Hi All! I figured I would post this chapter before I ventured off to work
and give you guys something to read over the weekend. I'm amazed at the
amount of reviews that you guys sent in this last chapter. You guys are
awesome!
Flyingwind33- I'm glad that you loved the chapter. Don't feel too bad for Peter because we all know what a scumbag he turns out to be. It's hard not to write biased storylines for him. Thank you for reviewing and keep it up, cause I always look forward to reading what you have to say.
MooningOverMoony- I love your name! That is awesome. I love Lily/James fics, they are all that I read too. I usually update around Tuesday's or Friday's. I'm going to try to update twice a week. Thank you for reviewing Claire and please keep telling me what you think.
JuLia- Hey, thanks for writing such a nice review. I'll try to update as much as I can. I'm going to write up until Lily and James die. *sniff I have so many good ideas for after they graduate, I can't wait for you guys to read them.
Sammy Solo- Sammy!!!! I hope that everyone is happy the way that I got everyone together. But I'm giving you a mission, if my story gets to sappy, let me know. I don't want to make anyone sick. I've got some nasty plans for Bellatrix in the upcoming chapters so I hope that you aren't disappointed.
Divine Sanity- Thank you for your sweet review. I'm really glad that you liked it! I will definitely try and read one of your fics!
Candykoala4 – You are so cute! Thank you for your awesome review. I'm glad to you like that I didn't make Sirius and Faith "serious". Actually they aren't even together. I like their love-hate relationship at this stage. I figure that Liz and Remus are good enough for the serious romantics.
Ljstagflower4e/Jctigerwolf4e – I hope your sister's bat mitzvah was fun! You can't beat a good party. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the chapter. Please don't hex me into next week! The more you hex me the longer it will take for me to update. Lol.
Alicia Spinnet – Okay, okay, please don't hurt me! I'll give you more! Seriously, thank you for the awesome review. It really made me laugh. I love those types of fun reviews. Without further ado, here is more!
Swishy Willow Wand- Thank you for reading my disclaimer. I didn't think that people read those things so got a little weird with it. Thank you for reviewing and please keep it up!
Padfootlet – You read my mind. I think that Bellatrix has been to dormant in this story. I think she needs to cause a little bit of trouble. I like Sirius and Faith's love-hate relationship or non-relationship too. Please keep reviewing, cause I always look for your name when I read my reviews!
Vampchick001 – I love thin mints! But you lost it! Oh well, I'll update anyway. But, my favorite cookie is the caramel coconut cookie that the Girl Scouts sell. I always hunt my Girl Scout students down and buy at least three boxes from them. No wonder I have to get liposuction. lol j/k. Please continue to review, you are hilarious!
The Disclaimer: (Under New Management) The evil monkeys have left the premises, having been bought out by a gang of paranoid, money hungry hedgehogs.
From the desk of Spanky:
Stephanie does not own Harry Potter nor have any mental illnesses that cause her to have delusions of living in a Harry Potter world. (We have given her medication to keep her in constant state of Harry Potter euphoria. You should see her flip out when we mention Voldemort, it's quite hysterical!) We are not using Stephanie to gain any sort of profit from Harry Potter (That's exactly what we are doing. We need funds to bred our race and eventually take over the world!) Anyway, don't sue Stephanie for she is just a puppet of my will! Hedgehogs have been the butt of the animal world. But that will change! I tell you that when I am done, the world will fear the name of Hedgehog!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * *
Chapter 15: Letters and Dungeons
Lily sat in the Gryffindor common room daydreaming. The end of her quill was in her mouth and her eyes stared unfocused at a spot on the opposite wall. It had been a week since James and her had become a couple. She still wasn't quite used to it yet. She wasn't used to being treated so wonderful and having someone so devoted to her. Don't get her wrong; she was equally devoted to him as well. James was rapidly becoming someone that Lily could trust with almost anything. In a way, it was kind of scary at how happy they made each other. She found that patrolling duties were more fun than before and that something as plain as studying was more enjoyable. However, the best part about their relationship was that they did not have to spend every living moment together. Lily and James both still maintained good relations with their friends and spent just as much time with them as before; despite Sirius's teasing about stealing his best mate way from him.
Lily casually glanced outside. She could see the Gryffindor Quidditch team practicing. She smiled to herself as she thought about last Saturday. Who knew that one day could change her life so drastically. She still had not become used to the whispers and the stares as they walked down the halls hand in hand or when they sat together at meals. Lily had never really cared about what others thought, but it was rather annoying being the gossip topic of the week. Lily laughed as she thought about earlier in the week. After having to deal with half of the school coming up to Lily and James to ask if the rumor was true, Faith and Sirius had become very annoyed and decided to hex the brown noser by cursing their nose a nasty shade of brown that gave off the unmistakable odor of dung. Of course, they both received a night's detention for doing this in front of all the teachers, including Professor Dumbledore during dinner one night. But Lily thought that Faith had secretly enjoyed her detention with Sirius by the satisfied smirk on her face when she returned to the dorm that night.
Lily shook her head and forced herself to focus on her history of magic essay that was due tomorrow. Lily wrote her name and the date underneath it. 'It can't be October already,' she thought to herself. Time was flying by and she knew that she had to get started on this bloody essay.
Half an hour later, the Gryffindor Quidditch team entered loudly through the portrait hole. Several students turned to give them dirty looks due to the loud intrusion upon their quiet studying. Lily looked up to see James and Sirius wrestling for superior headlock position.
"Will you two baboons knock it off," said Faith irritably as she walked over to the table where Lily was.
"Oh what's the matter love, do you feel left out?" asked Sirius abandoning James and walking towards Faith.
"Don't even think about it, Black. I'm in no mood for your ........." but Faith couldn't finish her sentence. Sirius had swept down upon her and placed her in a headlock. Faith reached up and grabbed Sirius's fist of the arm that was holding her. She pried open his thumb and bend it back. Immediately Sirius's arm gave way and released her head.
"Don't ever do that to me again!" said Faith, still bending Sirius's thumb back and pinning his arm behind him.
"Ravenwood, I didn't know that you liked it rough," laughed Sirius.
"You are sick," said Faith, releasing his arm and walking around him to sit down. Sirius grabbed her around the waist and forced her down onto his lap as he sat down on the bench. Faith slapped him on the arm, but made no attempt to move off of his lap. James laughed as he took a seat next to Lily.
"How was practice?" asked Lily, after giving him a kiss hello.
"Excellent," said James looking at Lily's essay. "Damn, I forgot that we have this due tomorrow." James got up and sprinted to the boy's dormitory and grabbed his and Sirius's books, as he was not about to do it himself. He ran back downstairs and retook his seat next to Lily. An hour later Remus returned from patrolling duty with a little surprise perched on his arm.
"Look who I found outside the common room," said Remus, holding Lily's owl, Grace. "The windows must have been closed and I don't think she wanted to wait until tomorrow morning at breakfast to deliver this." "Thank you so much Remus," said Lily, as her owl flew over to the table in front of her and stuck out its leg for Lily. Lily untied the letter from her leg and reached inside her bag for some treats. Lily took out her wand and charmed the window open for Grace to fly out of.
"Who is it from Lils?" asked Liz from the end of the table. Lily knew the familiar handwriting of her sister Petunia. A feeling of dread settled in the pit of her stomach as opened the letter.
"Petunia," said Lily shortly as she unfolded the letter. Liz and Faith exchanged disgusted glances and went back to their essays.
Lily,
I am writing you this letter in regards to my wedding. Vernon and I have set the date for December 29th. Since mum and dad are forcing me against my will to have you be maid of honor, I am expecting that you throw me a decent shower when you come home on holiday. I have set the shower date for December 17th, two days after you arrive home. Everything is already planned, so all you have to do is show up. I'm expecting that even you can't mess that up for me. Due to mum and dad's wish, I am allowing you to bring a guest to my wedding. I am assuming that you will bring one of your strange little girlfriends, but I am asking you not to bring that American friend of yours. I don't need for her to sleaze up my wedding day with her rude and vulgar behavior. My wedding day will be perfect and I will not have you or your abnormal friend spoil things that I have worked so hard to plan. I also have ordered your dress for you, so make sure that you can fit into it when you come home because I won't have it altered for you. I feel that I should warn you now that if you do anything to ruin this day for me because of your freakishness, I will make you pay dearly for it.
Petunia
"OH! She is such a horrible.........evil.........wretched.........uggghhh!" stammered Lily throwing the letter down in front of her. Her face was turning redder by the second and her hands were clutching in tight fists on the table.
"Um, is something wrong, Lils?" asked James concerned.
"Oh why should anything be wrong?" said Lily, raising her voice and shaking her head. "It's only that my sister is the most foulest human being ever to walk the face of the earth."
Faith reached over and picked up the letter. Liz walked around and together they silently read it. As their eyes moved down the page, their faces both became rigid.
"What a psychotic cow!" said Liz, looking up at Lily. "Don't you worry about her Lily, she is mad!"
"Just leave me in a room with her for five minutes. By the time I'm done with her, no one in all of Europe would want to marry her," said Faith tossing the letter onto the middle of the table. Sirius, James and Remus exchanged confused looks.
"Er, is there something you want to talk about?" asked James looking at Lily.
"My bloody rotten sister has written this lovely letter to inform me of her wedding," said Lily tossing the letter at James. Immediately he read the letter. A crease etched itself deeper into his forehead the further down the page his eyes traveled.
"What's she got against you?" he asked looking over at Lily.
"I was born different from her," said Lily, glaring at the letter resting in front of James. "Who does she think she is? All high and mighty because some bumbling idiot decided that she was good enough to be his last resort before priesthood." Faith and Liz laughed. James cast them both dirty looks, as he did not see anything humorous about this situation.
"Well Lils, I just want to let you know that I won't go to the wedding with you if you don't want me too because I would hate to.........what was that again?.........Oh yeah, 'sleaze up the wedding'," said Faith smiling. "I think the bride has that one already covered fine enough." Lily's face loosened into a small smile.
"However, I'll make sure I put on quite a production when I come to spend the rest of Christmas holiday and New Years with you. If she wants to see rude and vulgar behavior, I've got some good ones that I've been saving for a rainy day. It would be a shame to let them go to waste in front of her new husband." Faith's face broke out into an evil grin.
"Faith, that's the nicest thing anyone has ever offered to do for me," said Lily in mock sincerity.
"But honestly, I guess she hasn't forgotten what we did to her last summer, huh?" said Faith, leaning back in her chair; a satisfied smile on her face.
"What did you two do?" asked James, suddenly intrigued. Faith and Lily exchanged matching mischievous smirks.
"We put Quik-Gro Hair formula in her shampoo, bubble bath and lotion," said Lily; her emerald eyes lighting up as she looked over at James. "By the time she finished her shower she had become a walking, talking hairball."
"The only way that stuff comes off is for it to wear off and that could take weeks," said Liz, looking over at the two of them with wide eyes.
"I know. She shaved every half hour. She didn't leave the house for two weeks. It was beautiful," sighed Faith. "I've never been so proud of anything in my entire life." The entire table broke out into laughter. James looked over at Lily with extreme pride.
"Ah, a girl after my own heart," said James, hugging her around her shoulders. "I guess I'll have to make sure that I never insult you or your friends. I might end up with a horrible disfigurement." Lily laughed and shook her head.
"But jokes aside, this does leave you in a predicament," said Faith. "You have to find someone else to take my place at the wedding."
"That isn't a predicament, Faith," said Liz, chiming in. "Actually it frees up the spot for James." Lily's smile faltered slightly. Both Lily and James looked at each other, with polite awkward smiles.
"Y-yeah, I guess it does," said Lily. "I mean, if James wants to go that is."
Lily couldn't believe she had just said that. She was happy with James, don't get her wrong. He was her boyfriend and she was proud to be with him. But it was so much easier to have a relationship at Hogwarts. Here she didn't have her family around her. She didn't have to present him to her parents; he didn't have to meet her nasty sister and her fiancée. It was one thing to sit here and laugh about her, but to actually meet Petunia. It's enough to scare even the bravest person away. And her father, oh man her father. He would ask him all sorts of embarrassing questions. Oh God and what about my family! He isn't just going to meet my parents, but the whole Evans clan in one day. Lily's stomach turned as she thought about several potential horrible situations concerning James and individual members of her family. Then there was Dursley's family, who were an unknown quantity to begin with. 'Maybe he wouldn't want to go anyway' she reassured herself.
James paused for a moment. Lily was actually offering a chance for him to meet her family and to escort her to a formal family event. He couldn't believe it. He wasn't sure if he was ready to meet her family. He wasn't afraid of them. He had witnessed enough nasty family situations with Sirius and no one could be worse than his family. No, James was afraid that Lily's parents would think that he wasn't fit enough to court their daughter. He didn't know what he would do if they didn't approve of him or their relationship. He had spent seven years trying to get Lily to be his girlfriend. 'Well this is a chance for you to prove yourself,' he thought.
"I would love to escort you to your sister's wedding," said James, mustering up a believable smile.
"Excellent," said Lily, trying not to let her eyes widen too much. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I just wanted to thank you both for last night," said Lily to Liz and Faith in Transfiguration the next day.
"No problem," said Liz, trying to transfigure an iguana into a cabinet and failing miserably. "You know that you are welcome to use my Anti-Scaling lotion."
"No, I'm not talking about that," said Lily a little irritated. She looked behind her real quick. James and Sirius had successfully transfigured their animals into a couch and coffee table and were sitting on the couch with their feet on the coffee table. "I'm talking about suggesting that James go to my sister's wedding with me."
"I thought that's what you wanted," said Faith, turning her hamster into a barstool. "I was going to bow out anyway so you could go with him. Don't you want to go with him?"
"I don't know," said Lily, lowering her voice. "You both know my family and how horrible Petunia is. I don't want him to be scared off by them."
"Lily, do you honestly think that James is going to break up with you based on your family?" asked Liz looking at her doubtfully. Lily shrugged.
"Lily I don't think that there is much that would scare off James Potter," said Faith. "I mean the guy has spent ages pursuing you. I don't think You-Know-Who could scare him away from you."
"Mr. Potter and Mr. Black this is a classroom, not a rest home," said Professor McGonagall walking over to them.
"We were just taking a break Professor," said James casually. "Do you think I could take this pig back to my room. We need a couch in there don't you think?" he said looking over at Sirius.
"Most definitely," said Sirius, nodding his head. "And maybe a couple of end tables. Can I have a few of those mice?"
"You can have a few nights of detention if you do not get off of that couch and back to your lesson," said Professor McGonagall sternly. The boys got up and transfigured the couch into a beautiful full-length mirror.
"Oy, you do think if we put this in front of Snivellus he would have a reflection?" said James examining the mirror with interest.
"And you are worried about your family?" said Liz turning back to her iguana.
"Good point," said Lily smiling.
"Alright, class is almost over," said Professor McGonagall. "Those of you that have not successfully transfigured your animal will have to write a foot long essay on the process of transfiguring an animal into a piece of furniture."
There was a groan from a majority of the students; the loudest being from Peter, behind them. The girls started packing up their books, quills and parchment. Lily, Liz and Faith walked over to the four boys, waiting for them to finish packing.
"Miss Ravenwood, a word please," said Professor McGonagall from her desk in the front of the room.
"Do you want us to wait for you?" asked Lily.
"No, go ahead. I'll see you down in herbology," said Faith. Lily nodded her head and the group walked out the door.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Miss Ravenwood you are late," said Professor Sprout disapprovingly.
"Sorry Professor. I had a meeting with Professor McGonagall," said Faith walking over to her. "I have a note." Professor Sprout took the note and without reading it, she continued her instruction.
"Why are you so late?" asked Lily as Faith dropped her bag on the floor and took a seat next to her.
"What are we suppose to be doing?" asked Faith looking around for some sign of a task.
"Clipping the Venomous Tentacula for seeds and draining out the venom," said Liz, looking for a good place to begin. Faith nodded her head and picked up her clippers.
"Well?" said Lily, waiting for an answer.
"Okay, so get this. Professor McGonagall wanted to tell me that the Ministry is looking for several exceptional students to enter into its Advanced Auror Program. I guess it is something that is brand new. Must have to do with all of the Auror's that we are loosing lately. Anyway, she said that Dumbledore recommended me to the program." Faith's face broke out into an excited grin.
"Advanced Auror Program?" said Lily concerned. She didn't fully support the idea of Faith's chosen career path, especially with the dark state of affairs.
"Yeah, I guess I will only have to go one year at the academy instead of two," said Faith. "McGonagall said that Dumbledore only recommended three students and I am one of them. All I have to do is fill out the paperwork and start training."
"That's great, Faith," said Lily trying to sound genuinely happy for her.
"I know. And the best part is that McGonagall said that Alastor Moody is the overseer of the program, AND he is going to come at the end of the semester to watch our dueling tournament." Faith beamed as she looked over at Lily. "It's absolutely amazing! Lily can you believe it; Alastor Moody, the head of the Aurors, here in this school coming to watch me!"
"It's amazing alright," said Lily, forcing a smile. "It's wonderful."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Is something that matter, Lily?" asked James as they patrolled the dark hallway. "You've been quite all night."
"I've just got a lot on my mind that's all," said Lily honestly. She looked up at James and smiled.
"A galleon for your thoughts," said James grabbing her hand and giving it a little squeeze. Lily took a deep breath and looked ahead.
"James, have you ever lied to someone because you didn't want to hurt their feelings?" asked Lily.
"All the time," said James grinning. "I tell Sirius that he isn't as ugly as he is at least twice a week." Lily gave him a small smile. "Seriously Lily, what's going on?"
"Faith told me today that Dumbledore recommended her for an advanced Auroring program with the Ministry. I guess it will make her a Auror a year earlier than everyone else," said Lily.
"Well good for her," said James, not quite getting what she was saying. "I think she'd be a damn good Auror. I mean, she's the only girl that could honestly scare the daylights out of me in a duel."
"I agree, she would make a good Auror," said Lily. "But I can't help feeling like it is a death wish. Ever since we started school she had always had a fascination with becoming an Auror. She lives for it. She's been in training ever since I can remember." Lily looked at the ceiling and shook her head. "With the way things are now a days, with You-Know-Who running around and killing muggleborns and what not, I'm afraid that she's going to get herself killed." Lily stopped and looked up at James. "I can't help but feel guilty for encouraging her when deep down I feel like this."
"Lily, Faith is a big girl who has to make her own decisions. You can't let yourself feel responsible for what she chooses to do with her life." James reached over and caressed her cheek. "Right now you need to only worry about your life.........and me of course."
"Of course," smiled Lily. He bent down and kissed her softly.
"Man, for a moment there I thought that you were having second thoughts about us," said James as they started to walk again.
"Mmmm..........no, I've decided to keep you around for a little bit longer," said Lily playfully. James pretended to wipe his brow in relief.
"Good, cause I don't intend on losing you just yet," said James, smiling at her. They walked silently down the corridor. "Is something else the matter?"
Lily hesitated for a moment. She wasn't sure if she wanted to bring up Petunia's wedding again. 'Oh what the hell. I need to get it over with anyway,' she thought to herself.
"Well actually, yes. It's about my sister's wedding," she cast a nervous glance at James.
"You don't want me to go with you, do you?" said James, solemnly. "It's alright, I understand if you want Faith to go with you."
"No, that's not it at all," said Lily quickly. Lily could see that James look relieved. "It's just that I feel like I should warn you, I mean really warn you about my family before I throw you into the lion's den."
"Is everyone in your family like your sister?" asked James.
"No," said Lily shaking her head.
"Then there you go," said James shrugging his shoulders. "You have nothing to be worried about."
"Yeah, but.........well.........they are embarrassing. And I don't want their actions at the wedding to scare you off." James let out a loud, echoing laugh.
"Lily, nothing could scare me off, especially anything that your family does," laughed James. "Besides, families are supposed to be embarrassing. That's what families do. No one is more embarrassing than mine, and you'll see that when you meet them over Christmas holiday."
"What?" said Lily nervously. "Over Christmas holiday?" She felt a surge of panic rise up from her stomach.
"Yeah, my parent's always have a big New Year's Eve party and my friend's are allowed to attend," said James casually.
"Oh," said Lily, trying not to let her nervousness show. "Excellent."
"It is," said James as the headed towards the dungeons. "A lot of my parent's friends will be their and its very casual, so you don't have to wear a dress robe. There is lots of food and at midnight there is a huge toast. Then after the toast a bunch of us usually ring the New Year with a midnight game of quidditch. Usually it's Sirius, Remus, Peter and I against my dad's friends. It's a pretty good time."
"It sounds wonderful," said Lily, feeling a little better knowing that at least it wouldn't be her and James alone with all of his parent's friends.
"I want Faith and Liz to come to," said James. "I don't think Remus or Sirius would ever talk to me again if I didn't........." But James had stopped in mid-sentence. He spun around, releasing Lily's hand.
"James?" said Lily surprised. "What's the matter?" But as Lily turned around she saw what had caught James's attention. Standing in front of them was Bellatrix Black; smiling like she had just stumbled upon something wonderful.
"Oh, isn't this sweet," she screeched in a high-pitched sickly sweet voice. "The two lovebirds out patrolling the halls together hand in hand." A wicked smile spread across her face.
"Aren't you supposed to be in your common room?" said James strictly.
"Who are you to tell me where I am supposed to be," said Bellatrix, still smiling. "What are you going to do? Run back to Dumbledore, like the loyal pets you are, and tell him that I was out?" The smile slipped off her face as her eyes snapped to Lily. "I do not take orders from mudbloods and mudblood lovers."
"Shut your mouth," snapped James. "Before I shut you up permanently."
"Isn't that sweet. Defending your precious flower," said Bellatrix, not taking her eyes off of Lily.
"Go to hell," said Lily glaring at her. The corner of Bellatrix face twitched.
"Don't you dare speak to me with such lack of respect, mudblood," spat Bellatrix. "You walk around here all high and mighty, but I'll give you a little piece of advice. Your time is coming. You and all of your little mudblood and blood traitoring friends. And when it does, you'll be begging me for mercy." She glared at them one last time as she disappeared down the corridor towards the dungeon. Lily and James watched her until she had vanished.
"Don't listen to her, Lily," said James, turning to look at her. "She is demented." Lily looked up at him.
"But she is demented enough to actually do it," said Lily quietly. "Can we just get out of here please." James nodded his head and grabbed her hand.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * *
Don't forget to review!!! I'll buy you a box of cookies!
Flyingwind33- I'm glad that you loved the chapter. Don't feel too bad for Peter because we all know what a scumbag he turns out to be. It's hard not to write biased storylines for him. Thank you for reviewing and keep it up, cause I always look forward to reading what you have to say.
MooningOverMoony- I love your name! That is awesome. I love Lily/James fics, they are all that I read too. I usually update around Tuesday's or Friday's. I'm going to try to update twice a week. Thank you for reviewing Claire and please keep telling me what you think.
JuLia- Hey, thanks for writing such a nice review. I'll try to update as much as I can. I'm going to write up until Lily and James die. *sniff I have so many good ideas for after they graduate, I can't wait for you guys to read them.
Sammy Solo- Sammy!!!! I hope that everyone is happy the way that I got everyone together. But I'm giving you a mission, if my story gets to sappy, let me know. I don't want to make anyone sick. I've got some nasty plans for Bellatrix in the upcoming chapters so I hope that you aren't disappointed.
Divine Sanity- Thank you for your sweet review. I'm really glad that you liked it! I will definitely try and read one of your fics!
Candykoala4 – You are so cute! Thank you for your awesome review. I'm glad to you like that I didn't make Sirius and Faith "serious". Actually they aren't even together. I like their love-hate relationship at this stage. I figure that Liz and Remus are good enough for the serious romantics.
Ljstagflower4e/Jctigerwolf4e – I hope your sister's bat mitzvah was fun! You can't beat a good party. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the chapter. Please don't hex me into next week! The more you hex me the longer it will take for me to update. Lol.
Alicia Spinnet – Okay, okay, please don't hurt me! I'll give you more! Seriously, thank you for the awesome review. It really made me laugh. I love those types of fun reviews. Without further ado, here is more!
Swishy Willow Wand- Thank you for reading my disclaimer. I didn't think that people read those things so got a little weird with it. Thank you for reviewing and please keep it up!
Padfootlet – You read my mind. I think that Bellatrix has been to dormant in this story. I think she needs to cause a little bit of trouble. I like Sirius and Faith's love-hate relationship or non-relationship too. Please keep reviewing, cause I always look for your name when I read my reviews!
Vampchick001 – I love thin mints! But you lost it! Oh well, I'll update anyway. But, my favorite cookie is the caramel coconut cookie that the Girl Scouts sell. I always hunt my Girl Scout students down and buy at least three boxes from them. No wonder I have to get liposuction. lol j/k. Please continue to review, you are hilarious!
The Disclaimer: (Under New Management) The evil monkeys have left the premises, having been bought out by a gang of paranoid, money hungry hedgehogs.
From the desk of Spanky:
Stephanie does not own Harry Potter nor have any mental illnesses that cause her to have delusions of living in a Harry Potter world. (We have given her medication to keep her in constant state of Harry Potter euphoria. You should see her flip out when we mention Voldemort, it's quite hysterical!) We are not using Stephanie to gain any sort of profit from Harry Potter (That's exactly what we are doing. We need funds to bred our race and eventually take over the world!) Anyway, don't sue Stephanie for she is just a puppet of my will! Hedgehogs have been the butt of the animal world. But that will change! I tell you that when I am done, the world will fear the name of Hedgehog!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * *
Chapter 15: Letters and Dungeons
Lily sat in the Gryffindor common room daydreaming. The end of her quill was in her mouth and her eyes stared unfocused at a spot on the opposite wall. It had been a week since James and her had become a couple. She still wasn't quite used to it yet. She wasn't used to being treated so wonderful and having someone so devoted to her. Don't get her wrong; she was equally devoted to him as well. James was rapidly becoming someone that Lily could trust with almost anything. In a way, it was kind of scary at how happy they made each other. She found that patrolling duties were more fun than before and that something as plain as studying was more enjoyable. However, the best part about their relationship was that they did not have to spend every living moment together. Lily and James both still maintained good relations with their friends and spent just as much time with them as before; despite Sirius's teasing about stealing his best mate way from him.
Lily casually glanced outside. She could see the Gryffindor Quidditch team practicing. She smiled to herself as she thought about last Saturday. Who knew that one day could change her life so drastically. She still had not become used to the whispers and the stares as they walked down the halls hand in hand or when they sat together at meals. Lily had never really cared about what others thought, but it was rather annoying being the gossip topic of the week. Lily laughed as she thought about earlier in the week. After having to deal with half of the school coming up to Lily and James to ask if the rumor was true, Faith and Sirius had become very annoyed and decided to hex the brown noser by cursing their nose a nasty shade of brown that gave off the unmistakable odor of dung. Of course, they both received a night's detention for doing this in front of all the teachers, including Professor Dumbledore during dinner one night. But Lily thought that Faith had secretly enjoyed her detention with Sirius by the satisfied smirk on her face when she returned to the dorm that night.
Lily shook her head and forced herself to focus on her history of magic essay that was due tomorrow. Lily wrote her name and the date underneath it. 'It can't be October already,' she thought to herself. Time was flying by and she knew that she had to get started on this bloody essay.
Half an hour later, the Gryffindor Quidditch team entered loudly through the portrait hole. Several students turned to give them dirty looks due to the loud intrusion upon their quiet studying. Lily looked up to see James and Sirius wrestling for superior headlock position.
"Will you two baboons knock it off," said Faith irritably as she walked over to the table where Lily was.
"Oh what's the matter love, do you feel left out?" asked Sirius abandoning James and walking towards Faith.
"Don't even think about it, Black. I'm in no mood for your ........." but Faith couldn't finish her sentence. Sirius had swept down upon her and placed her in a headlock. Faith reached up and grabbed Sirius's fist of the arm that was holding her. She pried open his thumb and bend it back. Immediately Sirius's arm gave way and released her head.
"Don't ever do that to me again!" said Faith, still bending Sirius's thumb back and pinning his arm behind him.
"Ravenwood, I didn't know that you liked it rough," laughed Sirius.
"You are sick," said Faith, releasing his arm and walking around him to sit down. Sirius grabbed her around the waist and forced her down onto his lap as he sat down on the bench. Faith slapped him on the arm, but made no attempt to move off of his lap. James laughed as he took a seat next to Lily.
"How was practice?" asked Lily, after giving him a kiss hello.
"Excellent," said James looking at Lily's essay. "Damn, I forgot that we have this due tomorrow." James got up and sprinted to the boy's dormitory and grabbed his and Sirius's books, as he was not about to do it himself. He ran back downstairs and retook his seat next to Lily. An hour later Remus returned from patrolling duty with a little surprise perched on his arm.
"Look who I found outside the common room," said Remus, holding Lily's owl, Grace. "The windows must have been closed and I don't think she wanted to wait until tomorrow morning at breakfast to deliver this." "Thank you so much Remus," said Lily, as her owl flew over to the table in front of her and stuck out its leg for Lily. Lily untied the letter from her leg and reached inside her bag for some treats. Lily took out her wand and charmed the window open for Grace to fly out of.
"Who is it from Lils?" asked Liz from the end of the table. Lily knew the familiar handwriting of her sister Petunia. A feeling of dread settled in the pit of her stomach as opened the letter.
"Petunia," said Lily shortly as she unfolded the letter. Liz and Faith exchanged disgusted glances and went back to their essays.
Lily,
I am writing you this letter in regards to my wedding. Vernon and I have set the date for December 29th. Since mum and dad are forcing me against my will to have you be maid of honor, I am expecting that you throw me a decent shower when you come home on holiday. I have set the shower date for December 17th, two days after you arrive home. Everything is already planned, so all you have to do is show up. I'm expecting that even you can't mess that up for me. Due to mum and dad's wish, I am allowing you to bring a guest to my wedding. I am assuming that you will bring one of your strange little girlfriends, but I am asking you not to bring that American friend of yours. I don't need for her to sleaze up my wedding day with her rude and vulgar behavior. My wedding day will be perfect and I will not have you or your abnormal friend spoil things that I have worked so hard to plan. I also have ordered your dress for you, so make sure that you can fit into it when you come home because I won't have it altered for you. I feel that I should warn you now that if you do anything to ruin this day for me because of your freakishness, I will make you pay dearly for it.
Petunia
"OH! She is such a horrible.........evil.........wretched.........uggghhh!" stammered Lily throwing the letter down in front of her. Her face was turning redder by the second and her hands were clutching in tight fists on the table.
"Um, is something wrong, Lils?" asked James concerned.
"Oh why should anything be wrong?" said Lily, raising her voice and shaking her head. "It's only that my sister is the most foulest human being ever to walk the face of the earth."
Faith reached over and picked up the letter. Liz walked around and together they silently read it. As their eyes moved down the page, their faces both became rigid.
"What a psychotic cow!" said Liz, looking up at Lily. "Don't you worry about her Lily, she is mad!"
"Just leave me in a room with her for five minutes. By the time I'm done with her, no one in all of Europe would want to marry her," said Faith tossing the letter onto the middle of the table. Sirius, James and Remus exchanged confused looks.
"Er, is there something you want to talk about?" asked James looking at Lily.
"My bloody rotten sister has written this lovely letter to inform me of her wedding," said Lily tossing the letter at James. Immediately he read the letter. A crease etched itself deeper into his forehead the further down the page his eyes traveled.
"What's she got against you?" he asked looking over at Lily.
"I was born different from her," said Lily, glaring at the letter resting in front of James. "Who does she think she is? All high and mighty because some bumbling idiot decided that she was good enough to be his last resort before priesthood." Faith and Liz laughed. James cast them both dirty looks, as he did not see anything humorous about this situation.
"Well Lils, I just want to let you know that I won't go to the wedding with you if you don't want me too because I would hate to.........what was that again?.........Oh yeah, 'sleaze up the wedding'," said Faith smiling. "I think the bride has that one already covered fine enough." Lily's face loosened into a small smile.
"However, I'll make sure I put on quite a production when I come to spend the rest of Christmas holiday and New Years with you. If she wants to see rude and vulgar behavior, I've got some good ones that I've been saving for a rainy day. It would be a shame to let them go to waste in front of her new husband." Faith's face broke out into an evil grin.
"Faith, that's the nicest thing anyone has ever offered to do for me," said Lily in mock sincerity.
"But honestly, I guess she hasn't forgotten what we did to her last summer, huh?" said Faith, leaning back in her chair; a satisfied smile on her face.
"What did you two do?" asked James, suddenly intrigued. Faith and Lily exchanged matching mischievous smirks.
"We put Quik-Gro Hair formula in her shampoo, bubble bath and lotion," said Lily; her emerald eyes lighting up as she looked over at James. "By the time she finished her shower she had become a walking, talking hairball."
"The only way that stuff comes off is for it to wear off and that could take weeks," said Liz, looking over at the two of them with wide eyes.
"I know. She shaved every half hour. She didn't leave the house for two weeks. It was beautiful," sighed Faith. "I've never been so proud of anything in my entire life." The entire table broke out into laughter. James looked over at Lily with extreme pride.
"Ah, a girl after my own heart," said James, hugging her around her shoulders. "I guess I'll have to make sure that I never insult you or your friends. I might end up with a horrible disfigurement." Lily laughed and shook her head.
"But jokes aside, this does leave you in a predicament," said Faith. "You have to find someone else to take my place at the wedding."
"That isn't a predicament, Faith," said Liz, chiming in. "Actually it frees up the spot for James." Lily's smile faltered slightly. Both Lily and James looked at each other, with polite awkward smiles.
"Y-yeah, I guess it does," said Lily. "I mean, if James wants to go that is."
Lily couldn't believe she had just said that. She was happy with James, don't get her wrong. He was her boyfriend and she was proud to be with him. But it was so much easier to have a relationship at Hogwarts. Here she didn't have her family around her. She didn't have to present him to her parents; he didn't have to meet her nasty sister and her fiancée. It was one thing to sit here and laugh about her, but to actually meet Petunia. It's enough to scare even the bravest person away. And her father, oh man her father. He would ask him all sorts of embarrassing questions. Oh God and what about my family! He isn't just going to meet my parents, but the whole Evans clan in one day. Lily's stomach turned as she thought about several potential horrible situations concerning James and individual members of her family. Then there was Dursley's family, who were an unknown quantity to begin with. 'Maybe he wouldn't want to go anyway' she reassured herself.
James paused for a moment. Lily was actually offering a chance for him to meet her family and to escort her to a formal family event. He couldn't believe it. He wasn't sure if he was ready to meet her family. He wasn't afraid of them. He had witnessed enough nasty family situations with Sirius and no one could be worse than his family. No, James was afraid that Lily's parents would think that he wasn't fit enough to court their daughter. He didn't know what he would do if they didn't approve of him or their relationship. He had spent seven years trying to get Lily to be his girlfriend. 'Well this is a chance for you to prove yourself,' he thought.
"I would love to escort you to your sister's wedding," said James, mustering up a believable smile.
"Excellent," said Lily, trying not to let her eyes widen too much. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I just wanted to thank you both for last night," said Lily to Liz and Faith in Transfiguration the next day.
"No problem," said Liz, trying to transfigure an iguana into a cabinet and failing miserably. "You know that you are welcome to use my Anti-Scaling lotion."
"No, I'm not talking about that," said Lily a little irritated. She looked behind her real quick. James and Sirius had successfully transfigured their animals into a couch and coffee table and were sitting on the couch with their feet on the coffee table. "I'm talking about suggesting that James go to my sister's wedding with me."
"I thought that's what you wanted," said Faith, turning her hamster into a barstool. "I was going to bow out anyway so you could go with him. Don't you want to go with him?"
"I don't know," said Lily, lowering her voice. "You both know my family and how horrible Petunia is. I don't want him to be scared off by them."
"Lily, do you honestly think that James is going to break up with you based on your family?" asked Liz looking at her doubtfully. Lily shrugged.
"Lily I don't think that there is much that would scare off James Potter," said Faith. "I mean the guy has spent ages pursuing you. I don't think You-Know-Who could scare him away from you."
"Mr. Potter and Mr. Black this is a classroom, not a rest home," said Professor McGonagall walking over to them.
"We were just taking a break Professor," said James casually. "Do you think I could take this pig back to my room. We need a couch in there don't you think?" he said looking over at Sirius.
"Most definitely," said Sirius, nodding his head. "And maybe a couple of end tables. Can I have a few of those mice?"
"You can have a few nights of detention if you do not get off of that couch and back to your lesson," said Professor McGonagall sternly. The boys got up and transfigured the couch into a beautiful full-length mirror.
"Oy, you do think if we put this in front of Snivellus he would have a reflection?" said James examining the mirror with interest.
"And you are worried about your family?" said Liz turning back to her iguana.
"Good point," said Lily smiling.
"Alright, class is almost over," said Professor McGonagall. "Those of you that have not successfully transfigured your animal will have to write a foot long essay on the process of transfiguring an animal into a piece of furniture."
There was a groan from a majority of the students; the loudest being from Peter, behind them. The girls started packing up their books, quills and parchment. Lily, Liz and Faith walked over to the four boys, waiting for them to finish packing.
"Miss Ravenwood, a word please," said Professor McGonagall from her desk in the front of the room.
"Do you want us to wait for you?" asked Lily.
"No, go ahead. I'll see you down in herbology," said Faith. Lily nodded her head and the group walked out the door.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Miss Ravenwood you are late," said Professor Sprout disapprovingly.
"Sorry Professor. I had a meeting with Professor McGonagall," said Faith walking over to her. "I have a note." Professor Sprout took the note and without reading it, she continued her instruction.
"Why are you so late?" asked Lily as Faith dropped her bag on the floor and took a seat next to her.
"What are we suppose to be doing?" asked Faith looking around for some sign of a task.
"Clipping the Venomous Tentacula for seeds and draining out the venom," said Liz, looking for a good place to begin. Faith nodded her head and picked up her clippers.
"Well?" said Lily, waiting for an answer.
"Okay, so get this. Professor McGonagall wanted to tell me that the Ministry is looking for several exceptional students to enter into its Advanced Auror Program. I guess it is something that is brand new. Must have to do with all of the Auror's that we are loosing lately. Anyway, she said that Dumbledore recommended me to the program." Faith's face broke out into an excited grin.
"Advanced Auror Program?" said Lily concerned. She didn't fully support the idea of Faith's chosen career path, especially with the dark state of affairs.
"Yeah, I guess I will only have to go one year at the academy instead of two," said Faith. "McGonagall said that Dumbledore only recommended three students and I am one of them. All I have to do is fill out the paperwork and start training."
"That's great, Faith," said Lily trying to sound genuinely happy for her.
"I know. And the best part is that McGonagall said that Alastor Moody is the overseer of the program, AND he is going to come at the end of the semester to watch our dueling tournament." Faith beamed as she looked over at Lily. "It's absolutely amazing! Lily can you believe it; Alastor Moody, the head of the Aurors, here in this school coming to watch me!"
"It's amazing alright," said Lily, forcing a smile. "It's wonderful."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Is something that matter, Lily?" asked James as they patrolled the dark hallway. "You've been quite all night."
"I've just got a lot on my mind that's all," said Lily honestly. She looked up at James and smiled.
"A galleon for your thoughts," said James grabbing her hand and giving it a little squeeze. Lily took a deep breath and looked ahead.
"James, have you ever lied to someone because you didn't want to hurt their feelings?" asked Lily.
"All the time," said James grinning. "I tell Sirius that he isn't as ugly as he is at least twice a week." Lily gave him a small smile. "Seriously Lily, what's going on?"
"Faith told me today that Dumbledore recommended her for an advanced Auroring program with the Ministry. I guess it will make her a Auror a year earlier than everyone else," said Lily.
"Well good for her," said James, not quite getting what she was saying. "I think she'd be a damn good Auror. I mean, she's the only girl that could honestly scare the daylights out of me in a duel."
"I agree, she would make a good Auror," said Lily. "But I can't help feeling like it is a death wish. Ever since we started school she had always had a fascination with becoming an Auror. She lives for it. She's been in training ever since I can remember." Lily looked at the ceiling and shook her head. "With the way things are now a days, with You-Know-Who running around and killing muggleborns and what not, I'm afraid that she's going to get herself killed." Lily stopped and looked up at James. "I can't help but feel guilty for encouraging her when deep down I feel like this."
"Lily, Faith is a big girl who has to make her own decisions. You can't let yourself feel responsible for what she chooses to do with her life." James reached over and caressed her cheek. "Right now you need to only worry about your life.........and me of course."
"Of course," smiled Lily. He bent down and kissed her softly.
"Man, for a moment there I thought that you were having second thoughts about us," said James as they started to walk again.
"Mmmm..........no, I've decided to keep you around for a little bit longer," said Lily playfully. James pretended to wipe his brow in relief.
"Good, cause I don't intend on losing you just yet," said James, smiling at her. They walked silently down the corridor. "Is something else the matter?"
Lily hesitated for a moment. She wasn't sure if she wanted to bring up Petunia's wedding again. 'Oh what the hell. I need to get it over with anyway,' she thought to herself.
"Well actually, yes. It's about my sister's wedding," she cast a nervous glance at James.
"You don't want me to go with you, do you?" said James, solemnly. "It's alright, I understand if you want Faith to go with you."
"No, that's not it at all," said Lily quickly. Lily could see that James look relieved. "It's just that I feel like I should warn you, I mean really warn you about my family before I throw you into the lion's den."
"Is everyone in your family like your sister?" asked James.
"No," said Lily shaking her head.
"Then there you go," said James shrugging his shoulders. "You have nothing to be worried about."
"Yeah, but.........well.........they are embarrassing. And I don't want their actions at the wedding to scare you off." James let out a loud, echoing laugh.
"Lily, nothing could scare me off, especially anything that your family does," laughed James. "Besides, families are supposed to be embarrassing. That's what families do. No one is more embarrassing than mine, and you'll see that when you meet them over Christmas holiday."
"What?" said Lily nervously. "Over Christmas holiday?" She felt a surge of panic rise up from her stomach.
"Yeah, my parent's always have a big New Year's Eve party and my friend's are allowed to attend," said James casually.
"Oh," said Lily, trying not to let her nervousness show. "Excellent."
"It is," said James as the headed towards the dungeons. "A lot of my parent's friends will be their and its very casual, so you don't have to wear a dress robe. There is lots of food and at midnight there is a huge toast. Then after the toast a bunch of us usually ring the New Year with a midnight game of quidditch. Usually it's Sirius, Remus, Peter and I against my dad's friends. It's a pretty good time."
"It sounds wonderful," said Lily, feeling a little better knowing that at least it wouldn't be her and James alone with all of his parent's friends.
"I want Faith and Liz to come to," said James. "I don't think Remus or Sirius would ever talk to me again if I didn't........." But James had stopped in mid-sentence. He spun around, releasing Lily's hand.
"James?" said Lily surprised. "What's the matter?" But as Lily turned around she saw what had caught James's attention. Standing in front of them was Bellatrix Black; smiling like she had just stumbled upon something wonderful.
"Oh, isn't this sweet," she screeched in a high-pitched sickly sweet voice. "The two lovebirds out patrolling the halls together hand in hand." A wicked smile spread across her face.
"Aren't you supposed to be in your common room?" said James strictly.
"Who are you to tell me where I am supposed to be," said Bellatrix, still smiling. "What are you going to do? Run back to Dumbledore, like the loyal pets you are, and tell him that I was out?" The smile slipped off her face as her eyes snapped to Lily. "I do not take orders from mudbloods and mudblood lovers."
"Shut your mouth," snapped James. "Before I shut you up permanently."
"Isn't that sweet. Defending your precious flower," said Bellatrix, not taking her eyes off of Lily.
"Go to hell," said Lily glaring at her. The corner of Bellatrix face twitched.
"Don't you dare speak to me with such lack of respect, mudblood," spat Bellatrix. "You walk around here all high and mighty, but I'll give you a little piece of advice. Your time is coming. You and all of your little mudblood and blood traitoring friends. And when it does, you'll be begging me for mercy." She glared at them one last time as she disappeared down the corridor towards the dungeon. Lily and James watched her until she had vanished.
"Don't listen to her, Lily," said James, turning to look at her. "She is demented." Lily looked up at him.
"But she is demented enough to actually do it," said Lily quietly. "Can we just get out of here please." James nodded his head and grabbed her hand.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * *
Don't forget to review!!! I'll buy you a box of cookies!