I take it that many of you did not like the last chapter since only one
faithful person reviewed. If that is the case, I am sorry and I promise
that this chapter is better. Anyway, I am thinking of a new name for my
story. If you have any ideas, thoughts, or general comments please let me
know.
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Chapter 7: Close Calls
James and Sirius sent Peter down to the common room at midnight to make sure the coast was clear. There were a few couples cuddling on the various couches. After a few minutes and a few stealthily placed sleeping spells conducted by Peter, they decided to call it a night and head upstairs to their particular dormitories.
"It's all clear!" said Peter as he bounded into the Marauder's room.
"Excellent!" said James as he tucked the cloak under his arm.
Sirius grabbed the map and leapt off the bed. The three boys quietly made their way down the dorm stairs. Peter checked the common room once more to make sure the coast was clear. Once in the common room, James threw the cloak over their heads. The three friends were huddled closely but moved as one under the cloak; a feat that came from years of practice. Before stepping outside of the portrait hole, Sirius checked the map.
"Filch is patrolling the eighth floor. His stupid cat is on the ninth," whispered Sirius as he scanned the map. "Snape and Orion are patrolling the third floor and it looks like Cavin and Martinez are heading down to relieve them from the fourth floor. Dumbledore is pacing his office and he's the only professor moving around. Looks like we are in the clear."
"Then let's go," whispered James.
He said the password and they walked out into the corridor. James was always filled with adrenaline on these nights. It was the thrill of sneaking out of the castle and pushing to see just how much he could get away with, that made his insides light up with fire. The boys quietly made their way down to the portrait of Melvin the Magnificent, stopping only twice to check the map. Making sure that they were in the clear, James said the password and the portrait swung open to reveal a long dark passageway. Once inside, they threw off the cloak and illuminated their wands. The three boys had traveled this rough stone passageway so often that their feet were trained and they did not have to think about where the cracks or dips were located. This passageway was the shortest route to the outside grounds. A false door that appeared to be just apart of the wall to the untrained eye sealed the end of the tunnel. The three boys tapped the twelfth brick on the bottom row and walked out into the clear, warm night. Immediately the three transformed and began to walk a short distance to the Whomping Willow.
James was always amazed at how alive he felt when he was a stag. Everything was simpler. However, he was grateful that he was still able to keep his mind and reasoning and not fully take on a primitive animal brain. But it was the fact that he was free that made it the most fun for him. He was free to run around with his best mates, completely unrecognized by anyone else. It was their secret that they alone shared with each other. In this animal world, it was only them. There was no Voldemort. There was no fear for families and friends. There was no N.E.W.T.S. or homework to study for. It was only the four of them; free to do whatever they wanted.
Wormtail, being the smallest, slunk underneath the moaning branches and pawed the knot on the trunk. Instantly, the tree froze and a tunnel appeared from the base of it. Wormtail disappeared down the tunnel. Padfoot and Prongs quietly and stealthily disappeared down the tunnel. They could hear the Whomping Willow spring back to life as the groans of its limbs echoed above them. Quietly they walked down the dark, dank passageway. There was no light to help them see, but they knew the path by heart. Finally, they reached the door. Padfoot opened the door with his paw and entered the room. Snarling and biting could be heard coming from an upstairs room. Padfoot and Prongs climbed the stairs with ease in the dark house, while Wormtail slowly hopped up them. The snarling was growing louder as they reached the door. They could hear a piece of furniture being ripped apart. James's heart always stopped for a moment when he saw Moony. Seeing his kind and gentle best friend transformed into a huge, aggressive creature always filled his heart with sympathy. Padfoot opened the door.
The werewolf was lying on the floor with a chair lying tipped over in between his massive front paws. He was gnawing at the legs with forceful bites. His head jerked up immediately at the entrance of the rat, dog and stag. Immediately the dog leapt at the werewolf and the two of them playfully rolled on the ground, as the rat hopped up onto the abandoned chair and watched with interest. The stag pawed the ground loudly and the dog and werewolf broke apart. The four friends walked down the dark and dirty stairway and over to the entrance to the tunnel. Moony playfully snapped at Padfoot and Wormtail as they walked down the corridor. As they emerged from the tunnel the fresh night air greeted them, filling their lungs with energy. Immediately they all raced to the woods, pushing and biting each other all the way until they disappeared into the dense trees.
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"Faith, one of these days I'm going to throw that bloody thing out the window!" yelled Liz as Faith had once again turned up the radio to a very loud song.
"Oh relax! Everyone needs a little music in their lives to lighten things up," said Faith casually as she lay on her bed flipping through a copy of Modern Witch, where a blonde haired witch was modeling the latest in dress robe fashion.
"I agree, but some of these bands I've never even heard of!" Liz got off the bed and walked over to the radio and turned it down three notches. "I mean who the hell are Led Zeppelin or Jimi Hendrix?"
"Hey don't mock the Hendrix!" said Faith as she looked up from her magazine.
"They are muggle bands Liz," said Lily as she sat on her bed flipping through her charms book. "Maybe you should take Muggle Studies so you'll know what we are listening to."
"It's all your fault Lils. You charmed the blasted thing to play muggle music," said Liz as she looked at the clock. "Hey! It's almost time!"
The three girls sprung off their beds and quickly changed out of their robes and into jeans, t-shirts and sneakers. Lily threw her hair into a ponytail as they emerged from the room and silently walked down the dormitory stairs. Liz peaked around the corner into the common room.
"All clear!" she whispered. The three girls walked to the portrait hole.
"Are you sure they are changing guards right now?" Faith asked stopping before the entrance.
"I told you, Cavin and Martinez are taking the place of Snape and Orion at midnight. It's already quarter past! They'll probably start in the dungeons so we just need to be extra careful and quiet!" whispered Lily.
"Hold on!" said Faith. "We are forgetting something!"
She took out her wand and walked towards Lily. Lily felt her tap her hard on the head and a cool wave swept down her body. Lily looked down at her stomach, which to her surprise was the same color as the wall behind her.
"Good thinking Faith," said Lily as Faith did the same thing to Liz.
"Where did you learn how to do a Disillusionment charm?" asked Liz, examining her arms.
"I learned it over the summer," said Faith as she tapped her own head. "How do you think I snuck out of the house under General Patton's surveillance?"
"Who's General Patton? I though your dad's name was Alexander?" said Liz looking at Faith confused.
"It is Liz," sighed Faith shaking her head. "Just nevermind and say the password."
The portrait door swung lazily open and Liz peeked around the side of it. She motioned for Lily and Faith to follow her. The three girls silently walked down the corridor. They were trying not to breathe or walk to loudly. Lily hated and loved sneaking out at the same time. She hated the tension and anxiety that came with the possibility of getting caught. However, she loved the feeling of freedom as she and her best friends ran around the grounds without the watchful eyes or hushed whispers from other students and without feeling guilty for not setting a good example. Lily often blamed Faith for being a bad influence on her, but secretly Lily loved causing a little bit of trouble now and then. The girls took a left at the end of the stairs.
"Faith, where are we going? The front doors are the other way?" whispered Lily urgently.
"We can't just waltz out the front doors! We'll get caught! I know a short cut," whispered Faith.
As the girls came to the end of the hallway they stopped. Faith, who was in front, squatted down and slowly peaked around the corner with her hand on her wand. She let out a loud gasp and fell backwards as she came face to face with Filch's gray tabby cat. The cat hissed and raised its hackles before immediately setting out at run to find its master.
"Oh no!" cried Liz as she watching in terror as the cat ran away.
"We'll never get back to the common room in time!" said Lily as she looked back in the direction they came. Faith rolled over onto her knees and pointed her want at the fleeting cat.
"Petrificus Totalius!" A jet of blue light traveled over the floor and hit the cat as he was rounding the corner. The girls quickly and quietly as possible ran over to the cat, who was frozen in mid stride. Faith picked him up off the floor.
"Hold him!" said Faith as she thrust the cat into Lily's arms. Faith looked around frantically, searching for something.
"I cannot believe you just did that," Lily let out a laugh in spite of herself.
"Then you won't believe this," said Faith as she spotted a painting of a sleeping girl. She walked over and tapped it with her wand. The girl awoke and reluctantly opened at the password. Behind the painting was a small, cozy, furnished room with a couch, a table and two tapestries.
"Stick him in here," said Faith. Lily climbed in and placed the stiff cat on the table. Faith pointed her wand at him and muttered a sleeping spell. Immediately the cat collapsed into slumber.
"That will knock him out for a good eight hours," said Faith as she closed the portrait and turned towards her friends.
"How did you know about that portrait?" inquired Lily, as she surveyed her friend with intrigue. A mischievous grin crept over Faith's face.
"Let's just say Lil, that there was one benefit to dating Michael Davies." Liz's mouth dropped open as Lily snorted and smiled at Faith. "Come on, the entrance is down this hall," whispered Faith, still grinning broadly.
The passageway was located in an alcove behind a suite of armor. Lily had never used this entrance before. It was dark and moist and the ground was very rocky.
"How did you find out about this passage?" inquired Liz, as she tried not to step in puddles that popped up sporadically.
"Let me guess, is this another benefit to dating Michael Davies?" teased Lily.
"No. It was a benefit of dating Will Masters," said Faith solemnly, staring straight ahead. "We used to go on these romantic walks and this was the secret passageway that we used to take out of the castle......... I hadn't been down here in years."
Lily glanced back at Liz who gave her a sympathetic look. Lily and Liz knew that Will Masters had been the one and perhaps the only boy Faith had been serious about. He was a Ravenclaw and two years older than the three of them. He was extraordinarily handsome and had an equally extraordinarily large ego to match. He started dating Faith when she was in fifth year. After he graduated that same year, they broke up. Neither Lily nor Liz knew why, but they both knew better than to press an issue that Faith did not want to discuss.
The girls stepped out of the passageway in between two large bushes. As they emerged from the bushes, they found themselves right in front of the lake.
"Shall we go to our usual spot?" grinned Lily as she took in the fresh air.
"Of course!" said Liz as she began to run around the lake's edge towards the opposite side. "Last one there has to kiss the Giant Squid!" The three girls raced around the lake until they reached they reached their usual spot. It was a close finish but unfortunately, Lily finished last.
"Now Lils you have to make good on your promise and kiss the Giant Squid!" giggled Liz, plopping down on the ground.
"Well, he is really attractive for a squid," smiled Lily conjuring up a blanket for them to sit on.
"Look what I've got," said Faith, as she pulled out a small container with a grin plastered on her face.
"Faith, what is that?" said Liz, as she sat on her knees to examine the container on the blanket.
"It's just a little something to toast to our last year at Hogwarts," said Faith, as she conjured three cups.
"Faith, you never cease to amaze me," said Lily shaking her head in mock disgust. "If we are caught we are already risking detention for sneaking out and I'm quite sure that adding drinking to that isn't going to lessen our punishment."
"Relax Lils," said Faith pouring the contents evenly. "It's only a little bit. It's not like you are going to get trashed by having a sip. Besides, we are legal now." She passed the cups out to her best friends. The three girls raised their cups.
"Here is to our last year at Hogwarts and to our futures," said Faith.
"And that we may always remember the times like these and hope that there are more to come," added Liz.
"Here's to best friends and may our friendship never be divided and last till the end of time," finished Lily. The girls cheered each other and drank the contents. Lily and Faith downed theirs with ease.
"So, what's going on with you and Remus?" said Faith addressing Liz, who choked down the rest of her drink.
"What are you talking about?" said Liz making a sour face and wiping her mouth on the back of her hand.
"Well you two seem to be getting really close. I was just wondering if there was any sort of spark there?" Faith said with a superior smirk.
"We are just friends," said Liz plainly. Lily and Faith exchanged looks.
"That's odd, cause I am your friend and you don't act stupid at Potions and Herbology for me," stated Lily crossing her outstretched legs and leaning back on her hands. Liz gave a loud sigh.
"Well......... I kinda like him. I mean he's sweet and kind and cute. But I don't think anything will ever happen. I just don't think he likes me that way," Liz finished looking disappointed.
"Naw, I've seen the way you two are when you are together. He is a really nice guy, Liz. Just give him a chance. I think he is just a slow mover," said Lily thoughtfully looking up at the night sky.
"And if that doesn't work, show off the goods," laughed Faith.
"Well, I don't want to steal your trademark style, Faith," giggled Liz.
"Don't do that Liz.........then you'd attract guys like Sirius Black," snickered Lily.
"He isn't physically attract to me," chuckled Faith, "I think it is more of a sick, psychological desire to be verbally abused. Who knows, maybe that's what he's into." The three girls laughed for a moment while staring up at the clear night sky.
"It must run in that group. After five years James still doesn't get the hint that I'm not interested," said Lily lazily. "He still thinks that that suave, arrogant personality of his is attractive. There is nothing worse than a guy who knows he's cute."
Faith sat up and looked at Lily with an evil grin. "So you do think he is cute? I knew you liked him!" Liz looked over at Lily inquiringly.
"I've never denied that he is cute, but his arrogance makes him unattractive," stated Lily.
Faith turned to Liz. "Sounds like a classic case of denial." Liz nodded in agreement.
"I am not in denial cause there is nothing to be in denial about," said Lily matter-of-factly. "Is James Potter physically handsome.........yes. But so are a good number of other guys in this school who have half of the ego."
"Oh no Faith, it's starting!" cried Liz in mock concern.
"I told you.........pink taffeta bride's maid gowns," said Faith shaking her head in concern.
"Oh shut it you too!" huffed Lily as she lay on her back. The full moon was right above them. "The moon is so big tonight."
"I know. It's beautiful," said Liz staring up at the sky. A faint howl could be heard in the distance. The three girls looked at the nearby forest.
"It's nothing," said Lily, trying to sound nonchalant but failing.
"Nothing my foot," said Faith not taking her eyes off the forest. "Maybe we should head back. I have a bad feeling."
"I think that's an excellent idea," said Liz getting to her feet.
The girls quickly took out their wands and vanished the blanket and cups. Faith put the empty container back inside her pocket. Lily stopped for a moment. She swore she could hear something rumbling towards them. She stared at the forest looking for any sign of disturbance. The forest was dead still. Not a tree moved nor wind blew. The girls turned away to head back to the castle.
From behind them a loud howl echoed through the woods. It was closer this time. Real close. The girls spun around in time to see a huge werewolf emerge from the forest, running full speed at them.
"OH MY GOD! RUN!" screamed Lily. The girls began to run as fast as they could, but the beast was too fast for them and was closing the gap between them.
"THERE ISN'T TIME!" yelled Faith. "GO ON AND GET YOURSELVES OUT OF HERE! I'LL TAKE CARE OF IT!" Faith took out her wand from her pocket and spun around to face the charging beast.
"NO! YOU'LL BE KILLED!" cried Liz, stopping and taking out her wand.
"LIZ, GET OUT OF HERE! DON'T BE STUPID!" shouted Faith, not taking her eyes off the creature, now two hundred feet away.
"WE'RE NOT LEAVING YOU HERE!" cried Lily as she too took out her wand and pointed it at the beast.
"WHEN HE GETS CLOSER, HIT HIM THE CHEST! IT'S THE ONLY WAY!" shouted Faith; breathing heavier with each step the creature took towards her. "ON MY MARK! GET READY!........."
Out of nowhere a stag came charging at the creature and hit it in the side. The werewolf rolled over twice due to the force of the impact. A huge black dog leapt on top of the werewolf and pinned it. The girls huddled near each other, in disbelief over the scene that they were witnessing. The werewolf flung the dog off of him, sending him flying through the air and hitting the ground with a hard thud. The werewolf got up and turned his attention back on the girls. The stag ran in front of them and pawed at the ground with its antlers lowered. The werewolf let out a blood-curdling roar as he stared at the stag. A split second later, the werewolf charged at the stag. The stag lowered its head and hit the werewolf in the chest, pushing him onto his back. The werewolf got up and charged at him again, locking its jaw on the stag's antlers.
Faith raised her wand and pointed it at the werewolf. Out of nowhere, the black dog leapt at her and hit her square in the chest with its paws. As Faith fell backwards she hit the ground with a large thud, knocking the wind out of her. The dog followed her down and pinned her to ground. Faith lay their gasping for air. Lily ran over and pointed her wand at the dog. Immediately the dog released Faith and lunged at Lily, knocking her down. Lily fell down hard on her shoulder and a loud popping noise echoed throughout the clearing. Lily let out a cry of pain. Liz ran over to her to make sure she was all right. Tears ran down Lily's face as she rolled onto her back clutching her shoulder. Regaining some of her breath, Faith reached for her wand. She grabbed it and pointed it at the circling stag and werewolf. A set of sharp teeth clamped down hard on her hand. Screaming in pain, Faith dropped her wand. She clenched her bleeding hand. The dog kicked the wand away from her and ran to join the stag.
The stag gave the werewolf a great push as the dog head-butted it in the side. The werewolf rolled over once more. Reluctantly, the werewolf got up and ran towards the forest. The stag was bleeding where the werewolf had ripped at him. It walked over to the girls. Liz had Lily leaning on her lap as she conjured a sling for Lily's shoulder to prevent any more damage. The girls stared at the stag with matching horrified looks. The stag stared at Lily and bowed its head. It stared at Lily for another moment before turning and walking slowly back towards the forest. Still shocked, Lily looked over at Faith. The black dog was walking towards her. Faith sat clutching her hand, trying to stop the bleeding. Tears poured down her face. The dog stopped several feet away from her. It looked from her hand to her frightened tear stained face. Suddenly it turned and ran towards the forest.
"Faith are you alright?" called Lily, struggling to her feet.
"No! I think my hand is broken! It won't stop bleeding," cried Faith, desperately trying to apply pressure to huge wounds.
"We need to get back up to the castle," said Liz walking over to Faith. "I can fix it enough in the dorm room until we can see Madame Pomfrey tomorrow."
"That damn, bloody dog!" swore Faith. "He nearly took my hand off!"
"I think they were trying to save us," said Lily walking over to the two girls. "I mean, they saved us from the werewolf."
"If they saved us, then why did they go and attack us for?" replied Faith getting to her feet. "Damn, bloody, filthy animals! If I ever see that dog again I swear I'll blast him into the next millennia!"
"Come on, let's go back to the room. Before that thing comes back again!" said Liz gesturing to the passageway door.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this story! Please, don't forget to review or submit your suggestions for a new title!!!! Peace out!
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Chapter 7: Close Calls
James and Sirius sent Peter down to the common room at midnight to make sure the coast was clear. There were a few couples cuddling on the various couches. After a few minutes and a few stealthily placed sleeping spells conducted by Peter, they decided to call it a night and head upstairs to their particular dormitories.
"It's all clear!" said Peter as he bounded into the Marauder's room.
"Excellent!" said James as he tucked the cloak under his arm.
Sirius grabbed the map and leapt off the bed. The three boys quietly made their way down the dorm stairs. Peter checked the common room once more to make sure the coast was clear. Once in the common room, James threw the cloak over their heads. The three friends were huddled closely but moved as one under the cloak; a feat that came from years of practice. Before stepping outside of the portrait hole, Sirius checked the map.
"Filch is patrolling the eighth floor. His stupid cat is on the ninth," whispered Sirius as he scanned the map. "Snape and Orion are patrolling the third floor and it looks like Cavin and Martinez are heading down to relieve them from the fourth floor. Dumbledore is pacing his office and he's the only professor moving around. Looks like we are in the clear."
"Then let's go," whispered James.
He said the password and they walked out into the corridor. James was always filled with adrenaline on these nights. It was the thrill of sneaking out of the castle and pushing to see just how much he could get away with, that made his insides light up with fire. The boys quietly made their way down to the portrait of Melvin the Magnificent, stopping only twice to check the map. Making sure that they were in the clear, James said the password and the portrait swung open to reveal a long dark passageway. Once inside, they threw off the cloak and illuminated their wands. The three boys had traveled this rough stone passageway so often that their feet were trained and they did not have to think about where the cracks or dips were located. This passageway was the shortest route to the outside grounds. A false door that appeared to be just apart of the wall to the untrained eye sealed the end of the tunnel. The three boys tapped the twelfth brick on the bottom row and walked out into the clear, warm night. Immediately the three transformed and began to walk a short distance to the Whomping Willow.
James was always amazed at how alive he felt when he was a stag. Everything was simpler. However, he was grateful that he was still able to keep his mind and reasoning and not fully take on a primitive animal brain. But it was the fact that he was free that made it the most fun for him. He was free to run around with his best mates, completely unrecognized by anyone else. It was their secret that they alone shared with each other. In this animal world, it was only them. There was no Voldemort. There was no fear for families and friends. There was no N.E.W.T.S. or homework to study for. It was only the four of them; free to do whatever they wanted.
Wormtail, being the smallest, slunk underneath the moaning branches and pawed the knot on the trunk. Instantly, the tree froze and a tunnel appeared from the base of it. Wormtail disappeared down the tunnel. Padfoot and Prongs quietly and stealthily disappeared down the tunnel. They could hear the Whomping Willow spring back to life as the groans of its limbs echoed above them. Quietly they walked down the dark, dank passageway. There was no light to help them see, but they knew the path by heart. Finally, they reached the door. Padfoot opened the door with his paw and entered the room. Snarling and biting could be heard coming from an upstairs room. Padfoot and Prongs climbed the stairs with ease in the dark house, while Wormtail slowly hopped up them. The snarling was growing louder as they reached the door. They could hear a piece of furniture being ripped apart. James's heart always stopped for a moment when he saw Moony. Seeing his kind and gentle best friend transformed into a huge, aggressive creature always filled his heart with sympathy. Padfoot opened the door.
The werewolf was lying on the floor with a chair lying tipped over in between his massive front paws. He was gnawing at the legs with forceful bites. His head jerked up immediately at the entrance of the rat, dog and stag. Immediately the dog leapt at the werewolf and the two of them playfully rolled on the ground, as the rat hopped up onto the abandoned chair and watched with interest. The stag pawed the ground loudly and the dog and werewolf broke apart. The four friends walked down the dark and dirty stairway and over to the entrance to the tunnel. Moony playfully snapped at Padfoot and Wormtail as they walked down the corridor. As they emerged from the tunnel the fresh night air greeted them, filling their lungs with energy. Immediately they all raced to the woods, pushing and biting each other all the way until they disappeared into the dense trees.
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"Faith, one of these days I'm going to throw that bloody thing out the window!" yelled Liz as Faith had once again turned up the radio to a very loud song.
"Oh relax! Everyone needs a little music in their lives to lighten things up," said Faith casually as she lay on her bed flipping through a copy of Modern Witch, where a blonde haired witch was modeling the latest in dress robe fashion.
"I agree, but some of these bands I've never even heard of!" Liz got off the bed and walked over to the radio and turned it down three notches. "I mean who the hell are Led Zeppelin or Jimi Hendrix?"
"Hey don't mock the Hendrix!" said Faith as she looked up from her magazine.
"They are muggle bands Liz," said Lily as she sat on her bed flipping through her charms book. "Maybe you should take Muggle Studies so you'll know what we are listening to."
"It's all your fault Lils. You charmed the blasted thing to play muggle music," said Liz as she looked at the clock. "Hey! It's almost time!"
The three girls sprung off their beds and quickly changed out of their robes and into jeans, t-shirts and sneakers. Lily threw her hair into a ponytail as they emerged from the room and silently walked down the dormitory stairs. Liz peaked around the corner into the common room.
"All clear!" she whispered. The three girls walked to the portrait hole.
"Are you sure they are changing guards right now?" Faith asked stopping before the entrance.
"I told you, Cavin and Martinez are taking the place of Snape and Orion at midnight. It's already quarter past! They'll probably start in the dungeons so we just need to be extra careful and quiet!" whispered Lily.
"Hold on!" said Faith. "We are forgetting something!"
She took out her wand and walked towards Lily. Lily felt her tap her hard on the head and a cool wave swept down her body. Lily looked down at her stomach, which to her surprise was the same color as the wall behind her.
"Good thinking Faith," said Lily as Faith did the same thing to Liz.
"Where did you learn how to do a Disillusionment charm?" asked Liz, examining her arms.
"I learned it over the summer," said Faith as she tapped her own head. "How do you think I snuck out of the house under General Patton's surveillance?"
"Who's General Patton? I though your dad's name was Alexander?" said Liz looking at Faith confused.
"It is Liz," sighed Faith shaking her head. "Just nevermind and say the password."
The portrait door swung lazily open and Liz peeked around the side of it. She motioned for Lily and Faith to follow her. The three girls silently walked down the corridor. They were trying not to breathe or walk to loudly. Lily hated and loved sneaking out at the same time. She hated the tension and anxiety that came with the possibility of getting caught. However, she loved the feeling of freedom as she and her best friends ran around the grounds without the watchful eyes or hushed whispers from other students and without feeling guilty for not setting a good example. Lily often blamed Faith for being a bad influence on her, but secretly Lily loved causing a little bit of trouble now and then. The girls took a left at the end of the stairs.
"Faith, where are we going? The front doors are the other way?" whispered Lily urgently.
"We can't just waltz out the front doors! We'll get caught! I know a short cut," whispered Faith.
As the girls came to the end of the hallway they stopped. Faith, who was in front, squatted down and slowly peaked around the corner with her hand on her wand. She let out a loud gasp and fell backwards as she came face to face with Filch's gray tabby cat. The cat hissed and raised its hackles before immediately setting out at run to find its master.
"Oh no!" cried Liz as she watching in terror as the cat ran away.
"We'll never get back to the common room in time!" said Lily as she looked back in the direction they came. Faith rolled over onto her knees and pointed her want at the fleeting cat.
"Petrificus Totalius!" A jet of blue light traveled over the floor and hit the cat as he was rounding the corner. The girls quickly and quietly as possible ran over to the cat, who was frozen in mid stride. Faith picked him up off the floor.
"Hold him!" said Faith as she thrust the cat into Lily's arms. Faith looked around frantically, searching for something.
"I cannot believe you just did that," Lily let out a laugh in spite of herself.
"Then you won't believe this," said Faith as she spotted a painting of a sleeping girl. She walked over and tapped it with her wand. The girl awoke and reluctantly opened at the password. Behind the painting was a small, cozy, furnished room with a couch, a table and two tapestries.
"Stick him in here," said Faith. Lily climbed in and placed the stiff cat on the table. Faith pointed her wand at him and muttered a sleeping spell. Immediately the cat collapsed into slumber.
"That will knock him out for a good eight hours," said Faith as she closed the portrait and turned towards her friends.
"How did you know about that portrait?" inquired Lily, as she surveyed her friend with intrigue. A mischievous grin crept over Faith's face.
"Let's just say Lil, that there was one benefit to dating Michael Davies." Liz's mouth dropped open as Lily snorted and smiled at Faith. "Come on, the entrance is down this hall," whispered Faith, still grinning broadly.
The passageway was located in an alcove behind a suite of armor. Lily had never used this entrance before. It was dark and moist and the ground was very rocky.
"How did you find out about this passage?" inquired Liz, as she tried not to step in puddles that popped up sporadically.
"Let me guess, is this another benefit to dating Michael Davies?" teased Lily.
"No. It was a benefit of dating Will Masters," said Faith solemnly, staring straight ahead. "We used to go on these romantic walks and this was the secret passageway that we used to take out of the castle......... I hadn't been down here in years."
Lily glanced back at Liz who gave her a sympathetic look. Lily and Liz knew that Will Masters had been the one and perhaps the only boy Faith had been serious about. He was a Ravenclaw and two years older than the three of them. He was extraordinarily handsome and had an equally extraordinarily large ego to match. He started dating Faith when she was in fifth year. After he graduated that same year, they broke up. Neither Lily nor Liz knew why, but they both knew better than to press an issue that Faith did not want to discuss.
The girls stepped out of the passageway in between two large bushes. As they emerged from the bushes, they found themselves right in front of the lake.
"Shall we go to our usual spot?" grinned Lily as she took in the fresh air.
"Of course!" said Liz as she began to run around the lake's edge towards the opposite side. "Last one there has to kiss the Giant Squid!" The three girls raced around the lake until they reached they reached their usual spot. It was a close finish but unfortunately, Lily finished last.
"Now Lils you have to make good on your promise and kiss the Giant Squid!" giggled Liz, plopping down on the ground.
"Well, he is really attractive for a squid," smiled Lily conjuring up a blanket for them to sit on.
"Look what I've got," said Faith, as she pulled out a small container with a grin plastered on her face.
"Faith, what is that?" said Liz, as she sat on her knees to examine the container on the blanket.
"It's just a little something to toast to our last year at Hogwarts," said Faith, as she conjured three cups.
"Faith, you never cease to amaze me," said Lily shaking her head in mock disgust. "If we are caught we are already risking detention for sneaking out and I'm quite sure that adding drinking to that isn't going to lessen our punishment."
"Relax Lils," said Faith pouring the contents evenly. "It's only a little bit. It's not like you are going to get trashed by having a sip. Besides, we are legal now." She passed the cups out to her best friends. The three girls raised their cups.
"Here is to our last year at Hogwarts and to our futures," said Faith.
"And that we may always remember the times like these and hope that there are more to come," added Liz.
"Here's to best friends and may our friendship never be divided and last till the end of time," finished Lily. The girls cheered each other and drank the contents. Lily and Faith downed theirs with ease.
"So, what's going on with you and Remus?" said Faith addressing Liz, who choked down the rest of her drink.
"What are you talking about?" said Liz making a sour face and wiping her mouth on the back of her hand.
"Well you two seem to be getting really close. I was just wondering if there was any sort of spark there?" Faith said with a superior smirk.
"We are just friends," said Liz plainly. Lily and Faith exchanged looks.
"That's odd, cause I am your friend and you don't act stupid at Potions and Herbology for me," stated Lily crossing her outstretched legs and leaning back on her hands. Liz gave a loud sigh.
"Well......... I kinda like him. I mean he's sweet and kind and cute. But I don't think anything will ever happen. I just don't think he likes me that way," Liz finished looking disappointed.
"Naw, I've seen the way you two are when you are together. He is a really nice guy, Liz. Just give him a chance. I think he is just a slow mover," said Lily thoughtfully looking up at the night sky.
"And if that doesn't work, show off the goods," laughed Faith.
"Well, I don't want to steal your trademark style, Faith," giggled Liz.
"Don't do that Liz.........then you'd attract guys like Sirius Black," snickered Lily.
"He isn't physically attract to me," chuckled Faith, "I think it is more of a sick, psychological desire to be verbally abused. Who knows, maybe that's what he's into." The three girls laughed for a moment while staring up at the clear night sky.
"It must run in that group. After five years James still doesn't get the hint that I'm not interested," said Lily lazily. "He still thinks that that suave, arrogant personality of his is attractive. There is nothing worse than a guy who knows he's cute."
Faith sat up and looked at Lily with an evil grin. "So you do think he is cute? I knew you liked him!" Liz looked over at Lily inquiringly.
"I've never denied that he is cute, but his arrogance makes him unattractive," stated Lily.
Faith turned to Liz. "Sounds like a classic case of denial." Liz nodded in agreement.
"I am not in denial cause there is nothing to be in denial about," said Lily matter-of-factly. "Is James Potter physically handsome.........yes. But so are a good number of other guys in this school who have half of the ego."
"Oh no Faith, it's starting!" cried Liz in mock concern.
"I told you.........pink taffeta bride's maid gowns," said Faith shaking her head in concern.
"Oh shut it you too!" huffed Lily as she lay on her back. The full moon was right above them. "The moon is so big tonight."
"I know. It's beautiful," said Liz staring up at the sky. A faint howl could be heard in the distance. The three girls looked at the nearby forest.
"It's nothing," said Lily, trying to sound nonchalant but failing.
"Nothing my foot," said Faith not taking her eyes off the forest. "Maybe we should head back. I have a bad feeling."
"I think that's an excellent idea," said Liz getting to her feet.
The girls quickly took out their wands and vanished the blanket and cups. Faith put the empty container back inside her pocket. Lily stopped for a moment. She swore she could hear something rumbling towards them. She stared at the forest looking for any sign of disturbance. The forest was dead still. Not a tree moved nor wind blew. The girls turned away to head back to the castle.
From behind them a loud howl echoed through the woods. It was closer this time. Real close. The girls spun around in time to see a huge werewolf emerge from the forest, running full speed at them.
"OH MY GOD! RUN!" screamed Lily. The girls began to run as fast as they could, but the beast was too fast for them and was closing the gap between them.
"THERE ISN'T TIME!" yelled Faith. "GO ON AND GET YOURSELVES OUT OF HERE! I'LL TAKE CARE OF IT!" Faith took out her wand from her pocket and spun around to face the charging beast.
"NO! YOU'LL BE KILLED!" cried Liz, stopping and taking out her wand.
"LIZ, GET OUT OF HERE! DON'T BE STUPID!" shouted Faith, not taking her eyes off the creature, now two hundred feet away.
"WE'RE NOT LEAVING YOU HERE!" cried Lily as she too took out her wand and pointed it at the beast.
"WHEN HE GETS CLOSER, HIT HIM THE CHEST! IT'S THE ONLY WAY!" shouted Faith; breathing heavier with each step the creature took towards her. "ON MY MARK! GET READY!........."
Out of nowhere a stag came charging at the creature and hit it in the side. The werewolf rolled over twice due to the force of the impact. A huge black dog leapt on top of the werewolf and pinned it. The girls huddled near each other, in disbelief over the scene that they were witnessing. The werewolf flung the dog off of him, sending him flying through the air and hitting the ground with a hard thud. The werewolf got up and turned his attention back on the girls. The stag ran in front of them and pawed at the ground with its antlers lowered. The werewolf let out a blood-curdling roar as he stared at the stag. A split second later, the werewolf charged at the stag. The stag lowered its head and hit the werewolf in the chest, pushing him onto his back. The werewolf got up and charged at him again, locking its jaw on the stag's antlers.
Faith raised her wand and pointed it at the werewolf. Out of nowhere, the black dog leapt at her and hit her square in the chest with its paws. As Faith fell backwards she hit the ground with a large thud, knocking the wind out of her. The dog followed her down and pinned her to ground. Faith lay their gasping for air. Lily ran over and pointed her wand at the dog. Immediately the dog released Faith and lunged at Lily, knocking her down. Lily fell down hard on her shoulder and a loud popping noise echoed throughout the clearing. Lily let out a cry of pain. Liz ran over to her to make sure she was all right. Tears ran down Lily's face as she rolled onto her back clutching her shoulder. Regaining some of her breath, Faith reached for her wand. She grabbed it and pointed it at the circling stag and werewolf. A set of sharp teeth clamped down hard on her hand. Screaming in pain, Faith dropped her wand. She clenched her bleeding hand. The dog kicked the wand away from her and ran to join the stag.
The stag gave the werewolf a great push as the dog head-butted it in the side. The werewolf rolled over once more. Reluctantly, the werewolf got up and ran towards the forest. The stag was bleeding where the werewolf had ripped at him. It walked over to the girls. Liz had Lily leaning on her lap as she conjured a sling for Lily's shoulder to prevent any more damage. The girls stared at the stag with matching horrified looks. The stag stared at Lily and bowed its head. It stared at Lily for another moment before turning and walking slowly back towards the forest. Still shocked, Lily looked over at Faith. The black dog was walking towards her. Faith sat clutching her hand, trying to stop the bleeding. Tears poured down her face. The dog stopped several feet away from her. It looked from her hand to her frightened tear stained face. Suddenly it turned and ran towards the forest.
"Faith are you alright?" called Lily, struggling to her feet.
"No! I think my hand is broken! It won't stop bleeding," cried Faith, desperately trying to apply pressure to huge wounds.
"We need to get back up to the castle," said Liz walking over to Faith. "I can fix it enough in the dorm room until we can see Madame Pomfrey tomorrow."
"That damn, bloody dog!" swore Faith. "He nearly took my hand off!"
"I think they were trying to save us," said Lily walking over to the two girls. "I mean, they saved us from the werewolf."
"If they saved us, then why did they go and attack us for?" replied Faith getting to her feet. "Damn, bloody, filthy animals! If I ever see that dog again I swear I'll blast him into the next millennia!"
"Come on, let's go back to the room. Before that thing comes back again!" said Liz gesturing to the passageway door.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this story! Please, don't forget to review or submit your suggestions for a new title!!!! Peace out!