Standing There By You
Ch. 21- Hogsmeade
Disclaimer: Let it be known... I hereby declare that by legal binding matters, any recognizable material belongs to the infamous J.K.Rowling.
a.k.a- it's not mine.
A/N: My beta is very angry at each and every reviewer. Her shoulder is sopping wet. As a result of my sobbing endlessly from your WONDERFUL REVIEWS! Oh my! Did you guys all get together and plan an incredible review day or something? ::sigh:: But honestly, it's reviews like those that keep me writing. Thanks to my fantastic fellow HP fanatics.. I love you all!
Dozens of delectable products lined the walls as far as the eye could see.
Towering shelves glowed with the concealed entities, just begging to be released.
A faint echoing of angel's voices seemed to carry throughout the venue, as "Hallelujah" rang majestically in the background.
Four jaws hung slack as they stared in astonishment, each boy filled to the brim with a striking sense of utter amazement.
"James," Sirius called weakly, not able to tear his eyes away from the incredible store dubbed Zonkos.
"Yeah?" said James in a distant voice, still in disbelief at the overwhelming sight before him.
"I think I'm going to faint,"
A thump signified Sirius had fallen to the ground. James joined him moments later.
"How can I help you?"
Lily and Julie looked up to see a pretty girl no older than eighteen with curly blonde hair wrapped in a bun, and friendly blue eyes staring down at them.
"Oh, yes," said Lily. She looked over at Julie. "Er.. what do you guys-"
"Oh sorry, I forgot you're Muggle-born," said Julie. She looked up at the waitress. "We'll have two butterbeers, please."
The young girl nodded, and was off with a whirl.
"Oh look at them," said Lily, looking over at the entrance as the Marauders walked in. Each boy had at least three over-flowing bags, and it was clear the supplies were all purchased from Zonkos. Dungbombs and Filibuster fireworks spilled out of the tops, along with a numerous amount of pranking supplies Lily didn't recognize. Sighing disapprovingly, she turned back to Julie. "They're so immature. Honestly, we're 13 for Heaven's sakes."
Just then, the waitress arrived with their drinks, handing each girl a mug filled with the warm substance.
"What, you didn't order one for me?"
Lily and Julie turned around to the source of the voice, and were met with a smiling Grace. "Scoot over," she said, signaling for Julie to move her chair to the right a bit. "I need some place to put my bags. Have you guys been to Zonkos yet? It's excellent!"
"Well I've got ten galleons yet," said James, staring down at his shrinking pile of money. "Just enough for a butterbeer, and plenty enough for one more stop at Zonkos."
Sirius looked down at his own bag, then back up at James. "You're treating."
"How can I help you boys?"
Four heads swiveled up to see the smiling waitress.
After a few moments of goggling silence, Sirius spoke up in the most suave voice he could muster. "And who might you be?"
The girl gave a half grin. "Rosmerta."
"Ah, Rosmerta," Sirius grinned, "simply spiffing to meet you."
"Indeed," James said, eyebrows raised. "So Rosmerta, do you live around here?"
The girl cocked her head a bit, amused at the two boys. "Sure do. In a cozy little house two towns over."
"Ah," Sirius nodded. "Well that's good. You know what they say,"
"One's home is their castle," said James.
Sirius tilted his head. "In a manor of speaking."
Rosmerta laughed, as James and Sirius continued on. "So, you like Quidditch Rosmerta?" James asked.
"Wouldn't be a true witch if I didn't."
It was at that moment James acquired his first true love.
"That's great," Sirius said happily. "And pranks, do you like those?"
"Sure do," Rosmerta said, grinning as she adjusted her apron. "We could all use with a little laugh once in awhile, eh?"
It was at that moment Sirius acquired his first true love.
Rosmerta left to fill a large order of Firewhiskeys to a rowdy table of middle-aged men. James and Sirius watched her go, dreamy smiles across their faces.
"You two are pathetic," Remus commented, taking a large sip of his butterbeer.
"Pathetic and proud," James said, holding up his mug.
Sirius followed suit, lifting his tankard as well. "Pathetic and proud indeed my friend, pathetic and proud indeed."
The two clinked classes and took large gulps of the gratifying drinks.
Remus rolled his eyes. "Well we've got some time left, what else do you guys want to do?
"We could just look around a bit," James suggested, as he dug through his money bag.
"Sure," Sirius said, just as Rosmerta arrived to collect their bill. "Here you go, Rosie. A little tip for you."
He winked and handed Rosmerta a handful of sickles. She smiled and thanked him, tucking the money into her apron pocket. Just then a nearby table called in need of her assistance.
"Hey James," Sirius whispered, standing up. "I'll let you handle this. I'm all spent."
James gave him an exasperated look before reaching for more money and placing it on the table. "All ready then?"
"Yeah," said Remus. "But what are we going to do with all of these bags?"
The four boys looked over at their over-flowing pile of Zonko bags, frowning.
Suddenly Sirius smiled. "I'll handle this." Crouching down he scooped up all of the bags, staggering a bit under the weight as he stood back up. "Oy, Rosmerta," he called, trying to look as if the strain of the supplies was barely affecting him.
Rosmerta looked back over at them. "Yes?"
"Mind if we store these here awhile?" Sirius asked, adjusting the bags as they relentlessly slipped from his hold.
"Oh sure, sure," she said, showing him to a spot behind the counter. "Just keep them there for now."
"Okay," said Sirius, as he took large heavy steps towards the counter. "It's.. not... as.. if.. I.. can't.. handle.. them..." he set the bags down with a thump and took a deep breath. "After all," he continued, looking over at Rosmerta and smiling. "Quidditch has done wonders for my build-"
"Come on," Remus said, dragging Sirius out of the pub.
"Bye Rosmerta!" James called, sending her one last cheeky grin and a wave.
"Yeah," said Sirius, struggling against Remus's grasp. "We'll see you- urgh!"
Sirius cut off as Remus shoved him out the door and shut it firmly behind him.
"Aw gee, Remus," Sirius said, puffing out his lower lip. "You always have to ruin all the fun."
"What do you guys want to do now?" Peter asked, as the four boys set off down the dirt path.
James shrugged. "I don't know. We could..."
James trailed off as a bedraggled house came into view. Turning to Remus, he asked, "Is that the Shrieking Shack?"
Remus's expression darkened considerably at the mention of this dwelling, but he nodded nonetheless. "Yeah."
"Really?" said Sirius excitedly. "Let's check it out!"
"What?" asked Remus, turned to Sirius quickly. "No, no I don't think-"
"Yeah, let's do it!" James said, as he and the other two quickened their paces toward the worn down house.
Remus's pace remained consistent and slow, however, as he watched after his friends.
"Okay, how do we get in this place?" Sirius asked, standing on his toes and looking to the side in search of an entrance.
"I don't know..." Remus said hesitantly. "Hey, c'mon, I think we missed an aisle in Zonk-"
"Oh please," James interrupted. "Don't you wanna show us where you hang out once a month?"
"Shh!" Remus hissed, stepping up quickly beside them. Wearing a torn expression as he decided what to do, he finally gave in. "Okay, okay, fine." Taking an unwilling step to the side of the house, he said, "Follow me."
"Who makes these anyway?" Lily asked, making a disgusted face. "I mean, blood and acid lollipops?"
"I know," Grace said happily. "Aren't they great?"
Lily rolled her eyes, tossing the candy back into her bag. "Sure. So where do you guys want to go now? It's nearly time to go back, I'd assume."
"Oh we have plenty of time," said Grace. "C'mon, I hear they have an excellent quill shop."
"Oh really," Lily perked up. Checking her watch, she added, "Oh well, we'll have to stop there next time. We really should be going."
"Oh look," Julie said suddenly.
"What?" Lily and Grace said together, pausing and backtracking towards Julie.
"That necklace, isn't it-"
"Julie, we can look at the jewelry next time," Lily said, looking pointedly at her watch. "We've got to get back to Hogwarts."
"We've still got twenty-five minutes!" said Julie.
"We might get lost."
"How? Everyone's going the same direction."
"Not everyone."
"Most everyone."
"But-"
"Oh fine," Julie said, reluctantly tearing her eyes away from the glass case. "Let's go then."
"Thank you," Lily smiled as they trooped back towards the school.
"You're such a goodie-goodie," Julie mumbled.
"What?"
"Oh, I said... Goodie! Now we can go back and do our Potions essay!"
"Okay, this is the house," said Remus quickly. "Nothing too exciting, c'mon, let's-"
"We've barely even gone inside," said Sirius, stepping into a narrow hallway. It was dank and unwelcoming- the perfect atmosphere to explore.
"Well it's not-"
"What's this room?" James asked, pushing open a decrepit door. He and Sirius boldly stepped in, taking in the new surroundings.
They paused mid-stride, however, as they glanced around at the broken and torn up furniture.
"Is this where you..." James started uncertainly, peering over at Remus.
"It's where I stay, yeah," Remus said, crossing his arms uncomfortably.
"All of this," Sirius's eyes remained glued to a particular couch with a large scratch down the middle, "it's from..."
Remus nodded, and Sirius turned and looked over at him, as if he was only just seeing him for the first time.
"Oh we're late," Peter suddenly squeaked, breaking the silence.
"Well let's go then," said Remus, heading out the door. "We don't want to see Filch's bad side.. again.. right?"
Sirius stared after him a while before following his lead. "Right then. Let's go."
At precisely 5:00, the Marauders joined the rest of the students as they trooped back into Hogwarts.
The Headmaster chuckled merrily as he watched the four boys arrive with the copious bags from Zonkos. "Did you perhaps purchase the Perishable Pillows?" he called to them, as they filed past. "I highly recommend those."
"Not this time," James called back. "Don't worry, we'll get 'em next trip!"
Professor Dumbledore smiled in response, but the person standing beside him wore the exact opposite expression.
" 'Ello Argus!" Sirius smiled cheekily, and all four boys waved at the brooding man.
He looked quite close to tears, as he watched all of the pranking supplies parading past him. "Albus," he said desperately. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
Dumbledore turned toward him. "What? Oh, of course." Raising his voice, he said, "But stay clear of the Fake Wands. They're not worth a sickle." Then he added thoughtfully, "I do believe it's high time somebody invents a realistic one..."
A/N: Okie doke, before I thank my incredibly wonderful reviewers, I would like to note that a very large amount of reviewers have asked to be a part of the Sirius Black Fan Club... so I say, why not? Wanna join? Tell me so in your review. Meeting dates and times are still negotiable.
silverpheonix2- Yes you do have a way with words.. cause I (tried to) update soon! Thanks mucho, I read your story.. awesomeness ; )
Jess- Would they? hehe. Thanks for the review.. and as for keep writing.. I think I shall! : )
Amy Lampion- Wow. That was probably one of the best reviews I've ever gotten, and I thank you endlessly. You made me very very happy.. thanks!
Luna Gypsy- Ah, each update you never fail to leave me an incredible review.. thanks sooo much!
magiclover53- Yup, Sirius rocks! lol, thanks for the wonderful review, it made me feel muy special. Glad you enjoyed it ; )
MilesFromNormal- Yay, I'm very happy that you found it humorous.. sometimes when I write it, it seems funny, but then after I re-read it about a dozen times, I'm like.. how lame. ; ) Thanks! Oh, and I'm sure your story is very awesome, is MilesFromNormal your pen name? I'd like to check it out.
Kari- Thanks! I'm glad you like it, I hurried just for you ; )
Misty Cherry- Oh, glad you like the summary! I'm glad you like the notice board.. hehe. Thanks for the review : )
Hprincess- Thanks for the review! Yupyup, I'll add that in sometime within the next couple of chapters, thanks for the idea by the way!
RavenSiriusBlack- IS BACK!! Ha ha! Woo.. I was about to send out a search party. Honestly I was. Oh, and Val is not affronted. She knows that you have absolutely no chance ; p Oh, and of course I haven't forgotten you!
P.S.- It's Lily, not Lilly : )
Molly- Yes, I do like that question. Grey eyes? That sucks. I mean, c'mon. Who has grey eyes? In my mind they're still a dazzling blue ; ) Thanks mucho for the review! Oh, and before I forget... Is Sirius flirting with Grace?
EW4eva- lol, yes, I like long reviews.. thanks bunches : )
MidnightPrincess- You guessed right ; ) Thanks for the review.
loadsofwaffle- Yes, I miss her dearly. Let's go swimming!
Hermione1989- Lol, thanks for the review! Yes, hurry up with your story please! Hm. I just realized I haven't written you back yet...
Dulcis Caelum- They're on their way.
Aerandir- Um.. thanks for the Geology lesson! I didn't know that was a country in Africa. Sorry Africa!
dreamlessnights- The next J.K.Rowling? Oh you're much too kind, m'dear! I thank you endlessly : )
Raziel- Don't fret, romance is just around the corner. It's just, I can't start up any romances too early, otherwise there wouldn't be anything left for the later years, right? I promise wholeheartedly that there will soon be sparks and fluff a flying, so no worries : )
FAIRYPRINCESS13- Hey, I'm glad you liked the Snivellus part, thanks for the review!
Midnightawoke2- Erm.. I was a bit confused at your review, but I think it's good, so I'll take it as a compliment ; ) Thanks!
coolkitten2888- Wow, thanks! That was a really awesome review, I really appreciate it : )
Tired of spending hours trying to wake up your friends every morning? Try Perishable Pillows- sure to scare even the soundest sleepers out of the subconscious.