"Oh, that...around five years but we had only started playing professionally for about four years. Jeric has only been with us for a few months but he's a fast learner...really talented. We wondered where he got that." replied Chuck, his features immediately lighting up.

Following Hermione's cue, Ron started asking about the thing that had intrigued him the most. "Err--Matt, what you're doing with that cylindrical object seemed really you umm-teach me how to do that?"

"That's the drums. Yeah, I could teach you if we could find a suitable place for that. It makes a nasty sound and I don't think your professors would be thrilled about that." replied Matt while carefully assessing if the redhead had it in for him. The boy had the appropriate size of hand, a controllable strength, the determination to learn and he had a rhythmic quality to his movements. 'Yes, the boy had potential.' he thought to himself. He and his friends could sense that. They could make an educated guess if a person had potential or not even without hearing them play. That was why they never really put up a good fight when Billy had so recklessly invited Jeric to join them.

"Really? You have a band and you play in the muggle world?" asked Dean excitedly. The group nodded in assent. "What was your band called?"

This time, all the band members answered with pride. "Voldie's Downfall."

The simple reply caused an uproar at the Gryffindor table and even at the nearby table whose occupants had been discreetly listening to their discussion. Some had choked on their pumpkin juice and others just stared dumbly at the four who seemed to enjoy the incredulity on their audience's faces.

While everyone was occupied with interrogating the four about their band name and their exploits in the muggle world, Hermione hesitantly retrieved something from the pocket of her cloak. She figured it was time to give it back to its rightful owner though Jeric had specifically told her in his letter that he would get it from her whenever he was ready to face his world again. The situation simply called for it. Without further ado, she handed the wooden stick to Jeric who was eyeing the object quizzically.

"Why are you giving me this stick?" he asked the girl. He was not stupid. He had seen the lot of them use a similar stick to do magic but he could not comprehend why the girl was giving him one.

"It's your wand, Jeric. You left it to me a few days ago but I think you must have it now." the girl said simply while carefully avoiding his gaze. She couldn't believe the boy still had the same effect on her even at his state.

"Oh." said Jeric as he inspected the odd stick on his hand. Holding it felt familiar yet weird at the same time. The wand sent red and gold sparks into the air as if greeting its master. It felt warm then suddenly, he yelped and dropped the stick in surprise. The others quickly turned to him in concern.

"What's the problem, mate?" asked Ron, retrieving the wand from the floor and inspecting it for any sign of irregularity. There was none.

Jeric continued to stare at the wand as if it was something terrible. "Are you sure it's my wand?" he asked worriedly. "It burned my hand." He showed his blistered hand to the others.

Hermione held his wrist and stared at the damaged hand with concern. "I think we should tell the Headmaster. Maybe there's a logical explanation for this. I'm fairly sure that the wand has not been tampered with. I had it with me and there was simply no way for it to be switched with another."

With that, the band headed to the staff table led by Ron and Hermione.

"Is there a problem, Miss Granger?" asked the kind headmaster upon seeing their worried expressions.

"Professor, I just returned Jeric's wand to him but it burned his hand. I wonder if that's a normal reaction." said Hermione, cringing slightly at the scrutiny of the other professors in front of her.

Dumbledore considered her question for a moment as the group anxiously waited for his response. However, instead of being apprehensive, a pleasant thought seemed to dawn on him. He gave them all a triumphant smile and his eyes sparkled with pure delight. "Yes, in Jeric's case, that's a normal reaction but it would be better if we could discuss that later in the privacy of my office. Let's say... after school hours?"

The group nodded and headed back to their table.

With Professor Lupin's help, the four were able to return to their room after the healer mended Jeric's damaged skin. Ron and Hermione had to attend their classes and Professor Lupin had to teach. So, the four were temporarily left to their own devices.
"What are we going to do now?" asked Chuck, eyeing the other three curiously.

"Why don't we tackle the journal now?" asked Matt with more than a hint of anticipation in his tone. He wanted to confirm something and he couldn't wait another day for that.

Billy appeared to be in favor of that idea too. They all turned to the younger boy for approval.

"It's all right with me. I don't know anything about it too so we're on fairly equal grounds there." stated the younger boy upon noticing their hopeful faces.

As instructed, they each poured a drop of their blood on the cover of the journal and waited for something to happen. The manuscript glowed white and struck each of them as if confirming their identities. Then after a while, it stopped and the cover turned to reveal the first page of the journal. Almost dreading what they were about to find out, they started to read.

Messrs. Moony, Padfoot and Prongs gracefully welcome you to the Marauder's Journal.

If you are reading this, then it simply meant that our effort to destroy this had been futile. It also meant that nobody had succeeded in tampering with its contents. This contains a lot of information that we rather wanted to forget but maybe it would give you a lot of helpful insights. We must warn you, though, to keep an open mind and consider the fact that we were young upon writing this. We know our reputation as pranksters but we also have a side that nobody else had tried to explore.

That's why we wrote this... to maintain the balance in our nature. Always remember, there's no such thing as being naturally good or evil. It's the choices that people make that determine their destiny.


After the rather intimidating introduction, the paper automatically turned to the next page..

Mr. Padfoot would like to applaud his companions for coming up with a relatively serious opening remark but rest assured that we are not that bad.

Mr. Prongs commends Mr. Padfoot's infantile attempt to diminish the gravity of our mistake but it was not necessary. What you read is the truth and though it was not that pleasant, rest assured that we have changed.

Mr. Moony agrees with both of his companions and he would like to add that Mr. Wormtail was not included in this journal for the simple reason that he was currently indisposed.

February 11, 1976

Dear MJ,

Lily's so stubborn! For the umpteenth time, she turned me down again. Why can't she just accept the fact that we're meant to be together? Tomorrow's Valentine's Day and I still don't have a date for the ball...

Mr. Prongs

P.S. Mr. Padfoot would like to comment that maybe it was the unruly black hair that kept the lady from going out with Mr. Prongs.

February 13, 1976

Dear MJ,

I can't believe that I had taken Sirius' advice! It had taken quite an ample amount of time to find the proper charm to tame my hair but still to no avail...the lady is still too adamant...

Mr. Prongs

Dear MJ,

The annoying Padfoot and Prongs kept harassing me about my lovelife or the lack thereof....What foolish girl would even dare to come near me? I'm penniless and not as intelligent or handsome as my two friends. However, l cannot comprehend why the other two couldn't find a date for tomorrow's ball.

Mr. Moony

"Well, so far, the entries seem innocent enough." commented Matt as they finished reading the first three entries.

"Maybe we should skip some pages..." suggested Billy. The others immediately agreed.

They continued perusing and discovered a lot of things that were amusing though highly irrelevant to their quest. They paused only when an apprehensive Lupin arrived to bring them to the Headmaster's office since they were stll not that adept yet at the maze-like castle. He sent them anxious glances when he glimpsed upon what they were reading but did not comment on anything. Instead, he just silently led the way.

When they reached the place, the band members were surprised to see that not only Dumbledore was there. Professor Snape was there too minus the wihering glare and two other professors that they haven't been introduced to as of yet. Ron and Hermione were also with them. They all stared appraisingly at the four young men as they awkwardly hovered beside the wooden door.

"Do come in, young lads. Never fear. What we're about to discuss today is not something horrible. On the contrary, it is about a rather welcome discovery that I have been waiting for a long time now." said the Headmaster cheerfully, his excitement too great to be contained. Then he proceeded to introduce the stern-looking woman and the small, dwarf-like professor to the new-arrivals. After that, he began to enlighten those who were present. "I believe you all witnessed what had happened to Jeric's hand when he held his wand?" The others nodded. "Before I continue, can anyone recall what happened at Little Wimbleton a few days ago?" Hermione immediately raised one hand as if she was in a classroom.

"There was a dementor attack and Billy, Chuck and Matt would have suffered the dementor's kiss if someone had not conjured an extremely powerful patronus that drove the soul-sucking monsters away. The headmaster assumed that it was Harry who did it but he began to doubt his conclusion when we pointed out that it couldn't possibly be him since his wand was with us. However..." her voice trailed off, allowing the Headmaster to continue where she left off.

"However, now that I've seen what happened when Jeric held his wand for the first time since that incident, I began to reconstruct my assumption. The aurors had informed me that the power that drove the dementors away had no magical signature. It was simply untraceable and that particular oddity could only be attributed with..."

"W-wandless magic?" croaked Professor McGonagall in amazed disbelief. "But Albus, the boy has no training in that particular field."

"I know, Minerva, but it's the only logical explanation for that. And the situation was very critical. Jeric must have felt the urgency to help his friends, thus, unleashing some of his powers that was hidden for so long. He has a vast magical reserves and the effort had broken down his internal barriers. As a consequence, his previous wand would no longer be able to contain his magic unless he re-learn to control the outburst of his energy once more." came the Headmaster's lengthy explanation.

"Cool!" gasped Ron as he realized what the headmaster had meant.

"Yes, I believe it you say, Mr. Weasley. Due to this recent development, I wish to personally train the four of them to further enhance their grasp of wandless and elemental magic." stated Dumbledore, his enthusiasm unfazed by the knowledge that Jeric still seemed unwilling to resume his former role.

"We would highly appreciate that. Thank you, sir." whispered Jeric, half-excited at the prospect of learning and half-scared that maybe he was being manipulated again. Again? Now, that was a curious thought. Did it mean that he was manipulated before? He grimaced at the realization that he was gradually regaining his memory even if he had no wish for it to happen.

Professor McGonagall stared at the Headmaster in confusion as soon as all the students have left. "I have utmost confidence in your wisdom, Albus, but are you sure that training them and giving them full access to the castle is the right thing to do?"

"Without a doubt, Minerva. Due to the tragic incidents that happened last year, Harry became too focused on the negative aspects of his life. We had to convince him that his life is not as miserable or as wretched as he had assumed. What better plan than to expose him to his friends and other people who love him. Maybe then he would feel that although people see him as hope, the burden is not his alone." replied Dumbledore calmly before turning his gaze to the potions professor. "Severus, how did your last meeting with our old friend go?"

"Painful, professor. I barely managed to convince him that I could not possibly do anything but assist you in driving his servants away. However, it was a little unnerving that he was still happy despite our failure to bring Potter to him. He had something up his sleeve and I couldn't figure out what it was exactly." reported Snape who was limping slightly. He had been summoned after he had brought Draco to the infirmary and the effect of the well-placed cruciatus was still fresh on his system.

"Severus, I'm sorry that you had to suffer from him once more. I hope the war could come to an end soon. Things are getting too dangerous for everyone." muttered the headmaster forlornly. He never liked the idea of his friends and allies being hurt but sometimes, it happens and he couldn't do anything about it but hope that the light side could triumph once and for all..

Jeric was about to enter Lupin's chamber when he noticed Draco and two heavily-built students walking aimlessly on the other side of the corridor. Without hesitation, he quickly informed his friends that he had to talk to someone.

"Draco!" he called out but the blond-haired guy ignored him. "DRACO!" he yelled more loudly this time. Draco turned around to face him and Jeric was surprised to see the edginess on his face.

"What do you want from me?" asked the Slytherin disdainfully.

Jeric was taken aback by the abrupt change in the boy's behaviour. "I don't understand. What do you mean?"

Draco sneered at him while the other two who acted like his bodyguards were poised to attack at any given time. "Stay away from me if you know what's good for you."

Jeric became more confused than ever. The boy's tone was menacing but his eyes were telling a totally different story. It was almost like Draco was pleading him to stay away but for what reason? Taking advantage of his shock, Draco and his companions quickly strode off but not before Draco had discreetly dropped a small piece of parchment on the floor.

Jeric swiftly picked it up and scanned the words hastily written there.

Harry or should I say Jeric?

Whatever your new name is, the fact still remains that we've been enemies for so long. It just couldn't be repaired overnight. Weasley is right. I'm just a rotten, slimy, Slytherin git. I don't deserve your friendship...

Sorry...

Draco

Jeric crumpled the bit of parchment and threw it into the nearest fireplace. There...no evidence left...As far as he knew, that letter never existed...

Author's Note: Doesn't anybody wonder how come Voldemort could easily track the original members of the band and not Harry? Hehehe that's for me to know and for you to find out.....later...

Anyway, please review. Thanks! :-)