Disclaimer: Not J. K. Rowling though I would love to be rich and famous and wouldn't keep people waiting for a book! Lets just put it this way; I am NOT patient!
On with the story
Chapter Two
xXxXx
Jen's POV (this starts in the summer)
Once again, "the letter" came. Of course every year my parents say no. I don't know why I even bother asking them anymore when I know that their answer will be the same, a tired and annoyed, 'NO!' Well at least this year I can count on James backing me up (James and I have known each other since we were born). So far our plan has been going well. I've given my parents the impression that I've finally given up hope on ever going to Hogwarts. I even already ate my breakfast and cleaned my room (which is something that hardly ever happens). Basically, I've been the perfect daughter for the required 38 hours (but between us, it's killing me!).
I still need to wake James up, and since I can't do magic (and also because all the house elves refuse to try to wake him… um long story) I'll have to do it like an ordinary every day muggle would. I began the wake-up routine just as I normally do, in hopes that the first step wouldn't actually wake him up. I had a new method that I was desperate to try on him.
"WAKE UP!" I yelled in my best imitation of his mother. Much to my happiness, that didn't even make him move. Next (still following the routine), I hit him in the stomach and as usual, he just rolled over. Finally, I could try out my newest trick.
I quickly exited James' room and picked up an empty tin bucket that had conveniently been sitting just outside his door. With hurried anticipation, I filled the bucket with the coldest water I could manage to get and all but ran back to the victim's room. My hands shook with nervous expectancy as I held the tin bucket over James' head. Silently, I started the countdown, gently tipping the bucket further with each number. One, two, three, and bombs away….
That's not possible. I-I-I can't believe it, it didn't work! I poured the bucket, watched with my own eyes as the freezing water rushed out of it and fell with a quick grace. Just as it was about to splash onto James' face, though, it was as if an invisible shield had suddenly popped up to protect him. I bet he asked my father to put a protection charm on him, that skiving little git.
What to do now? I've tried everything that comes to my mind...except! OH what was that girl's name? Oh, right, Lily. I hastily cleared my throat and lowered myself so that my mouth was right next to his ear.
"Potter, I love you."
I would never call him, 'Potter,' so he wouldn't be able to figure out that it was I. In less than a second, he was up, and I couldn't help but laugh at his hopeful expression.
"Oh, you're so going down, Jen. I'm going to get you for that you know that!" He said in an irritated and sleep-filled voice. I laughed uncontrollably for a few moments before responding.
"James, you know I had to do that. It's your own fault anyway. You just had to ask my father to put a protection charm on you, didn't you? It's only fair that I retaliate. How else am I supposed to wake a sleeping rock?" I retorted with a snort, walking backwards as I began exiting the room just in case he decided to go through with his plan of killing me. He grumbled under his breath a bit but said nothing else before finally getting up.
As I had suspected, he was wearing only his boxers. I know it should've been very strange for me to see a bloke in his boxers (in fact, I should be screaming) but I've gotten used to it by now, though. James has slept in only his boxers since we were kids. I guess I'll admit that the first twenty times were a little awkward, but by the twenty-first time, it had already become normal for me (don't give me that look). Honestly, James is more of a best friend than anything else. I would never think of him as anything more, unless you count an idiot.
Suddenly, an owl came flying through the window and landed on James's dishelved hair. I had to smother my laughter after James game me the 'evil eye'. Before he could grab it, I hurriedly grasped the owl from his head and took the letter clenched in its claws. It turned out to be a letter from Sirius, James' best friend. Giving it back to James, as I knew he would allow me to read it over his shoulder, I waited expectantly for him to take it from the envelope.
'ello Prongsy (don't you love that name?),
I must first ask, how are you doing? It must be killing you not having the Maurders around (especially me). Don't worry; you don't have to say one word about it. I know you miss us terribly!
Being serious (hah) now, I sort of need to talk to you about something, but I don't have time to wait for your replies, so I'll just tell you now. You see, I was...disowned by my family. Let me try to put it into terms you can better understand; they blasted me off that huge, pure-blood, sodding Family Tree tapestry! As of last night, according to both the tapestry and my dear, precious, horrible mother (better known as Satan's spawn), I am no longer part of the Black family. Originally, I was exceedingly happy about this, but right now, I could really use someone to cheer me up, and you've always been my best mate.
Please, if you have the time, I am staying at the Leaky Cauldron in a spare room.
Your Fellow Maurder, the most handsome, best at quidditch and best with girls,
Padfoot
As I finished reading the letter over his shoulder, I frowned in worry for Sirius. I knew James well enough to know that he was the kind of bloke who is always there for a friend when they need him, having had many experiences to prove this. He looked at me with a warm smile and said;
"I have to go, but you already know this." He said with a warm smile, hurriedly beginning to get dressed, not caring in the slightest that I was still in the room.
"I'll go with you," I started, heading towards the door so I could grab a few things from my house next door, but stopped when James shook his head.
"I think it's best if I go alone. Tell your parents that I needed to stop by Diagon Alley for a moment, and just go ahead and let my parents know that Sirius will probably be staying at our house for the rest of the summer."
I nodded and hugged him sadly, knowing that I wouldn't see him for a whole year as he was leaving for Hogwarts today.
"Bye," I whispered softly.
"Why on earth are you so depressed, Jen? I'll be seeing you on the train in hardly anytime at all! Honestly, I will never understand women!" He said laughing albeit with a confused expression on his face as tied his trainers with practiced ease.
"I don't think there my chances of that happening are very high." I whined. "I want to at least make sure I can say goodbye to you this time. Have a good year, and I hope that mule, Evans, actually decides to go out with you. Don't worry, I'll send you the latest spell findings they print at the library the first week they come out."
He smiled graciously in response and walked to the window, opening it with swift hands. Without hesitation, he took off on his broom and flew off into the early morning sky, going in the direction of Diagon Alley.
xXxXx
"Sky," I called from the front yard where I was sitting. Seconds later, a light, brown; Barn Owl flew down onto my outstretched arm. I smiled, knowing she was someone I could always talk to without fear of any teasing responses, and also because she was someone who would listen (though she didn't exactly have a choice in the matter).
"Guess its up to us now." I said with a sigh, looking out across the horizon longingly. "Right, well, would you like something to eat? After all, you've got a long journey back to Hogwarts to take Dad's response that I won't be attending school this year. Might as well get it over with."
To my surprise, my mum and dad were happily eating the breakfast I made without any suspicion. Last year, a small accident occurred when I cooked their breakfast. I'd turned away for hardly one second, and as soon as I turned back around, the entire kitchen was on fire. Sitting down, I smiled at my parents.
"Er, Mum, Dad, I have to talk to you both about-"
"Right, it's about the letter isn't it," my dad said, cutting me off. Not wanting to give in so quickly, my answer was uncertain.
"...No. I was simply going to tell you that James went going to Diagon Alley early this morning. He went to see his friend, Sirius. You see, Sirius, he had some family issues and needed James."
"Issues?" My mom asked me, looking puzzled as she took a bite of the eggs I'd scrambled.
"He was blasted off his family tree," I replied, looking at my plate instead of at them, but then looked up to find them both smiling at me sympathetically.
"Knowing James, and predicting that he takes after his father, he is going to the train station with Sirius instead of you?" My father offered, sipping his tea. I nodded.
"Yes, and I won't be able to see him until chrismas. Oh well, it doesn't matter, really." I lied, looking at my plate again as my breathing hitched. My parents shared a secret look.
"Does this mean that you've sent your response to Hogwarts already?" My mother asked casually. I hesitated and
"Well, no," I answered after hesitating. Where were they getting at? My mother smiled.
"Brilliant, because we wanted to talk to you about something before you did-"
"No, don't start." I said interrupting. "Mum, Dad, every year you tell me the same thing; I can't go to Hogwarts. This year, though, I just want to know why?"
"You know what, darling?" My father answered. "You do deserve an answer to that, but I think I've got something better. If you were going to Hogwarts, this would be your fifth year, correct?" I nodded, but maintained my bewildered look.
"And each year, you've continuously tried to convince us to allow you to go, is that right?" My mom asked quickly, and once again I nodded.
"I think it's finally time to let you go." My father said, though it looked like he struggled in doing so. "The reason we haven't let you go in previous years is obvious. With the threat of You-Know-Who"
"Oh come now, Andrew." My mother chastised with an affectionate smile. "Just say the name. Voldemort."
"But I do believe now," he continued, ignoring my mother's light teasing. "That Hogwarts is a safe school, especially now that Dumbledore is your Headmaster. I'll admit, it will be a risk-"
"Andrew, we are friends with the Potters. What more risk do you want with Voldemort?" My mum asked laughing and I quickly joined her.
"Dear, please." My dad said, trying to keep a serious expression on his face, though it was obvious he fought a smile. "There are conditions that need to be met if you go." I leaned forward in excitement.
"You have to write to us every two weeks at least. You're to tell us about every quidditch game, and you can't have a boyfriend." He said calmly as my mother raised an eyebrow.
"Andrew, I started dating you at the end of our 5th year."
"Alright, fine." My dad relented with a blush rising in his cheeks. "She can't date this year, but she can date when she is sixteen, but no sooner. Do we have a deal?" I nodded eagerly and let out a small squeal. Giving both of them a quick hug, I then hurriedly took a scrap piece parchment and carefully wrote a reply to Headmaster Dumbledore.
Headmaster,
I am pleased to say that I will be attending Hogwarts this year!
Yours truly,
Jennifer Parker
XXxXx
Coming back much sooner than I had expected later that afternoon, Sky returned to my outstretched arm with a letter in her beak.
Dear Ms. Parker,
I am extremely joyful to hear the good news. I will come to escort you to the castle tomorrow at three o'clock after you arrive via Hogwarts Express. If this time will not work, please reply saying so. Included in this letter is a list of the supplies you will need. (A/N the following are just a list I made up)
The Standard Book of Spells: Book Five
Special Defenses
Meddling with Potions
All You Need to Know About Dragons
A Way to Tell the Future
History Through the Ages
Arithmetic: Volume Five
Looking and Learning About the Stars
All You Need to Know About Transfiguration and More
The following is a list of things you will be required to have with you;
Two (or more) black robes
One wand
One caldron
One dress robe
A hat (this is optional to wear, but still required to have one)
A broom (if you wish)
Please note that all students are allowed to bring an owl, cat, or toad. We will be expecting you to arrive at Platform 9 ¾ at the Kings Cross Station in London on September 5th. From there, you will board the Hogwarts Express and arrive at the school where I shall meet you. All necessary supplies will be available in Diagon Alley.
Sincerely,
Headmaster Dumbledore
xXxXx
I went downstairs and found my dad with his traveling bags.
"You have to leave again? But you've just come back hardly four days ago," I said with a frown.
"I might still make it back on the 5th, so don't lose hope just yet." He said tiredly.
It was so typical of him and his horrible timing. My father was always traveling, and when he wasn't, my mother was. Needless to say, they were always busy.
"Can we get the supplies soon?" I asked my mum. My mother looked down and said,
"I went ahead with and bought most stuff because I knew we'd be short on time, but we still need a couple of things. We could go now if you'd like." She offered.
"Yes!" I answered without hesitation.
My mother smiled. "Sure, dear. If only I could remember where I last put the floo bag..."
I went into the kitchen and gave it to my mother and said
"Here." I said impatiently. "Can we go now?"
"Yes," She answered laughing. "Now you know what to do right? If we get lost, we-"
"-Meet at the Leaky Cauldron or at Gringots' gates." I finished in a bored tone, having heard this sentence many, many times before. "Can I send an owl to James first, though?"
"Sure, but don't take too long. We need to leave soon if we plan on finishing it all today."
I grinned and kissed her happily on the cheek before running up the stairs with a giddy squeal.
Dear James,
How are you doing? Oh, by the way, I've been doing some research lately and found this spell I thought you might enjoy. The cantantion is, "Changelous." It will help you get dressed faster, and all you have to do is simply imagine how you want to look!
Anyway, hope this helps with that horrible git (Snape wasn't it?). Right, did I tell you the good news? Of course not, this is my first letter to you.
I am coming to Hogwarts Already, I'm a nervous wreck! But you probably already knew that. I think I might be worse than that Evans girl you talk about non-stop, although I have to agree with her. If you would just tune your ego down a bit, you would be a lot nicer to deal with. Understand that this is said with love. You can act a bit, 'I-feel-like-God,' at times, but you are also a great friend. I think the problem is your mouth.
Say hello to your mum for me, and tell me what you are planning for this year. I can't wait to hear about this year's big entrance. I also can't wait to see you again!
See you soon,
Jen
Since there is nothing important in that part of the story how about I fast forward...
xXxXx
Guess you'll have to keep on reading! (Please do!) I think it's a good story and even if you don't like it, help me make it better by giving me your opinions. I am a writer for the readers. I'll most likely update next week or so, even if there are no reviews, but please review! Honestly, you can't be that lazy! All you have to do is click and write and type a one word review on whether you liked it or not. So stop being so lazy! (Please with no bananas on top!)