Hey all! Such a long time it's been, eh? Well, here is the next chapter. It is absolutely not satisfactory with me but I swear on my life that I can not think of anything more suitable without you all thinking I've abandoned you. So this chapter is merely temporary until I find something better. It will be permanent if I update the next chapter without changing this one. If you think of anything better, please do give me your ideas. Enjoy! (As much as possible) ∞ Me ∞


Chapter 16- Hogwart's Sweethearts & Animagi

"Oh Sam, so much has happened!" Lily sighed, rushing her fingers through her burgundy hair. "After you left, Dumbledore had Regulus buried near the forest. Apparently, Mrs. Black refused to have a turn-cloak (A/N: Wizard equivalent to a turn-coat.) buried with the rest of the Blacks."

Sam frowned. "How did Sirius take it?" Lily shrugged. "No one saw him but James and Remus. He was inconsolable for weeks, then one day- " She shrugged again. "He was just like always; back to his gallivanting and mischief making ways."

"Indeed."

Sam thought for a moment, then, "Where is the grave sight, Lils?" Lily smiled weakly, "Next to the Whomping Willow. Sirius said he wanted him there."

Sam nodded. "Right; thanks. Is there anything new with the Order?" Lily seemed to only go graver as she sadly shook her head. "It's happened Sam. The Marauders have finally joined the Order. They are official members now."

Sam's face was impassive. "Do they know about me?"

"No. As a spy you must remain unknown."

"As it should be." She mumbled. "Breakfast?" Lily asked.

"Oh yes."


"Lily! Sam! We saved you seats!" James yelled. Sam looked over to Lily and saw her eyes light up. "'Lily?' Since when does he call you 'Lily'?" Lily blushed.

"Since we started going out."

"Oh my God! Lily!"

"I know, I know, I should have said "No" but Sam he was so sweet and- "

"No! I'm so happy for you!" Sam hugged Lily tightly and ruffled her hair. "So, are you guys, like, 'Hogwart's Sweethearts' now or something?" Lily laughed. "Yeah, something like that. Our only rivals are Lucius and Narcissa."

Sam cursed. "Damnit! And to think; I missed the two most unlikely couples get together the only time I was gone!" Lily laughed again before turning to Sam, a sudden urgency in her voice.

"Sam," Lily started in an undertone as they sat between James and Remus. "There's something you need to know so don't freak when-"

"-hey everyone!" Came Sirius' voice from above them. Sam looked up and Lily saw a deadly stillness shadow her friends brilliant eyes.

"Sirius, Alyce." She deadpanned, nodding once to each. "Oh, hello Samantha; I'm so happy to see that you didn't die." Alyce chirped, making a big show of wrapping an arm around Sirius' waist.

"Well, I try…" Sam smiled, her eyes still curiously dull. She dragged a plate over to her and began stabbing rhythmically at the food.

"Oh!" The same high-pitched voice squealed. Sam slammed her fork down and glared at the blonde. "What?" She clipped. "Sam," Alyce breathed and raised a shaking finger. "What is that on your face?"

Sam began to feel a major headache coming on and her eyes blinked shut. She could have sworn that the left side of her face twitched convulsively.

"It is a Ghanima, Robbins. One of my first," She opened her eyes and stared fixedly at the gaping girl; pinning her to her place. ", and I can assure you; it won't be my last."

Lily shuddered inwardly at the death in Sam's voice. By making this subtle, yet, blatant threat, Sam had told Alyce that she knew of her involvement in Regulus' death, knew of her allegiance to the Dark Side, made it clear that she would have her revenge and consented that if she had to be awarded another ghanima in doing so- then she would take it.

It took Alyce a few seconds to recover, then a mask of confusion was thrown on. "What's a ghanima?" She asked sweetly to Sirius.

"It's a spoil of war. Something to remember, in most cases, a victory by." Alyce giggled and ruffled Sirius' hair. "Oh Siri, I love it when you get all smart on me!"

Lily glanced apprehensively at Sam who looked like she actually wanted to puke. "Lily," Sam mumbled faintly.

"Yeah?" Sam clasped her side and leaned closer to Lily. "My vision… body… hearing. It's… changing… sharpening." Lily stared. "We need to talk to Dumbledore, now. Can you walk?"

Sam nodded once, jaw clenched, and stood, ignoring the questioning voices.

Dumbledore seemed to expect this for he stood as well and beckoned to them, sweeping out of the Hall.


"Lemon Drop?" The Headmaster asked kindly. "No, thank you sir." They replied simultaneously. "Very well. Now, let us just cut to the chase shall we? What happened?"

"Professor- Is it possible that as Ladies of the Desert, we haven't come into our full powers yet?" Dumbledore leaned forward, eyes probing.

"There is something you wish to know that I am not certain I can answer." Sam nodded though inwardly she was recalling what happened the last time Dumbledore withheld information.

What does he think? That I'm going to go and blab everything to Jazzy or Alyce? Tom? Ah well, best just listen to what he's got to say and asset the situation as best I see it. First though, the story.

She glanced at Lily and plunged ahead describing the changes in her body and sight- the clarity of her mind and how she can calculate things in her mind with cold, deadly, and, more often than not, accurate precision.

Dumbledore leaned back in his high-backed chair, steepling his fingertips together. "A particularly strong pureblood witch or wizard, or someone born with your caliber of power can sometimes become something different.

"Something once brought on by heightened emotional stress and then later used at will. In your case- an Animagus."

"So," Sam prompted after a short pause. "All I have to do is focus on my necessity to change and I will?"

"Precisely. Miss Evans is another matter. She will not turn into and animal at all." He ate another Lemon Drop and Sam

was vaguely reminded of a pill-popping drug overlord.

"Meaning…?" Lily queried. "Observe the unnatural vibrance of Miss Evans' eyes. It is quite obvious that she is of the Faye People somewhere in her own time."

Sam grinned at Lily.

"I will give you a day off from school work today, as this Order assignment is far more pressing." Sam snapped her head back to Dumbledore.

Order assignment! Already? Sweet Merlin, I just got back and the old crank wants us to start playing… What exactly? She quickly shook her head. She was beginning to sound like Tom!

"What assignment Professor?" Sam asked. "Practicing your changes Miss Prewett. You will need those skills before the end.

Curse you and your caustic replies…


"Okay, so here's what we can do:" Lily began, her Quick Quotes Quill scratching noisily on the parchment placed against the wall. "Energy balls, wandless and nonverbal magic, levitate a little, heal rapidly…"

Lily trailed off as the Marauders, Jazzy and Alyce came around the corner and started towards them. "Oh God they can't see this parchment!" Lily squeaked, panicking instantly.

Sam sighed and took the yellowed paper away; it burst into flames as soon as her hand touched it. "Calm down will you?" She murmured.

"Ah, Lily, we were looking for you. Is everything alright?" James glanced between her and Sam who was just dusting her hands off.

"Everything's fine guys." Lily assured them, recovering quickly.

"Darn…" Jazzy breathed snapping her fingers. Alyce giggled loudly. "Oh, Alyce- Jazzy." Sam said abruptly. Her violet eyes crackled with a vengeful fire.

"I had meant to ask you- ah, yes, and you Peter." She smirked in a very Tom Riddle-esque way as she watched them pale. Good… good. I had rather hoped that you wouldn't forget the power I once held so very soon.

"How was dear Tom fairing when you last left him? I fear he and I parted on rather, ah, disagreeable terms during our last encounter. I do miss our discussions. He is rather, brilliant don't you think?

"Almost as clever as the Dar-"

"Oh he's just fine!" Peter squeaked nervously. "In excellent health-"

"Shut up, Peter!" Jazzy growled. "I didn't know you four hung out." Sirius said, looking curiously between Sam, Jazzy, Alyce, and Peter.

"We don't." Alyce ground, her delicate face looking quite ugly. "-Mere acquaintances."

"Ohh," Sam cooed, examining her black tipped French manicure. (Courtesy of Narcissa.) "I think we were a bit more than that don't you? I would almost say we were- collaborators."

A resounding SMACK! shocked the wide-eyed audience and Sam smirked even wider as a red hand-print glowed on her smooth face.

"Shut up!" Alyce shrieked. Sam's eyes seemed to hold everyone entranced as she gently cocked her head. "My dear friend," She whispered softly.

Alyce winced. She knew that tone; she had seen it exercised by both Sam and Tom on the inferior Death Eaters time and time again.

"I will not be silent 'til I am made so, and even then I will be a force to be feared." Alyce backed away as fast as she could. "I don't k- know what y- you're talking about. You're c- crazy…"

Sam stepped closer for every step Alyce backed away. "It is your fault Regulus is dead. Before this war is over I will slake my thirst for vengeance on you and all those involved and no one will try to save you when I come."

A strangled gasp came from behind them and everyone turned to see Jazzy holding Lily in a head-lock and using her body as a shield. "Step away from her Prewett. Now!"

Sam took in the situation, by all outward appearances, almost leisurely, but inside she was shell-shocked.

Idiot! How could you just turn your back on the other two enemies? You were taught better! Okay, breathe. You have Robbins under control. Fitzpatrick's wand is trained on Lily (my, God! Who is turning bluer by the second!) And the boys all look as though they are missing a seriously large piece of a puzzle. (Idiots…)

"Don't you have class to attend Fitzpatrick?" Sam tutted. "Step away from Alyce, now!" She repeated. Sam ignored her and fingered her wand decisively.

Try another way. She thought. Anything to delay the inevitable battle…

"Holding the Head Girl in such a demeaning way will certainly not look good a career résumé…" Jazzy scowled and Lily looked as though she were trying to channel her breathing.

"Ready Lils?" Sam asked. Lily gave an indiscernible nod, then, "NOW!" Jazzy screamed as she was thrown into Remus who dropped her in disgust.

Alyce and Peter slipped away, Remus tailing them with James' cloak on.

Lily was nowhere to be seen but in her place- "Lils?" James asked weakly. A grin was threatening to break out on his face. Lily, only without the concealment charm on her silvery skin, grinned and fluttered her wings expertly before pointing her willow wood wand at Jazzy.

Sam turned to the business at hand and twirled her wand smirking. "He was right!" Jazzy shrieked. "My Master was right! You are one of those freaks. You-"

"That will do Fitzpatrick." A cold voice drawled. Lucius knelt down next to Jazzy, cold grey eyes flicking once to Sam, then back. "I don't believe that He will be all that pleased with you, should you go about spilling His plans to known members of the Order." Jazzy looked frantically around at everyone present and Sam snorted.

"Don't tell me you didn't know Fitzpatrick." Lucius smirked and pulled Jazzy up. "Now, Fitzpatrick," He began in a patronizing tone. ", go to the Great Hall and find Narcissa, Nikkolo, and Severus. Bring them to our meeting place and we'll think up something to do with you." Jazzy nodded and scurried off.

"Sam." Lucius started. "We know you tried to save Reggie and none of us blame you. Know that." Sam felt tears prick at her eyes and she held back a sob.

"I miss him so much Lucius." She whispered. "I wish that- that I could take his place in the dirt…" One silver tear trickled down each cheek.

"Ah, Sammy." Lucius sighed. He pulled her into a hug and whispered to her so only she could hear. "Meet us by the grave sight tonight. Come incognito."

He kissed her cheek and pressed something small into her palm. "9:30, be there." Sam nodded and watched him leave before turning around and gazing at the object in her palm.

"Sam?" Sam started as a hand touched her shoulder and she stared blankly around as though just realizing people were there and could care less.

"Hey, James and I are going to sneak to the forest and see what kinds of things I can do. Want to come?" Lily asked gently. "No Lils, I'm gonna wander alone for a while. See you at dinner though, 'kay?"

Looking doubtful that they would see her at dinner, the couple turned away, but Sirius stood there. "Look Prewett…" Sam looked up at him, tears spilling out of her eyes.

"It's okay." She nodded. "I understand, really…" Sirius shook his head. "No Sam, I really don't think you do." He reached out and traced the pad of his thumb across the scar on her cheek.

"I didn't know what to do when you left. It was like, I wasn't alive. My life held no meaning anymore. After mourning Regulus I thought that I could just- banish you from my mind by going back to my old ways."

He laughed and took her face in both his hands. "And then, you came back to me and suddenly, I could breathe again. But, there was Alyce and, I figured, 'Why throw someone who loves you away for someone that doesn't?'"

"Oh, no Sirius- that wasn't it at all." Sam cried. Sirius put his forehead against hers. "I know. I know. And now- we have forever."

Though the irony of his words cut her deeply, she knew that, in a way, he was right, and standing on tip-toe, kissed him back with all the love and passion she ever felt for him.

Sirius fiercely returned the kiss, his heart ready to burst. After what seemed like seconds, but in reality was several minutes, they broke apart and looked silently at each other.

"What now?" Sam breathed. Sirius smiled and kissed her again. "We'll think of something. Right now though… how about we go to the forest? When James says he won't do anything I wouldn't do, I get worried."

Sam nodded and blushed as she unhooked her fingers from his belt loops; Sirius smirked.


"Sirius?" Sam asked as they entered the forest hand-in-hand. "When we first started acting on our, ah, apparent dislike for the other, did you like me then?"

Sirius smiled. "Oh, yeah. Crazy about you, but, I was, jealous of- something."

"Of what?" She asked curiously. Sirius muttered something so she leaned in closer. "Sorry?"

"…saw you snogging Regulus…" He muttered stubbornly. Sam stopped.

"So it was you who walked up on us. What were you doing down there?" Sirius snorted. "I came to apologize to you, but you seemed well off so I thought better of it."

Sam mentally slapped herself in the head repeatedly.

Idiot, idiot, idiot…

"Sirius that was nothing, okay? We were, just, it just happened." Sirius squeezed her hand. "I don't care. I'm with you now and that's all that matters."


"Holy Hell, it's come to this! Has the whole bloody world gone stark raving mad?" Cried James as he saw thempick through the dense flooring, their hands entwined.

The new couple laughed and Lily squealed excitedly. "This is great! Oh, Sam- and Sirius!" She lunged forward and hugged them both, then kissed James fervently.

"Guess what? You never will so I'll tell you. I can fly now! Watch!" Lily unfurled her silky silver-blue wings and flapped once, twice, then up she went, hovering a second or so before perching on the lowest branch of a tree.

"C'mon Sam! Let's see what you can do!" Sam sighed and turned to the boys. "I wish you two could do this, too. Wouldn't it be wonderful?"

Come on, take the hint and fess up guys.

"Oh, it is though." James grinned. He turned to Sirius and the two winked while Sam was concentrating on turning into her form.

Think of happiest memory. Relive it. Think of happiest memory. Relive it. Think of- She paused. Duh! Happiest memory, Mione, c'mon! Use that brain!

Gladly, she relived the experience of her kiss with Sirius and, with a certain sense of satisfaction- she felt her body lower to the ground and the sounds of her companion's gasps amplified from human to something much more proficient.

She licked her small, sharp teeth and propped her forepaws against Sirius' sternum, scrutinizing him for a sign of what she could possibly be.


A/N: Ok, so this is what I have to offer. It's ok if you flame me. I'll understand. Anyway, the next chapter should be up soon. I have it written, I just need to type it up. (Which I hate doing...) Ok, hope you enjoyed atleast little though. Till next time. Me.