Chapter 14

"There you are again, Mr. Potter. Wearing new spectacles I see," came Dumbledore's voice as James, Ron and Hermione found their way out of the headmaster's fireplace. James straightened his glasses, ruffled his hair and replied,

"Yes, I am. Were you able to fix my other ones by chance?" Ron and Hermione tried to read their headmasters face which was like trying to read a fine print copy of War and Peace. Still, they waited in silence for him to reply.

"No. Not all the pieces have been collected. Filch has looked where you told me and has found no more. Perhaps you may be able to explain better?" In silence, the three nodded and headed for the door, Hermione leading, followed by Ron and James. Had they come all this way only to reach a dead end?

"Potter, may I have a word?" came the headmaster's voice came. Apparently things were not as bad as they seemed. Once the headmaster and James were alone the young boy spoke up.

"Sir, there must be something you can do! I need those glasses sir, and I know you know why!" At this, Dumbledore's eyebrow raised slightly though his expression didn't change. James hesitated a moment, carefully choosing his words. He wasn't an idiot and knew if he didn't actually admit to any rule breaking act, then (in Dumbledore's eyes anyway) it didn't happen. Still he needed a little help. "Please professor, I know you know a lot more about this sort of thing then I do." That was all he could come up with. James really wasn't known for being humble, but Dumbledore saw the effort.

"Well I have broken a few glasses in my days. As I recall," he went on as James sat himself slowly down into a chair, careful as not to miss a word. "I would just buy another pair." The boy ran a hand through his hair. The old git was playing with him. James may not be humble, but he knows how to work people. Not to mention, he loved a good challenge. If Dumbledore wanted to play, then he was game.

"I'm sure there was a pair you fixed up once? I know it may be hard sir, but if you could try and remember?" Dumbledore's eyebrow rose to match the other. James smirked slightly; he was getting somewhere. The Marauder changed his expression to one of a pout and continued, "Those glasses meant a lot to me."

"Well," Dumbledore leaned in for the kill, "Might I suggest studying about it? Or maybe my memory has failed me, is that too difficult a request?" James fell back in his chair. Dumbledore had won this battle of words. To show no hard feelings, James smiled. The headmaster smiled back.

"No sir," James said. "Studying would do me some good. It will be a new experience." Even though this wasn't true, James did receive good grades, James and Dumbledore laughed. The Marauder got up, shook the professor's hand, and left his office. As soon as he was outside the room, his face fell. He hated studying!

James glumly walked back to the Gryffindor Common Room to find Ron and Hermione. He plopped down next to Ron, who was sprawled out on the couch staring at the ceiling. Ron didn't move even when Hermione shut her big book of "What is Up With the Wizarding World Today?" with a snap! This made James jump. When the redhead didn't stir, Hermione rolled her eyes and got up to sit down next to the past tense Potter.

"Don't worry about him," she told James, "He sleeps through anything." When James looked astonished and a bit skeptical, Hermione went on. "He sleeps best when his eyes are open. Merlin knows he has had ample experience." James laughed to himself; he had experience in Sleeping Through Class 101 as well. Actually, he wished he could doze this very moment, but if he was ever going to see his friends again he needed to repair those glasses. He didn't get much help from Dumbledore and he didn't know any fixing spells, except one.

"What did the headmaster say?" Hermione asked him eagerly. She placed herself sideways on the couch so she had a better look at James. Hermione brushed her frizzy hair out of the way, so that she wouldn't have any distractions. It wasn't that she didn't like James' company, but with every passing day she got more worried for Harry. It had been days since she saw her black-haired best friend and she didn't know how he was holding up. So, with baited breath, Hermione listened to the other Potter in her attempt to help fix the situation.

"I think you should be asking 'What DIDN'T the headmaster say?'" James saw Hermione's puzzled look and didn't wait for her to ask it. Instead he continued, "He didn't tell me how to fix the glasses. He didn't say he was going to help me. And he didn't say everything was ok and I'd be back with my friends in no time. He didn't say much of anything really." With that, se slouched back on the couch a bit and folded his arms with a real pout on his face this time.

"Well," Hermione said trying to prompt him, "When Dumbledore did talk, what did he say?" James wiped a tired hand across his frustrated expression. He mulled things over in his mind for a second before deciding to speak. When he did open his mouth all his stress came with it.

"Dumbledore said I would have to study on it! The only spell I know that would help this situation is 'Oculus Repairo,' but something tells me that isn't exactly what we need. When the glasses shattered the enchantment must have be severed as well. Which means, I would have to find the charm that allows people to go back in time by use of an object, and I'm no good at charms, ok! I don't know how I'm going to pull this off! I mean, if the glasses had been transfigured then I would be the man for the job but for charms…I can't do it! Don't tell anyone I'm admitting to this, but I can't do it. I just want to see my friends."

Hermione held a laugh at the corner of her mouth, but didn't let it go any further. She understood he was upset, but pouting like a baby was just ridiculous. Because of the loud complaining from the couch, Ron began to stir.

"What's all the noise for?" he moaned while wiping his dry eyes. It took him a minute to realize where he was and why Harry looked slightly different. Once his mind started to register, Ron blinked a few times and then waited for a reply.

"James is worried he won't find the right charm for his glasses." Hermione explained.

"I'll be up all night studying," James added. Ron's face lightened up a bit. He stood up confidently.

"Well you have come to the right place, mate," the red-head said. James interjected.

"No offense Ron, but you really don't seem like the booky type." Ron began to laugh loud. Holding his sides and getting his breath he started to explain.

"No, no. Not me…Hermione is the nerd you are looking for." With that Hermione shot Ron a look, but he couldn't see it due to too many tears welling up in his eyes from laughing. "She is research Queen. You can't go wrong with her around." Through Ron's fits of laughter and a few "Me! Read? Honestly!" and "You're a cheeky one!"'s Hermione's face started to soften. She wasn't really sure if she had been complimented or insulted, but, whichever it was, Ron had noticed her hard work. She smiled to herself and them looked over at James and replied,

"Let's get to work."