Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. The wonderful JK Rowling does! I wish I did, then I'd be rich! Just kidding! Please don't sue me for writing a fan fic that I really hope you enjoy!
I'm going to start a summery of the previous chapter thing; a lot of people have suggested it. James and Lily finally decided on a name for the baby, Harry James Potter. Remus and Kiah started a huge snowball fight…leading to a prank war between Sirius and James. Kiah's work gets attacked and after much fighting, Remus sees her die.
¤.¸¸.·´¨»«´¨·. ¸¸.¤
January…
"No! Remus!" Kiah said, running through the kitchen laughing. "Please! I surrender!' she shrieked as Remus lunged at her, pinning her to the floor and tickling her sides. Kiah burst into a new fit of laughter.
"You see, I didn't know you were ticklish," Remus said, attacking her neck. Kiah laughed and tears poured out of her eyes. But she had a plan of assault.
In one quick motion, Kiah flipped over on top Remus and repeated his actions, starting at tickling his sides. Remus' laughter rang louder. "Wow, I didn't know you were ticklish," Kiah said sarcastically over Remus' laughs.
"Kiah!" Remus gasped, sitting up from the table. His hair was a mess and his eyes were bloodshot, not to mention his whole frame was shaking.
Remus looked down at the Firewhiskey bottle in his hand, almost empty. He downed the last shot in one swift motion and a toss of his head. Remus eyes began to water, but it was not a result of the burning whiskey.
Memories had haunted Remus for the past four days. Everything he loved about Kiah had stayed in his soul, just bubbling at the surface. He has cast Anti-Apparation charms in his apartment, but all of his friends had Apparated outside the door, banging and shouting for him to leave the sanctuary of his home. Remus conveniently cast a silencing charm so he wouldn't have to hear them.
Six bottles of Firewhiskey were scattered around the chair he was sitting at. The midnight black robes he was wearing were unwashed; he put them on when he returned from the hospital analysis. The funeral was tomorrow; he didn't think he could go.
I never got to say goodbye…
…The minister smiled and said, "And now exchange your personal vows. Remus," the minister gestured towards Remus.
Remus let out another deep breath. "From the moment I saw you last year, I was stunned at how beautiful you looked. And now I've come to get to know every glorious thing about you. Kiah, I love you so much. You have changed my life in more ways then you know. You have helped me through so much and I thank God everyday for giving you to me. You were so understanding and helped me through everything. You accepted me for who I was, and that means the world to me. I know you were meant for me, you are the dream I've wanted that finally came true. I would be lost without you in my life, to help me, to guide me, and to always be so caring. I love you," Remus finished, the last part in a whisper.
Kiah smiled at him and stroked his hand. "Remus, I can't even put into words how much you mean to me. I never had someone so real who cared for me so much until I found you. Even that first awkward date in Hogsmeade was one of the best days of my life. You make me feel so at ease, and you understand my heart, body, and soul. We will always be one, in life or death. You have helped me so much and you changed my life. You were my first real, true, best friend. You are my soul mate, and I feel like nothing bad can happen when I'm with you. I love you, so, so much."
"With the power invested in me, I know pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride," the minister said. Remus held Kiah's elbows and Kiah gently put her hands on his arms. They kissed and the congregation applauded them.
"I love you," Kiah whispered.
"I love you more," Remus said, taking her hand and walking down the aisle…
I let her down…
…Remus looked into her eyes. "Listen to me, when I was in the forest seventh year I fought to stay alive for you. I want you to do the same for me, and I'll mend it, okay?" Kiah feebly nodded. Remus kissed her briefly and first said, "Priori Incantatem!" The spell that hit Kiah came out of Remus' wand and hit the Death Eater that shot it at her. Soon, the blood was disappearing from Kiah's head.
Kiah was crying. "Listen Remus, if I die today, I want you to go on, but always know that I love you, with all my heart and soul and that I'll always be with you."
Remus connected his forehead with hers. "Please don't say that."
"Remus, please, just promise me."
"I will only promise if you do the same for me."
Both were crying. "Ok, I promise," Kiah whispered.
"I promise," Remus said…
But I promised I would forget…
He had stood there and watched the battle, frozen in time. But Remus ran as hard as he could to try to save her from the impending death that had drawn closer and closer each second. His life shattered in that one second.
What would've happened if he had gotten there in time and blocked the curse with his form? What would've happened if Kiah has left early, like she was going to originally? What would've happened if they had Apparated a moment sooner?
Guilt and wondering would haunt Remus forever. He couldn't think like this. "Do you think she would want you to die? No, she wants you to keep going and be strong. I know she would want this. Keep living, and as much as it hurts so bad to say this, move on," Lily had said.
No, he had to move on. He would never forget Kiah, or love anyone else as much as her. But she was gone, he had to accept it. He had to stop blaming himself got what happened.
She's really gone…he thought to himself. He closed his eyes and a memory played out in his mind.
Remus was at Hogwarts, seventh year. It was a gorgeous day by the lake. Remus lay stretched out across the grass, watching the clouds rolling by. He saw shapes inside of them.
"Comfortable?" a sweet voice said from the left. Remus lazily turned his head and saw Kiah walking over to him. He smiled and pulled her to the ground when she was close enough.
"Have you even finished your homework yet?" she asked, knowing the answer.
"How can anyone think of homework on a perfect day like this?" Remus said. Kiah rolled her eyes and flopped back on the ground.
"Don't come crying to me when you fail school. N.E.W.T.S. are coming up soon-"
Remus interrupted her. "You need to take a break from Lily, you're sounding a lot like her recently." Kiah smiled softly and laid her head on his shoulder. Remus ran his hands through her hair and gently kissed her temple.
Kiah stretched a little bit and pointed up at the clouds. "That one looks like Dumbledore," Remus laughed and pulled her closer. "Don't you want to stay like this forever?" Kiah asked, "Just lay here with beauty all around you and be totally at peace?"
Remus leaned up a little and looked into her eyes. "Only if I can be with you."
¤.¸¸.·´¨»«´¨·. ¸¸.¤
Lily was in a daze. She could see the pastor's lips moving but she couldn't hear the words. Kiah's voice filtered through her head, a million things she's ever said replaying like a broken record.
She looked over at Marissa who was just staring at the coffin. James squeezed her hand. Lily turned to him and saw him breathing heavily, looking very pale. Sirius looked the same way. Remus was what worried her.
He was stark white, his hands clasped around each other. Remus was crying freely, no one had ever seen him break like this. His cool, calm manner was shattered. The person sitting there was a destroyed man, his life with no purpose.
Lily shook her head slightly and turned to the pastor, still not hearing the words he said. Memories flashed through her head at rapid speeds, moving faster and faster. James' parents, Claudia, all those students at Hogwarts, now Kiah. The world was full of death; everyone she loved was slowly fading away. What if she lost Harry? Lily shook her head. No, she would never loose Harry. She would do whatever it took to make sure her son was safe.
Lily tried to concentrate on Kiah's father, who was now at the podium. He was almost as bad as Remus, his wife and daughter gone at such a young age. He was saying such kind things about Kiah, but all Lily could hear where whispers. Whispers of the dead surrounded her. A laugh here, a cry there. The voices took over, filling her ears where the silence had just occupied itself.
Resting a hand on her forehead, Lily stood up suddenly and rushed out of the church to the outdoors. Rain was pouring down in sheets but Lily kept plowing through, unaware of anything else. Faces of the dead flashed before her. Then faces of the ones she loved came in grotesque pictures. They were all bleeding…and in pain. Lily screamed as tears poured down her face.
"Lily?" a voice said shakily behind her. Lily whipped around to see James standing there, concern and love etched over his features. Lily tried to speak, but no words came out. "Are you alright?" James asked timidly, making his way to her. Seeing him there, anxiety written all over his face, made Lily forget about the dead. She choked out a sob and fell into his arms.
James smoothed her wet hair away from her face and kissed her on the tip of her nose. Lily clung to the collar of his shirt, sobbing into his already wet robes. "I-I can't loose anyone else, James. I can't," Lily muttered quietly into his robes.
"Shh, you won't. I won't let it happen," James said, pulling her closer to him, resting his cheek on her temple. They held onto each other, hoping the other wouldn't let go. Eventually the rain died down and the sun tried to edge it's way around the clouds. It would be okay, soon enough.
¤.¸¸.·´¨»«´¨·. ¸¸.¤
Dumbledore smiled sadly at all of them. "Welcome to the Order of the Phoenix. To my great dismay, I have some bad news. One of our members has fallen, in the ever-raging battle against Voldemort. Kiah Malawi died last week when the Department of Mysteries was attacked. She put up a noble fight and saved many lives. Remember Kiah…" Dumbledore finished. Remus wouldn't make eye contact with anyone.
The Order had grown considerably. There were more members now, like Mad Eye Moody, Dedalus Diggle, Marlene McKinnon, Emmeline Vance, Benjy Fenwick, Dorcas Meadowes, and Dumbledore's brother, Aberforth. Peter had also been invited to join, the only time any of his friends got to see him.
"Today we have some new members who are expecting, like the Potters. Meet Frank and Alice Longbottom," Dumbledore said. They looked like the perfect picture of youth, Alice glowing with pregnancy.
Lily smiled and offered her hand, which Alice took willingly. "Hello, I'm Lily Potter. When is your due date?"
Alice touched her slightly showing stomach. "July 28th."
"Wow, mine is the 19th of July. Little Harry James Potter," Lily said, grinning.
"Ours is Neville. We haven't thought of a middle name yet," said Frank, "Enough talking, let's get down to business." Dumbledore smiled dejectedly at his enthusiasm and looked around at the faces looking up at him for hope, faith, and goodwill. They are willing to die for this…he thought to himself.
"Luckily we have had no missions thus far, Voldemort has not been active recently. Don't get your hopes up…this is not a good thing. He is planning something huge, my guess is a trap to lure us in and kill many. But no matter what, we will fight. Alice and Lily, if you choose not to fight because of your state, you do not have to," Dumbledore trailed off.
Alice and Lily shared a look. "I think we would be willing to contribute as much as we can," Alice said.
"We could stay here and help Madame Pomfrey heal the wounded. I almost lost my baby to Voldemort, I don't want to risk it again," Lily said stonily. James slipped his fingers through hers.
Dumbledore smiled at their courage, trying to push away the guilt out of his mind. "Good, that would be wonderful. Next…" The group continued on with business, trying to plot where Voldemort would attack next. It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Dumbledore raised his palm, stopping an argument between Aberforth and Emmeline Vance. "I think we should end here. The next meeting should be in a few weeks; I will send an owl to notify you. Remus, could you please see me for a moment?"
Remus said bye to the Marauders, Lily, and Marissa, saddened by the thought of Kiah not leaving with them. He sat caddie corner to Dumbledore, who looked at him gravely. "I am so sorry for your loss, Remus," he said slowly.
Remus shrugged, scratching at a dent in the table. His heart was dropping.
"Times like this can be difficult. Do you need to talk about it?"
Remus was silent for a moment, then whispered, "Why did she have to leave me? Why now, when I needed her most?"
Sighing, Dumbledore pressed his fingertips together. "You have to remember everything happens for a reason. There is a reason she died-"
"How can there be any humane reason why she had to die? Why anyone dies? There is no reason!" Remus yelled, standing up suddenly causing his chair to fall over backwards.
"Remus! Stop!" Dumbledore said sternly, his eyes immediately calming Remus. "Listen to me, you have to accept the fact that she's gone. You are still alive, you are not dead. She would want you to keep going and to move on-"
Interrupting him, Remus quietly said, "How the hell do you know what she would want?"
"You forget that I watched over her during her seven years of schooling. I know all my students. You have to keep her memory alive, that is all you can do. You cannot blame yourself for what happened, it's done, she's not coming back. You have to accept that." Remus' feature softened as he looked at Dumbledore and digested what he said. All he could manage to do was nod his head, take his cloak off the back of the chair, and head for the door.
But before he left, he turned to Dumbledore, a grateful smile on his face. "Thank you, sir."
¤.¸¸.·´¨»«´¨·. ¸¸.¤
February…
"Hurry Sirius! Before he wakes up!" Lily said, ushering him in. Sirius was slowly navigating a huge brown box to the Rec Room with his wand. Sirius grinned mischievously and quietly dropped the box on the floor, just loud enough to make a sound. James was a heavy sleeper.
Lily whirled around on him. "Shut up! He's going to wake up if you keep making a ton of noise!" Lily yelled in a whisper.
Groaning loudly, Sirius said, "You are a slave driver!" If looks could kill, Sirius would be dead on the floor now. "Those pregnant hormones…" he muttered to himself.
Sirius safely (with a few teasing moments) got the box to the Rec Room. "I swear one of these days I will murder you," Lily said under her breath.
"Why is James sleeping at noon anyways?" Sirius asked, ignoring her comment.
Lily cast a worried glance up the stairs. "The Ministry has made him work two days straight. One of our spies got information on the next attack. I'm not allowed to know about all that he does, but he hasn't slept more then three hours. He's just catching up."
Rubbing his head, Sirius began unwrapping the package. "I would try to get the Ministry off his back, but he's on a higher level than me. You might want to wake him up before one, that's when everyone is coming."
There was a loud thump upstairs, then running water. "He's awake, hurry up and finish," Lily said, "Do you want to stay for breakfast?"
Sirius wrinkled his nose. "Is it your cooking?" Lily sent daggers his way and Sirius held up his hands in defense. "I'm just kidding! Sure, as long as you make kippers."
Lily shivered. "No way, that's disgusting."
"Whoa! What?" Sirius questioned. "That's your favorite!"
She shook her head. "No, no. Not anymore. James made it for me last week and I was sick for the rest of the night. I can't even think about it."
Sirius tried to hold back a laugh. "That's because James made it. Don't ever try his Yorkshire pudding either…it made me-" Sirius didn't get to finish, thankfully.
"Lily? Do I hear Sirius?" James called.
"Yes, unfortunately. We're coming up!" Lily replied. Sirius gave her the puppy dog pout. "Oh shut up, I'll make kippers for you." Sirius skipped up the stairs.
The smell of tea filled the air when Sirius and Lily walked in. Sirius turned into Padfoot and quickly leapt behind James, who was wearing pajama bottoms and no shirt. In a fluid motion, Padfoot grabbed the bottoms with his teeth and yanked them off, ripping the pants off and running away. James was wearing Scooby Doo boxers.
"Hey! Padfoot!" James yelped and chased after the dog. Padfoot stopped in the corner and began quickly ripping up the pants with his teeth. James began a tug of war game with him. "Padfoot…let go…of these…now…before…I kill…you…" James said through gritted teeth. Padfoot let go and James flew four feet backwards. Sirius now stood, laughing hard.
"Scooby Scooby Doo, where are you? We got some work to do now! Honestly Lily, I don't see how you could marry a man with Scooby Doo boxers," Sirius said casually.
Lily came up the next flight, laughing as James struggled to repair the rips. "You should see his other pairs, those gave me some second thoughts." Lily pulled out her wand and repaired the pajama bottoms in one quick flick. "Happy Birthday honey."
"Yeah, Happy 20th Birthday mate," Sirius chided as James fumbled to put his pants back on.
"Whatever. When is everyone else coming?" he asked.
"Anytime now," Lily said.
They heard a pop downstairs. "Hello?" Peter called.
"Maybe they're out. Oh well, we can keep James' gifts," Remus said.
With a shriek, James jumped up and ran down the stairs. "No! I'm here!" James shouted as he skidded to a halt in front of them. He looked crestfallen when he saw their hands empty. "Hey…where are my presents?" James whined, sounding much like a two year old.
"Nice to see you to James," grumbled Remus.
"And nice Scooby Doo boxers," Peter said with a smile. James looked down and saw his pants a little above his knees. Turning bright red, James yanked them halfway up his belly button.
Suddenly, James heard a pop and felt something, or someone, fall on top of him. "Ouch…oh sorry James! Happy Birthday by the way," Marissa said, getting off of James who sat up clutching his head.
"You don't have presents either," James said.
"Great to see you too," Marissa said, feeling herself being swept into a kiss by Sirius.
"Does anyone want sandwiches?" Lily asked. Everyone immediately rushed into the kitchen. "Wow…I'm taking that as a yes."
It was a mad food frenzy in the Potter home. The group of friends were talking and laughing, with an instant replay of Padfoot stealing James' pants, this time concluding in James turning into Prongs and battling it out with Padfoot.
"You break anything I will kill you," Lily said dangerously.
"Yes mom," Remus said. Lily just rolled her eyes and began piling Doritos on her turkey sandwich, placing the bun neatly on top then crushing it down full force on the chips in between.
The ones seated at the table gave Lily a puzzled look. "What?" Lily asked through a mouthful of chips and mayonnaise.
"You hate Doritos, Lils," Marissa said doubtfully.
"I know!" Lily said, spraying Peter with bits of bread. "Oops, sorry Pete. Ever since I've been pregnant I've just been stuffing them down my throat. They aren't that bad," Lily said, spraying more of her lunch on Peter. Lily apologized again and helped him wipe it off.
After Sirius' yelps of, "I SURRENDER! YOU WIN!" Lily blindfolded James and led him carefully to the Rec Room.
"Okay, we all chipped in to get this for you, so if you don't like it just act like you do. Ready?" Lily said. James jumped up and down excitedly as Lily whipped the blindfold off.
In the middle of the room stood a set of gleaming red drums. James gasped and slowly walked over to them. "For me?" his voice sounded like he sucked all the helium out of a balloon.
"No, for the Easter Bunny," Marissa said, rolling her eyes, "Are you going to play them or what?"
James slowly walked over to the drum set and picked up the drumsticks on the stool. Gingerly, he sat down at them and smiled widely. He tapped the tambourine three times…then broke out into chaos. James whacked the drums with enormous force, shaking his head and stomping his feet. The other occupants in the room covered their ears and yelled for him to stop.
"THAT WAS TOTALLY WICKED!" James yelled when he finished, throwing the drumsticks in the air.
"He is going to kill Harry with the noise," Peter commented.
"Not if Lily kills him first," muttered Remus.
"Thank God you're not pregnant, Marissa. I couldn't handle the hormones. James is like superman to me," Sirius said, about to add on until he was quickly silenced with a death glare from his wife.
¤.¸¸.·´¨»«´¨·. ¸¸.¤
March…
"Sirius! Can you come outside for a second?" Marissa asked from the doorway of their apartment.
Sirius cocked his eyebrow suspiciously. "Why…" he asked very slowly.
Marissa rolled her eyes. "Just come on!" Sirius reluctantly turned off the TV and headed out the door and down the stairs. Just before they stepped outside, Marissa blindfolded him.
"Okay, I am really scared for my life. What's going on?" Sirius asked with his hands stretched out in front of him.
"You'll see!" Marissa sang, pushing him out the door into the sunlight. "Ready?" Sirius nodded and Marissa whisked the blindfold off.
Sirius stood in shock at the gleaming black machine in front of him, surrounded by James, Remus, and Lily. As if in a daze, he walked over to it, pressing his hands on the handlebars. His eyes widened as he picked up the helmet sitting on the seat. It was jet black, with a sliver star air painted on the left side. There was also a leather jacket hanging off the right handle bar.
"Happy early Birthday, mate," James said, clapping his hand on his friend's shoulder. Sirius turned to him, trying to form words. After clearing his throat several times, he finally just gave James a bone-crushing hug.
"Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!" Sirius said happily, running to Lily and Remus and giving them each a hug. When he reached Marissa he gave her a long, deep kiss. "You wanna go for a ride?" he asked happily.
Marissa backed up with her hands held in front of her. "No, no, no, there is no way I will get on a death machine." Sirius just shrugged and caught the keys James threw to him. Excitedly, he slipped on the jacket and secured the shining helmet on his head. He turned the keys in one quick motion, revving the engine up and laughing maniacally. He pushed down full throttle and zoomed down the street, whooping and hollering.
"Five galleons says he'll get arrested by a please-man," James said.
"Policeman," Lily corrected, "and I'll take that bet."
¤.¸¸.·´¨»«´¨·. ¸¸.¤
James looked worriedly outside at the sunset. Sirius popped in the room next to him and looked out the window. "We have to go, it's getting later," he said. James nodded and went into the bedroom where Lily was reading through baby books.
Quietly, he snuck up behind her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be back in the morning, Marissa is coming when she gets off work," he paused for a moment, then said, "I'm worried something is going to go wrong."
Lily nodded and turned, looking up at his blue eyes filled with concern. She gave him a long kiss. "It should be fine, you do this every month," James nodded in agreement, his eyes still full of worry. Lily squeezed his hand. "Just be careful. I love you," she whispered in his ear. James swept her in his arms, holding her tight.
"I love you back." James walked out of the room and went back downstairs to where his cloak was. "Ready?" he asked Sirius, who gave a meek smile. Full moons were always an anxious night.
The two friends Apparated to Hogsmeade, just outside the Shrieking Shack. The sun had completely disappeared along the horizon, casting them into darkness. "Lumos!" James and Sirius whispered. Carefully and without anyone looking, they opened the gate to the Shrieking Shack and crept up to the house, each lost in their own thoughts.
"Is Peter coming?" James asked.
Sirius shook his head. "No, it was weird though. He didn't send an owl, he sent a telegram. It read; can't do full moon STOP Sorry guys STOP Peter."
James rolled his eyes and looked downwards. "What is with him lately? We never see him anymore. He usually gives us a reason but now just nothing?"
"I don't know, mate. Right now we need to focus on Remus. This is the first full moon without Kiah, who knows how much he will hurt himself," Sirius said. James quickened his pace.
When they stepped into the torn up living room, Remus was still himself, just pacing and sweating. "How are you?" Sirius asked, throwing his cloak out of the room.
Remus cringed and sat on the floor. "Everything hurts, this is worse than any other time."
"Remus you have to relax more," James said, "The moon is coming, we have an idea. To take your mind off of the transformation, how about we go exploring like we used to at Hogwarts?"
"Yeah! We could walk around the Forbidden Forrest or go to the outskirts of Hogsmeade," Sirius put in.
Remus started shaking. "I-I don't know. I don't want to hurt anyone."
"We'll be here to hold you back. Come on, you won't even know you're a werewolf," James said, putting a hand on his shoulder. Remus was silent for several seconds, but eventually gave a submissive nod. James smiled at him and closed his eyes, transforming into his Anamagus stag, Prongs. Sirius did the same, barking as Padfoot and running around in circles. Remus smiled lightly and then arched his back, yelling in pain. The full moon was here.
Werewolf transformations were unbearable. Remus' bones began rearranging themselves into a wolfish form. His fingernails grew into sharp claws. He was screaming but it soon turned to a whimper, his face had become a snout and two slits for his eyes. Fur grew all over his body as he thrust his face upwards and howled. His feet morphed into long paws with his claws digging into the wood floor.
Padfoot and Prongs watched helplessly as they had done a million times before. There was nothing they could do to stop the pain from taking over Remus. Soon his mind would no longer be his own, but that of a hungry wolf looking for blood and flesh to sooth his barbaric needs.
Moony began biting at his leg, growling yet whimpering at the same time. Prongs ran forward and pried his mouth away with his antlers. Moony tried to growl but immediately stopped when he saw Prongs. Padfoot smiled in his mind. Remus was still with them.
¤.¸¸.·´¨»«´¨·. ¸¸.¤
"Okay, the baby is crying. What could be the matter?" Marissa quizzed, one of the baby care books in her lap.
"Um, it might need to be changed, fed, held, burped, or tired," Lily ticked off with her fingers.
"Yes!" Marissa answered.
Lily smiled and looked at the full moon. "Do you think they are alright?" she asked worriedly, fiddling with her wedding ring. She usually did that when she was nervous.
Marissa sighed and looked out the window with her. "I know Remus isn't. I can't believe he has to go through it. And he's going to hurt himself worse this time."
"Because of Kiah," Lily whispered, "I have a bad feeling about this full moon. Something is going to go wrong."
With a sigh, Marissa took Lily's hand in hers and squeezed it. "We just have to pray they will be fine."
¤.¸¸.·´¨»«´¨·. ¸¸.¤
Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs walked along the trees surrounding Hogsmeade. Moony would sniff the air and growl every once in a while, but would stop when Prongs or Padfoot would look him in the eyes. It was their only form of communication.
The streets were busy and the three friends had to keep a distance. Now and then they would playfully fight, making it seem that Remus was also an Anamagus, not a monster. There were a few close misses, once Remus went after a beggar on the street. Another time there was a little boy who strayed too far from his parents. But Padfoot and Prongs knew how to handle it.
When they reached the back of the Three Broomsticks, Padfoot stopped suddenly and motioned his head towards the pub. Neither Prongs nor Moony could understand what he was trying to imply. Padfoot, feeling very irritated at lack of communication skills, signaled Prongs to watch over Moony for a moment while he walked as close as he could to the pub without being noticed.
Padfoot carefully peaked his head through the back door of the Three Broomsticks and perked his ears up so he could hear. The Minister of Magic was talking quietly to Professor Dumbledore. Curious, Padfoot took a cautious step inside.
"-the numbers are too great. We have to do something about it," Dumbledore was saying.
The Minister rubbed his eyes. "Albus, there is nothing we can do. Our numbers are being worn down. With every attack more Aurors are lost. We have begun putting Analysts and Department Heads in battles! We cannot risk anything else."
"Did you know that four innocent families died yesterday? Two were wizarding families, the others were muggles. I have other families with threats on their lives. I have a prophecy predicting the one who can save us all," Dumbledore said. Padfoot was confused. A Prophecy?
Leaning forward, the Minister raised an eyebrow. "What prophecy?"
Dumbledore waved his hand. "I know nothing about it. I am still figuring out the details. But it's soon, it proclaims the one who can defeat Voldemort and save us all."
"This information could be vital to our survival!"
"No, not yet. We have too many other problems to focus on something that may not be true. Now, about the upcoming attack…" Padfoot continued to listen, making a mental note about everything they discussed.
Meanwhile, Prongs was watching a group of drunkards having a break dancing contest on a piece of cardboard. It sounded as if there was muggle rap playing as they spun and flailed their legs around. Prongs became drawn to watching them dance and galloped around in circles as a victory dance when one of them pulled a great move.
Somewhere off, he heard a priminal growl. Prongs stopped in mid-gallop, cocking his head to hear better. It was definitely Moony. He took off full speed to where he had heard the growl, hoping his animal instincts would lead him in the correct direction. Prongs skidded to a halt, looking for Moony. He found him ready to attack.
Hagrid, the keeper of the keys and grounds of Hogwarts, was walking out of the Hogs Head, using the back exit. His cheeks were unusually rosy behind his bushy beard. He was stumbling around, singing an Irish song. Moony had his back arched, head down, letting out a low snarl as he prepared to pounce. Hagrid saw him and froze.
Barely moving, Hagrid reached behind him and took out his cross bow and a silver tipped arrow. "I don't wanna hert yeh," Hagrid muttered as he loaded the crossbow. Moony came closer still to Hagrid. Prongs ran towards them as fast as he could, but he was too far off. He would never make it in time. The silver on the arrow would kill Moony as soon as it touched him.
Moony was hungry for blood. He took off towards Hagrid, ready to attack. Hagrid took careful aim, seeming to be completely sober. Prongs ran faster and faster, pushing his legs to get there. Moony was about to pounce, Hagrid released the bow.
Before the bow hit him, Moony saw Prongs charging. The human inside him came alive and Moony ran off into the forest, hiding behind the trees. The arrow missed its original target and plunged deep into Prongs' right side. Prongs collapsed to the ground, whining at the shooting pain traveling through his body.
Padfoot heard the growl, Moony was in trouble. He ran towards the sound, hearing Prongs running also. "I don't wanna hert yeh," Padfoot heard. He recognized the voice belonging to Hagrid. Padfoot ran faster. He stopped dead as he saw Moony run behind the trees and Prongs fall to the ground, an arrow sticking out from his side.
Both Moony and Padfoot ran towards Prongs. His eyes were heavy and his breathing was low. Padfoot whined and Moony nudged Prongs, who sluggishly moved his hind leg. Hagrid tried coming towards them, but Padfoot barked ferociously at him. Moony was still a werewolf.
Hagrid moved back carefully, tears swarming in his eyes. "I didn' mean ter…I'm sorry…I didn' mean ter hert the poor creature," he blubbered. Padfoot continuously barked at him until Hagrid went away. He couldn't risk Moony hurting anyone else.
Padfoot growled at Moony, who got the hint and headed through the backwoods to the Shrieking Shack. With a quick look around, Padfoot turned back into Sirius and kneeled down next to Prongs.
"Prongs? Stay with me mate," Sirius said, resting a hand near the wound and feeling Prongs quiver with pain at his touch. "Can you transform?" asked Sirius. Prongs nodded his nuzzle and closed his eyes, concentrating. A moment later James was lying there, letting out a moan.
"Damn that doesn't feel too good. Can you take it out?" James asked.
Sirius shivered slightly. "Uh, I'm not good with blood. Let's just get you back to Lily, she's good at medical stuff."
"No! She'll kill me!" James said nervously, "Plus, I'm in no shape to Apparate."
Sirius laughed. "It's either you die here or you die by Lily's wrath."
"Here," James said automatically. Sirius rolled his eyes and lifted James to his feet carefully. They began the excruciating walk to Hogwarts, the only place with the closest fireplace.
When they arrived, Peeves came zooming over to them and bowed deeply. "Ah, Messers Potter and Black. How may Peeves be assistance to you?"
"Help us get to Dumbledore's office, please," Sirius said. Peeves cackled happily and went to a nearby linen closet, pulling out a stretcher. Sirius made it levitate and laid James on it, guiding the stretcher up the stairs. The Marauders were the only people Peeves liked that had ever attended Hogwarts. Their history of mischief had swayed Peeves to worship them.
"What happened?" Dumbledore asked when they arrived in his office. Sirius quickly explained what happened.
"Sir, could you possibly get Madam Pomfrey to fix this?" James asked, wincing as he changed his weight.
Dumbledore had a small twinkle in his eyes. "Are you sure you want her to look at it?"
"Anything is better than Lily finding out about this. I swear she'll kill me," James muttered.
"I think I'll send you home through Floo. Although what you did was noble, you shouldn't have left the Shrieking Shack at all. I believe its best if Lily heals you, she needs as much training as she can get for the Order," Dumbledore said nonchalantly. James groaned inwardly.
James stepped into the fire first, the arrow still in his side. "G-Godric's Hollow," he said nervously. In a rushing moment, he tumbled out of the fireplace, crying out in pain. He had landed on his side.
"Oh my God! James!" Lily said, rushing over to him. She gasped when she saw the arrow. Sirius appeared a moment later.
"Now Lily, let me explain," Sirius said, not missing a beat.
Lily turned her fiery gaze on him. "You better have an explanation for this!"
"Are you okay, Sirius?" Marissa asked worriedly, giving him a hug.
Sirius squeezed back. "I'm fine. Remus was about to attack Hagrid. Hagrid shot a silver tipped arrow at him but James blocked it and it hit him."
"A silver tipped arrow? That causes a lot of damage, werewolf or not," Marissa said.
"Wait a second. Hagrid was at the Shrieking Shack?" Lily asked. Sirius hesitated for a moment, then smiled sweetly. Lily was onto him. "Don't you dare give me that innocent smile, Sirius! Was Hagrid at the Shrieking Shack?"
With a sigh, Sirius said, "No, no. We thought it would be better for Remus if we distracted him as much as possible. So we went to the outskirts of Hogsmeade."
There was a silence for a moment. Instead of Lily exploding, Marissa yelled, "WHAT? YOU WENT TO HOGSMEADE?"
"Outskirts of Hogsmeade!" Sirius cut in, "and we did it all the time at Hogwarts!"
"This isn't Hogwarts! What was Hagrid doing on the outskirts anyways?" Marissa shot.
"Well," Sirius said, unsure if he should tell what happened. Marissa and Lily's looks told him he should go ahead and say. "Moony went close to the village, actually to the back of the Hogs Head-"
"Who was watching him?"
"I don't know what happened! One minute he was there, the next he as about to attack Hagrid!"
"Where were you then?" Sirius was silent. "Huh? Since you obviously know everything, where were you?"
Lily broke the fight up; James' breathing was becoming shallower, although he had a tiny smile on his face from the argument. "Look Marissa, can you help me with James? I need the bedroom cleared and supplies." Marissa nodded, sending a death glare towards Sirius. She ran up to the bedroom, summoning cloths and bandages as she passed by a bathroom.
"Thanks," Sirius muttered, helping James off the floor.
"Oh I have a few questions myself. You are nowhere near off the hook yet. Right now I'm concerned about James," Lily said, levitating James in the air.
"Lils, I'm fine," James coughed out, spewing a small amount of blood.
"Shush. Just stay alive for me."
"No problem," James held up an O.K. sign with his fingers.
Lily pushed back James' hair lovingly. "Do you think Remus will be okay for the night?"
Sirius looked at her from the corner of his eye. "Honestly?" Lily nodded, "No, he'll be in bad shape. We might have to take him to St. Mungos' for a few days. Even in a wolfish state he'll blame himself for the accident. That, on top of Kiah's death, will tear him apart."
¤.¸¸.·´¨»«´¨·. ¸¸.¤
"Remus? Are you here?" Sirius called. Everything he said echoed around the Shrieking Shack.
"Yeah," Remus said, his voice cracking. Sirius walked in another room and found Remus lying halfway off of a tattered couch. His robes were ripped and every part of his skin that was showing was either bruised or bleeding.
Sirius gasped and rushed over, helping him off the couch. "Oh God, Remus! We have to get you to St. Mungos'! I would've never left if-"
Remus interrupted him. "Is James alright?" he croaked.
Sirius seemed distracted as he guided Remus down the stairs and towards the tunnel to the Whomping Willow. "Good as new, Lily is a wonder with healing magic. But her and James have always been extra talented. Lily and Marissa gave him hell for going to Hogsmeade, and me as a matter of fact."
"You're sure James is fine though? Are Lily or Marissa upset with me? Is Dumbledore angry?" Remus asked as Sirius dragged him along.
"Everything is fine except for you. I'll fire call everyone when we get to St. Mungos," Remus tried to debate he was fine, but Sirius just said, "Shut up already. As soon as you're fine again we are taking you on a hardcore workout, you are way to heavy." Remus just smiled to himself. I don't deserve such good friends…
¤.¸¸.·´¨»«´¨·. ¸¸.¤
Author Notes:I know the whole James and Sirius' birthday thing was very scattered and not very "flowy" (yes, it's a word, shut up!) Should I eliminate it and just find a different way to bring in Sirius' motorbike? If anyone has any ideas, please tell me because I'm fresh out. It doesn't help this whole past week I've had color guard every day from 7:30 to 3:30 OUTSIDE in the IMMENSE heat (109 one day) and my brain is fried from too much sun and learning to many things in such a short amount of time. I'm trying to get rolling on the alternate ending to this story but when I get home I'm so tired I just sleep and, like I said, my brain is toast. I'm also trying to put together all my random ideas for the Lily and James love/hate fic I want to write but I'm goo and can't make sense of it. So after next week (outside again then going on a trip to Texas to watch other color guards/bands and go to the biggest water park in the country) I should be able to get going.
Sorry I bored everyone to death, but I thought I would share. Anyone else want to be random?
:-)