Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize. All characters belong to a woman with a great imagination and determination, capable of creating this world that is the center of so many stories.
Sins of Angels: Sorry I didn't have a little introduction to the first chapter...it's my first story and all. It'll be greatly appreciated if you review, especially if you point out something that wasn't implied in the books becasue I am trying to make this as real to the actual books as I can. So all reviews are welcome. I'm trying to work out the kinks in this website, but seeing as I have trouble finding my way out of a box, the directions were not exactly clear. However, I can post my story, and as long as that works I'm happy. Anyway, I daresay this will be one of the very few author's notes I do because this is about the story, not about me. Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter 2 – Family Disputes
"James…" the boy started, closing the book after he had examined it briefly. "James?"
James lifted his head to be greeted by the worried face of his friend, Remus Lupin. "Remus. I see you've found me."
"Yes, we have. And I must admit, not in the state we expected. Sirius and Peter are just wandering around, waiting for my signal that it's okay to come in. What's wrong, James? Ever since your dad asked Sirius to move to my house three days ago, you've been avoiding us. Sitting at the muggle station for two hours-don't think I didn't see you-and just generally not talking with any of us. We're worried, mate. What's wrong?"
"I pushed her…I made her cry…" James mumbled, looking at his friend's puzzled face. "I shouldn't have done that. I should've left well enough alone. But I didn't."
The door next to the compartment opened and Lily came out. She had wiped the tears and washed her face, but her once-tight bun had considerably loosened. Now more curly locks of her hair fell to frame her face. Her eyes had no trace of tears and it was impossible to tell she was upset at all. The only hint that something was wrong was that she paused before turning the corner and smiled widely, as if warming up. She walked down to hall and saw Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew, the lesser half of the Marauders. Passing by the Heads' compartment without so much as a second glance, she marched right in the middle of the argument between Sirius and his brother, a fifth-year prefect named Regulus.
"Why, hello, Evans. Isn't this a pleasant surprise," Sirius scowled. "If you will be so kind as to step away from this little family dispute, it would be greatly appreciated."
"No, I don't think I can do that, Black," Lily said, savoring this moment. "See, this little badge here indicates I'm Head Girl, and as Head Girl I have an obligation to keep the overall peace and harmony in the school and on the trains."
"Yeah? Well, I don't give a crap about your shiny badge you've got pinned to your shirt. As a brother of this scum behind you, I have a given right to pummel him as I see fit."
Lily took out her wand. "You know, my sister is just like you, Black. It makes me sick."
Sirius regarded Lily's wand with a mocking smile. "Are you attempting to imply that you expect to somehow win a duel between us?"
"I will win, Black. You mark my words."
"So either you've drastically improved over the summer or you're out of your wits," Sirius said, lazily taking out his wand. He pointed it at the floor as he yawned. "Evans, I'm giving you your last chance of walking away unharmed. I need to speak with my dear little brother and you seem to be in the way."
"I am not moving Black. Although, you may be interested to know that this little badge on my shirt gives me considerably more power than a prefect. I'd suggest that you put your wand away and come with me into the Heads' compartment or face the appropriate punishment."
"Oh, yeah? And what will that punishment be?"
Lily smiled, savoring the next sentence she uttered. "Suspension until further notice from the Gryffindor Quiddich team."
Sirius's mouth dropped open and his wand fumbled in his hands. His eyes darted to her, his brother, then to the Heads' compartment where James was. "You can't do that!"
"My dear Black, I daresay I can. You see, as Head Girl, it is up to me to determine the punishment. And, well, obstruction of peace, intentions of violence and disregard for authority are serious offences. Now, I'd suggest you direct your fumbling hand holding your wand to wherever it is you keep your wand and put it away."
Sirius gulped and carefully put his wand away, looking at Lily with deepest loathing and hatred. Peter did the same, from Sirius's right shoulder. "Go to hell, Evans," Sirius said quietly.
"Already there, Black. Now, please, after you. Go in the Heads' compartment, will you? You too, Pettigrew. Oh, and make sure you don't start trouble with young Black here again, because I will hear about it."
Sirius grumbled his way down the hall and Peter followed after him, shooting Lily dirty looks as he went. Lily turned to Regulus. "Thanks," he mumbled. "You don't have to do that in the future though, I can handle him."
"Don't be afraid to give him detention. You have that right now and you have more power than him."
Regulus smiled at her in a way that no one else saw, which was understandable seeing as he was a Slytherin and she was a Gryffindor. She walked towards the compartment after Sirius and Peter and opened the door, walking in and finding Remus Lupin in her seat. She gave him a puzzled smile and said, "Hello. You seem to have my bag in front of your feet."
Remus got up immediately. "Sorry about that. Congratulations on making Head Girl, Lily." He extended his hand ignoring Sirius's mocking and grumbling. Lily shook it and smiled.
"Thank you. And don't worry about that, it just came as a bit of a surprise, that's all." Lily made her way to her seat and Remus to his. Just then the train jerked to a halt. James looked up at Lily. She was faintly upset not to see any trace of emotion concerning earlier on his face.
Looking at Lily's face, James was relieved to see she wasn't about to bring up what had happened before. He wasn't sure he could handle it. "What's going on?" he asked. Lily shrugged and the others gave him a puzzled look. Lily got up.
"Well, I'll go tell the prefects to make sure the students don't leave their compartments and you can go talk to the…the driver, I think he's called. Anyway, find out what and come back here and we'll take it from there."
James nodded and left. Lily paused before exiting.
"I'd appreciate it if you three stayed in here as an example which, I regret to say, most students will follow simply because you're the Marauders."
"No threat of a punishment?" Sirius asked.
"No, this is simply a request. Keep in mind that for all we know, anyone who leaves is in danger. By influencing others to stay in you may very well be keeping them out of harm's way." Lily hoped that would convince them. Sirius reached in his bag and took out a chessboard.
"Want to play, Moony? We'll be in here a while."
Lily smiled and left. She quickly sent the prefects out to make sure everyone stays in and told them it wouldn't hurt to mention the Marauders are staying put as well. She returned to the Heads' compartment to find James leaning against the door when she opened it. He stumbled backwards and hit into her, sending her against the wall. He turned around and quickly spilled out five apologies in a row. She laughed at him.
"It's okay. It was an accident. So what happened?"
"Apparently something was dragging in the back so they decided to find out what it is."
"There's no students there, right?"
"He said there were personnel there to help, but I'm not sure."
Lily and James both looked at each other and started to dash to the back of the train at the same time. In their wake students' heads popped out of the compartments and stared at them. Lily abruptly stopped halfway to the last train car and caused James to bump into her. He looked over her shoulder and gasped.