Standing There By You
Chapter 57- The Merry Bloody Holidays, Part Two
A/N: Wow.. this is an extremely long chapter. Sorry... I had a lot of things to say ; ) I hope you enjoy it!
---
Julie released a small breath of frustration as she narrowed her eyes at her sister, both looking stubborn and determined. "Rebecca Catherine Taylor," she said firmly, holding up a very small pair of ivory stockings. "If you don't put these on this very instant--,"
The little girl gave a fresh peal of laughter and wriggled out of her sister's grasp, snatching the stockings and putting them 'round her arms instead. Julie's stern countenance faltered and a reluctant smile evolved. "Rebecca…"
Grace smiled a few feet away, rising from the stairwell she and Lily had been watching upon in amusement. "Hey Julie, do you mind if we explore the place a bit?"
"Go ahead," Julie said distractedly, attempting to recapture her sister. "I'll catch up with you in a little while."
"Sounds good," Grace said, and the two girls moved quickly up the staircase.
"I wonder if they have a library…" said Lily, and Grace groaned, skipping a few steps to leap in front of her. Lily looked up at her confusedly and climbed quickly to catch up. "What did I say?"
---
"Brilliant balcony," Grace said, blue eyes bright as she examined the landing they finally approached. The wide space overlooked a large portion of the house, with only an eloquent wood railing and what appeared to be a dozen meter drop to divide it. "Excellent for practicing quidditch dives."
Lily rolled her eyes, kneeling down to run her fingers over the carvings throughout the rich cherry wood. "It really is amazing," she admired wistfully.
"Tell me about it," Grace leaned against one of the posts, gazing around at her surroundings. "I cannot believe Julie's never mentioned her family being this well-heeled."
"I'd hardly call it that," Julie's voice drifted in behind them. They craned their necks toward her and she appeared at the top of the stairs, smiling slightly. "Especially since I've only ever heard my grandmother use that phrase."
"Plush, swimming, rolling in the clover… However you want to say it, your family's buried in the galleons, Julie." Grace pursed her lips playfully. "And I would've expected a few better Christmas presents from you."
"Really, it's not like that--,"
"Of course it's like that!" She draped her arms across the banister dramatically. "This is a whole new Julie we've never seen before-- this is… Juliana: Dame of affluence and ruler of all that is Cadbury-,"
"My mother is wealthy," Julie interrupted markedly, "but my sister and I live with my dad. This is rare, trust me; she hardly has time for us to visit, and we would never--,"
"You're too modest," Grace said, interested now in a painting that changed gradually to reflect each season.
"Pity you don't see your mum much," Lily added her input, still staring at the fine shapes chiseled along the fixture. "She's delightful."
Julie opened her mouth to respond and then closed it, watching Lily carefully. "Yeah," she said finally, realizing she could hardly explain the faults of her own mother when Lily was still suffering the loss of her own. "Well," she began, switching tactics and turning to address them both. "My mum wants to know if you two brought dresses that would be all right for tonight-- I guess there's going to be a mixture of muggles and wizards attending."
Grace nodded, but Lily frowned. "I only brought dress robes."
"It's all right," Julie waved her hand at the both of them and gestured toward the stairs. "Mum said she had a few stored in her room in case you didn't."
"What are we waiting for?" Grace bounced forward. "We've only got twenty-five hours until the ball!"
"Oh boy," Lily smiled at Julie, and together they headed after their much too exuberant friend.
---
Three young Soldiers of Justice arise early on this Christmas Eve of One-Nine-Seventy-Four, braving the harsh adjustment of abandoning their cotton sheet havens before the stroke of ten ante meridiem, and risking the heinous crime of skipping the most important meal of the day. Anything for their fellow soldier, who currently sits as a captive P.O.W. in the miserable dwellings of 12 Grimmauld Place, London.
"James," Soldier of Justice number two addresses the leader, "You're acting loony. What are you doing?"
James looked up from his parchment, tapping a quill to his chin. "I told you, Remus, I'm documenting our rescue mission for Sirius-- he'll enjoy it, you know, and besides… I need something else to give him for Christmas."
"You're the leader?" Peter asked, pointing to the last line of the sketchy account.
"Of course," said James, returning to his parchment.
Remus raised a brow dubiously. "I notice you didn't include the part where the leader had to be woken up six times by soldier number two, until he finally rolled off the bed and couldn't find his way out of the tangle of sheets."
"Ah, the rewards of being an author."
Remus rolled his eyes and stood up to fetch the plans they had formulated that morning. "We're going to fly up to his bedroom window, then? What if he stays on the first floor the whole evening?"
James finished jotting down a few key words on his parchment before responding to Remus. "Then we'll just have to stay outside his bedroom window the whole evening, eh?"
Peter looked forlorn. "Perhaps we should bring a bit of food for dinner."
James clapped his friend on the back. "That is exactly the kind of comment that makes you Soldier of Justice number three, Pete."
---
Bright and early, as Grace's tenacious good morning had demanded, the three girls set off to the dining room for a very quick and anxious breakfast.
"Morning girls," bid Julie's mother, not pausing to chat as she sped past the table. "Warren," she said sharply, waving to a man balancing a dozen silver trays with one hand and clutching three overflowing bags with the other, "the decorations in the hall, have you exchanged the crimson tablecloths for ruby? That combination preceding it clashed dreadfully."
"I'm on it, Miss," he nodded a feeble head at Marietta as he continued to trot unsteadily in the same direction.
"Mum always goes in a bit of a state before a party," said Julie, occupied more so with her French toast than the hectic happenings around her.
Grace gazed at Marietta with wide eyes as the woman strode this way and that, giving orders and going over meticulous details aloud. "I can tell…"
Lily took in the sight before her as well, but gave a small shrug as she followed the frenetic lady with her eyes. "Well you can't blame her," she reached for a strawberry and popped it into her mouth. "She's got a huge amount to deal with."
"That's right," chimed Marietta, slightly breathless as she made a brief point to pat Lily on the shoulder. "But Lily dear, stop by my room for a moment after you're finished with breakfast-- Julie mentioned you're in need of a dress and I do believe I have just the thing for you."
A smile tweaked the corner of Lily's lips. "All right," she said, and Marietta swiveled around to return to her feverish preparations.
"When is everyone supposed to arrive?" asked Grace, pouring syrup generously onto her stack of pancakes.
Julie shrugged. "Not until later this evening. There's not so much a problem of guests showing up too early; mostly you have to be worried about the few that like to linger around until dawn."
"Well I'm off, then," said Lily, cramming the last bite of bacon into her mouth. "See you in a bit."
"Geez, Lily," Grace admonished, "You downed your entire meal in less than five minutes."
Lily wiped her mouth with a napkin and set it back down, scooting out of her chair. "I was hungry," she told them, standing up. "Well, I'll meet up with you guys a little later; I don't want to keep your mum waiting, Julie."
"Right," Julie replied from above a heaping pile of eggs. "See you then."
After following a grandeur staircase for two flights, Lily weaved her way through several long hallways and finally found herself standing before the ornate door Julie had pointed out earlier leading to Marietta's room. She lifted her hand to knock on the door, but before she could a familiar charismatic voice called to her from down the hall.
"Go in, dear!" Marietta insisted. "I'll be there in just a moment!"
With a nod Lily turned the knob and pushed open the door; she was welcomed by a magnificent room that greeted her warmly with rich burgundies and striking white accents-- taken aback by the enormity and elegance of the area, she entered the room in awe as her gaze flicked this way and that. Finally she perched on the end of a bed that stood out against the carpet stunningly, careful not to wrinkle or crease any part of the silk laden mattress as she did so.
"All right then," Marietta greeted hastily, smiling broadly as she stepped through the doorway. In a few swift strides she made her way to a door on the other side of the room, which led to what Lily assumed to be an immense walk-in closet. "Here we go," she said, reappearing with a satin gold dress in tow. Holding it up to Lily, she gave a delighted gasp. "Oh, just as I thought- it looks striking against those auburn locks of yours. What do you think?"
Lily's eyes sparkled as she looked back up at Marietta. Julie had been wonderful this past year-- immediately taking her into accommodations that had been just what she needed, and Mr. Taylor not hesitating at all to welcome her warmly. But as she stood with this remarkable lady, Lily felt a sudden sensation soar through her that arose so passionately it served to momentarily fill the hole that had come with the loss of her own mother. "It's gorgeous," Lily whispered, and Marietta smiled.
"I know I have a necklace somewhere that would go beautifully…" She searched through a cherry-colored jewelry box, "Ah, here we go!" Pulling out a string of delicate pearls, she wrapped the band around Lily's neck and pushed aside her hair to fasten the ends. "Stunning," she marveled.
"Honestly, Lily!" a voice declared from the doorway. Lily's head whipped upwards to view her two friends watching her from the hall. Grace grinned and stepped forward. "You look like a movie star!"
"Yeah," Julie smiled broadly. "Really pretty."
"Isn't she though?" Marietta gave Lily a grin before turning to face her daughter. "Did you find that sage ensemble I left out for you?" Julie nodded, and she took the dress back from Lily, holding it up. "I originally had this gold dress ordered for you, but the shade would just wash out your complexion terribly, no?" She began to return the outfit to its hanger. "Well let me know if either of you need any alterations, I have to get back downstairs… Half the staff has no idea what they're doing, honestly. Have fun tonight, ladies!"
"We will," they promised, and set off to begin getting ready.
Sirius exhaled deeply. Finally, he had found a spot where no elf-decapitating aunt or muggle hunting cousin could bother him; a nook beside a half-opened closet door was hardly visible to anyone that wasn't thoroughly searching. He settled in as comfortably as he could, balancing a plate of numerous crackers and other bits of food. Picking up a small portion, he inspected it for a few moments before popping it into his mouth.
"I wouldn't eat that if I were you."
Sirius looked up from his admittedly pasty hors d'oeuvre to find his cousin smiling brightly down at him. "Andromeda!" he exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm, standing up to hug her with the hand that wasn't holding his uneaten cracker. "Thank Merlin, I was going to claw my eyes out if another sane person didn't show up soon."
"Yes well, you'd better appreciate it," she smiled teasingly, taking a seat beside him. "I thought I'd show up for a few minutes to see how you're managing."
"You aren't going to stay?" Sirius asked, offering her a tiny lamb and mint taster. He was surprised-- his cousin was certainly of age, but even still her parents would hardly let her hear the end of it if she skived off one of these parties.
Andromeda shook her head, dark hair brushing slumped shoulders as she did so. "I can't, Sirius," she laughed weakly. "Adults are a… tad peeved at me."
"Welcome to the club," said Sirius, grinning. "What did you do, save a drowning muggle or something?"
"Much worse," she whispered, smiling meekly as her eyes shone bright. "I got engaged to one."
Sirius nearly choked on his cracker. "Engaged?" he admonished, half laughing. "What are you, nutters?"
Andromeda frowned, her usual upbeat countenance now terribly despondent. "Not you too, Sirius," she pleaded. "I know you're only 15, but I thought of all people--,"
"Oh, no," he started abruptly, "I'm not questioning his background-- you know I don't care if he's muggle-born. I was just surprised you've decided to throw on the old ball and chain while still in the prime of your life, is all. I've always thought of marriage as a sort of last resort- you know, when you recognize you're on the verge of getting wrinkly and vulgar looking so you snatch someone before it's too late."
Andromeda laughed. "That's one way of looking at it," she said lightly. Her expression turned to a slightly more serious one. "He really is the one though, I'm sure of it. But the family's been beyond horrid, as I'm sure you can imagine. I know I shouldn't care about them and their mad opinions, but…"
"Yeah," Sirius agreed darkly, well acquainted with their family's judgmental beliefs and the aggravation that came with them.
"I've yet to tell them we're anything more than close friends; poor Ted was missing a nose and half his hair by the time he escaped from the house."
Sirius lowered his voice, leaning in toward his cousin. "Would you rather marry someone like these wretched creatures? I'd say someone with half his hair is better than someone with half his brains, like these loons."
"Isn't that the truth?" Andromeda agreed whole-heartedly. She smiled at Sirius as she began to stand up. "Thanks," she said, snatching one of his crackers with one of her usual smirks reappearing. Bending forward, she whispered, "Good luck with this lot, Sirius; try not to go mad before the new term starts."
"I'll try," he said, and winked. "I'll be waiting for an invitation."
Andromeda smiled in response and waved, spinning around to depart before any barmy old witches could stop and scold her. As he watched her leave, Sirius felt a fresh feeling of gloominess settle over him; though he had certainly appreciated the temporary diversion. Just as he decided to brave a trip into the life of the party (a group of witches discussing the best way to behead a fidgeting house-elf) to refill his plate, a pair of wizards sauntered toward him, blocking his way.
"Certainly great," said one man, lifting a glass of rich red liquid to his lips. "But I cannot help questioning how much of an impact he'll have-- wizards have tried before, you know."
Sirius scowled at the unpleasant obstruction, and began contemplating the best way to get around them.
"This isn't just any man," the other wizard said resolutely. "There have been many more attacks than the papers have revealed. You know the Ministry, always covering up as much as they can."
"How do you know about it, then?" the first wizard inquired doubtfully.
Sirius darted to the right of the door quietly, attempting to distract them with the creaking closet door so he could sneak quickly past. Unfortunately neither was tricked and both swerved around swiftly, forcing Sirius to retreat back to his niche of safety and plan otherwise.
The second man shrugged slightly before turning back to his friend. "An acquaintance has… close ties with Voldemort," he said with assurance. "A dozen witches and wizards killed last spring-- happened to work as a volunteer muggle relations organization in connection with the Ministry. And right around this time last year, do you recall the underground train incident? Nearly a hundred muggles murdered…"
Sirius considered the men's heights, finally deciding they were definitely tall enough and he could therefore achieve crawling past them with ease.
"But how can you be sure that wasn't just an accident," the man's friend brushed aside the suggestion. "There's no evidence it was otherwise, is there?"
Only managing to crawl less than half a meter before a rather large woman stepped on his fingers, Sirius forlornly withdrew from his mission and sat to contemplate another approach to his stomach-rumbling predicament.
"No direct evidence," the man said, his voice dropping to emphasize its importance. "But take a look at a few of the people aboard the night it crashed: Leon Hirsch, co-founder of the monetary corporation that has bases in both wizarding and muggle premises; a group of teenagers associated with muggle protest groups; even a few parents of muggle-born children; the Beldon twins' caretakers were unable to be deciphered from the rest of the bits of bodies, and the Evans', a curious pair that beheld a rather particular daughter…"
Sirius had been preparing to dart forward as fast as he could to rid of the men, but the man's last words had caught him off-guard and sent him stumbling into the open door.
"What are you doing back there?" one of the men demanded, poking his head around the door to inspect their intruder.
"I was just- just eating…" Sirius trailed off, feeling too sick to think about food at the moment. "Before, when you were talking about that train crash, you mentioned the Evans- you didn't mean--,"
"Don't listen in on conversations that aren't meant for you to be listening in on in the first place," replied the man snidely. With that said they turned around to depart to the other side of the room, adding in their advice to the ladies discussing the house-elf quandary.
Sirius set aside his plate unconsciously, watching the two men from a distance. There were plenty of Evans's in Britain, and with that bit of information he comforted himself. Somehow, however, he couldn't set aside the horrible internal feeling he had that told him Lily was indeed that 'particular daughter'. With a bit of a shiver he headed across the room unnoticed, starting up the staircase to drown out any more views of these exceptionally revolting people.
---
"Coming Lily?"
The red-head gave a grunt in response as she attempted to strap her shoes. "Almost... I just-- urgh."
"Amazing," Grace shook her head. "She can turn a knut into an exotic fish in an instant, but she trips all over herself trying to secure on her own heels."
"Ha ha," Lily said, finally standing upright. She took several long strides to exit the room. "Come on, let's go-- we're already ten minutes late."
Grace and Julie hurried to catch up with her, and they followed at a fast pace as she lead them around the many twists and turns. "Just because we know how to buckle our shoes…" Grace trailed off as they entered the vast hall designated for the ball. "Wow," she said incredulity.
Julie took the lead and they trailed her, walking slowly to take in all of the grand decorations that dotted the room with elegance. Although they were only a few minutes late the room was already bursting with eloquently dressed guests, many taking to the dance floor and swaying back and forth with their partners.
"This is brilliant!" Grace managed, barely able to suppress a wide grin. "You're such a liar, this isn't drab or boring, it's… brilliant!"
"I'm glad you think so," a voice answered behind them. Marietta grinned at Julie's marveling companions. "Yes, I suppose the finished product is quite lovely."
"Lovely doesn't cover it," prattled Lily. "Heck, nothing could cover it… It really is perfect."
"Why thank you," Marietta responded with an elegant smile. "Julie," she turned to her daughter, "could I have a quick word with you?"
Julie nodded and her friends waved quickly, hurrying to delve into the gorgeous setting.
"Julie," Marietta said, grasping her daughter's forearm and tugging her suddenly in a new direction. "I want you to meet somebody."
"Oh no," Julie said softly, but failed to voice her opinion before her mother was pointing out a tall, handsome boy standing about a dozen feet away.
"There," she said, pushing her forward a bit. "That's the boy I told you I was going to set up a meeting with; he is divine, isn't he?" Before Julie could say anything Marietta grabbed her shoulders and spun her around to face her. "You could do with a bit more color on your lips, and- oh," with a swipe of her fingers she pressed back a few baby hairs that had escaped from Julie's bun. "Good enough, I suppose." She inhaled deeply and straightened out her dress, strengthening her hold on her daughter's arm. "Brennan!" she called charmingly, stepping forward before Julie could protest.
Brennan spun around, revealing a wide, flawless smile and the blazing blue eyes her mother had promised. "Ah Marietta, splendid to see you again." He stepped forward to greet them, clutching her hand amiably. Turning away from her, he grasped Julie's hand and nodded his head. "I expect this is the lovely daughter you've been speaking of?"
"Yes, yes," Marietta ushered Julie forward.
"H-Hi," Julie mustered, after a sharp prompting pinch from her mother. Inspecting the boy at the lesser distance, she recognized him as a Hufflepuff sixth year she had seen roaming the Hogwarts halls on quite a few occasions. Mouth dry with embarrassment, she continued to fill the silence, "I've seen you around school, I think."
"Have you?" he asked, and shrugged.
"Well, I'll just let you two get to know one another," Marietta decided aloud, turning lavishly around. "Guests to attend to, you know."
Brennan took a sip of a red, misting beverage he held dangling from his forefinger and thumb, and smacked his lips together loudly. "Well," he spoke finally, gesturing to the sea of twirling and swooning couples. "I suppose we should dance, then."
"Oh," Julie replied, surprised. "Oh- I, erm, if you... sure! I--"
"Brennan," a voice ascertained from several feet away. A girl with startling, midnight black eyes walked forward with a sly grin spreading across her face. "Fancy meeting you here."
"Ah, de Roux," he smiled, lips spreading farther as she wrapped a slender arm around him in greeting. "You're just ravishing tonight, aren't you?" As the girl unraveled her arm from around his shoulders, he waved a hand to Julie. "Have you met?" he asked.
Julie shook her head, and the girl touched a hand lightly to her shoulder. "My name is Isabelle, splendid to meet you. You don't mind if I steal a dance with this bloke, do you?"
Julie opened her mouth to respond, but it was clearly unnecessary as the two had already started across the room to the dance floor. Looking over his shoulder, Brennan winked. "I'll be back soon," he promised, and proceeded forward.
"Oh- okay!" said Julie, but her voice was drowned out by a sudden burst of loud music and the chattering of many couples. Frowning a bit, she turned away from them and went to obtain a beverage of her own.
---
"Where is he?" groaned Peter, leaning forward on his broomstick.
Remus checked his watch. "It is getting rather late James," he frowned into the darkness, peering at the dusty window they hovered before. "Maybe he's enjoying the party?"
James shook his head. "Trust me," he said adamantly. "I'm sure his parents are just keeping him captive downstairs or something."
Poking his head into a large brown bag, Peter rustled around and moaned gloomily, reappearing empty-handed. "You don't think they have any extra appetizers down there, do you?"
"Wait, what is that?" James said sharply, leaning in toward the window. "I just heard a door; I'll bet that's him! C'mon--," With an abrupt lunge forward James grabbed onto the windowsill, hurrying to tug at it as he attempted to peer inside. "Help me out here," he said, beckoning to his friends. "I can't…"
"This place is horrible," a voice sounded from inside the room. James did a double-take. Instead of the familiar tone of his friend's voice he was expecting, this one sounded particularly… feminine. "Honestly, does this house-elf even dust?"
"I doubt it," came a much deeper voice, and with a start James recognized the older boy. "House-elves are getting harder to control with every passing day."
"Retreat!" James hissed, nearly falling backwards on his broomstick. "Retreat!"
The boys scrambled to acquire the cover of a tall pine tree standing several feet away, barely able to hide behind its many leaves before a hand reached out the window and seized the bottom of it. "What idiot has their window open in the middle of the winter?" The outline of Lucius Malfoy appeared before them, and soon the source of the female's voice did as well.
"I don't know," Narcissa said boredly. "Probably that blasted house-elf. Close it Lucius, I'm freezing."
With a slam the window was secured tightly once more. "Urgh," said Remus, exhaling deeply.
James scratched his head. "We may have gotten the wrong room."
"Why were Lucius and Narcissa in that dark old room by themselves, anyway?" asked Peter, following James as he soared upwards to inspect the other bedroom windows.
Remus ascended after them, mumbling, "I'm not so sure you want to go there, Pete."
---
"Grace!" Lily weaved her way through dozens of chatting witches and wizards, eyes bright as she made her way toward her sociable friend. The girl had only been alone five minutes and was already partaking in a lively conversation with several people who looked around their age.
"Oh, hi Lily," Grace returned merrily, squeezing her way through a pair of dancing guests. "Having a good time, eh?" she grinned and winked, referring to the dance Lily had shared with a fine looking boy only moments before.
"Not bad," she admitted, smiling. "Have you seen Julie recently?"
"No," Grace shook her head.
"Hmm…" Lily nodded toward a cluster of people and started toward them. "Maybe she's over there."
The two girls made their way slowly through the dense crowd, finally reaching the end of it but never spotting Julie. "Where do you think she is?" asked Lily, but before Grace could answer she discovered her friend sitting on the large nearby staircase. "Over there!"
"Julie!" they greeted breathlessly, hurrying toward their friend.
Julie looked up from the step she was perched upon. "Oh, hello," she said, lowering her goblet and smiling softly up at them. "Having a good time?"
"Very," Grace responded heartily. "Not as much as you though…" she winked. "Saw you chatting with a particularly handsome chap earlier."
Julie laughed weakly. "Right..."
"I think that's great!" said Lily. "I've actually found it to be rather enjoyable sharing a quick dance with a boy or two."
"Remus is a wonderful boy, Remus is a wonderful boy," Grace reminded herself with effort, attempting to disregard the abundance of attractive boys around her.
"Yeah, I suppose it is enjoyable," Julie said with a slight nod. In truth as soon as Brennan was through dancing with one girl there was always another to immediately replace her, and lacking the nerve to approach him she had remained on the stairs for nearly the entire time.
"I can't believe you called this tedious," Grace chided, leaning against a pillar.
Julie laughed faintly, distracted as she viewed a familiar figure making her way toward her. "I-- I'm going to the restroom," she said hastily. Before her friends could respond she was darting across the hall, only resting when she had safely reached the other side. With a final glance around the ballroom, she slipped up the grand staircase and made her way upstairs before anyone could take notice.
"Hello girls," said Marietta, vivid eyes searching the ballroom. "Have either of you seen my daughter?"
"She just left," Lily told her. "She'll be right back, though."
"Hmm, all right." Marietta glanced around her once more. "Well, do let me know when she returns; I want to have a little chat with her… See how things are going."
"All right," the girls nodded, and with a flip of her black shawl Marietta disappeared into the crowd once more.
---
Sirius paced his room, trying to sort out everything that was buzzing incessantly in his mind. This Voldemort- this man, this thing was not just some fleeting rogue, he was the real thing. He had heard his parents conversing over tea for years now about wizards that were wretched but merely transitory; on the contrary this man certainly had wits about him if all the old wizard had said before was true. As opposed to venting his anger, pacing seemed to be making it build up and multiply, especially when he thought of the lazy way his parents and their friends had been speaking of the matter. He kicked his bedpost with the tip of his shoe, imagining it to be one of their ugly, indifferent faces. He winced in pain as the indifferent face gave him a throbbing, stubbed toe.
"Sirius!"
The boy's head whipped up, and his mouth dropped open in unavoidable surprise as he found three quarters of the Marauders hovering by the window. "What…?"
Peter puffed up his chest. "We're here to save you!" he said valiantly.
James propped the window up with his broomstick and slipped through. "Hello. Ready then?"
Beside him Remus shook his head. "You didn't even ask if he wanted to be rescued; maybe he's having a good time, or doesn't think it would be best to leave--,"
"Let me fetch my broomstick," Sirius interrupted, darting to the other side of his bedroom. Tossing all of his items untidily into his trunk, he looked at James. "Do you think we could all grab an end of this?"
"Sure," James said, as Peter poked his head into the room.
"Do you have any--,"
"The food's disgusting here, Pete." Sirius shook his head. "You'd be better off just waiting."
"Well come on then," Remus instructed, taking James's broomstick out from under the window and holding it up with an outstretched hand. He waited until James crept out and settled on his broomstick before reaching out to help Sirius slip out his trunk.
"Are you sure you can carry this?" Sirius asked, shoving the trunk forward with all of his might.
"We can flag the Knight Bus down just a few blocks over," James told him. "It's not a long walk."
With one last push the trunk was out the window, all of the boys hastily grabbing a part of it. Sirius followed quickly after, clutching the sinking end and ascending to the level his friends were at. "Let's go then," said James, and lead the way as the boys awkwardly and very slowly followed.
Finally reaching the road they set the trunk down roughly, and James pulled out his wand to flag down the bus. Sirius kneeled onto the curb. "Thanks," he said, feeling more comfortable sitting in an inch of snow than he ever had in Grimmauld Place.
"No problem, mate." James waved his wand swiftly above him. With a smirk he looked down at Sirius. "We just came because I couldn't remember where you stashed the food."
"Right," he responded, nodding. "It's in the drawer I keep my boxers."
Remus rolled his eyes. "This birthday just keeps getting better and better."
---
"Julie?"
Julie looked up at the whispered beckon; Lily's outline was visible against the dim moonlight. "I'm here," she said, sitting up on her bed.
A light flicked on and Grace appeared as well. "Have you been up here all this time? We've been searching for you for ages!"
"Sorry," Julie pulled the covers back over her. "I just came up here a little while ago… It's been a long day, you know."
"Oh," Lily said, gazing at her. "Well all right, then. I suppose we should get into our pajamas too." The girls waved their goodnight as Lily shut off the light, sending her friend a smile and disappearing back into the hall.
Julie rolled over onto her side. In truth, she had departed from the ball so quickly that in her haste and disorientation she had flown right to her bed without even changing into her pajamas. It wasn't as if the night had been all that terrible-- she could've certainly enjoyed herself if she had only remained with Lily and Grace. But speaking with her mum was a different story; Brennan ignoring her was not exactly a boost to the self-esteem, but Marietta inquiring about it would've made her feel so low she wasn't sure she could stand it.
With one quick, decisive motion Julie sat up and swung her legs over the mattress, hopped off her bed and headed toward a set of drawers. Pulling out an old tank top and a warm pair of flannel pants, she dressed quickly before heading to the bathroom to wash up.
"Julie, hey," an unexpected voice caught her off-guard.
"Oh," Julie caught her breath, a bit shaken. "Hi Brennan."
Expecting him to nod and continue walking in the same direction he had been, Julie was surprised when he remained standing where he was, blocking her way to the other end of the hall. "I'm glad I caught you," said Brennan, leaning against her doorframe. "I wanted to apologize for not spending more time with you tonight."
"Oh," Julie laughed nervously, unsettled by how near he was standing. "It's all right, really. I have to go wash up though, so…"
Brennan shifted closer and Julie's stomach lurched unpleasantly; she could smell a great amount of the misting beverage he had been drinking before.
"Well- well okay, I really have to…" Julie trailed off and gulped hard, frightened now by his much-too-close proximity and her sudden inability to move.
"Don't be foolish," Brennan said quietly. "I've got to make it up to you."
Before Julie knew it, his lips were pressing uncomfortably hard onto her own and her heart pounded against her ribcage as his hand grasped her shoulder with an amount of strength incomparable to her own petite self.
He drew back for a moment, but Julie hardly had a chance to catch her breath before he was pulling her toward him once more. "What are you doing?" Julie managed to gasp, but Brennan gave her no heed. She felt tears burn her eyes as she attempted to free herself from his resolute hold.
"Oh!" A surprised voice called behind them.
Brennan immediately withdrew his strong grip, smoothly stepping back. "Miss Aubine," he said, looking flushed. "Sorry, I--,"
"Oh no, no it's fine!" Marietta flashed them a grin. "Don't let me bother you two!"
"That's all right," Brennan took a few steps backwards and nodded at each of them. "I'm sure my parents will be waiting… Goodnight."
A few moments after Brennan disappeared down the hall, Marietta turned to Julie. "Well, well," she said with delight. "Looks like I picked a good one out after all."
It took a couple of seconds for Julie to find her voice. "Mum," she started shakily, "I-I didn't want to kiss him."
"What do you mean dear? He's handsome enough."
"He ignored me the whole night," Julie explained, slightly frantic. "And then he forced me... I didn't even-- it was really rough, mum. I don't know when he was going to stop."
"Don't be ridiculous," Marietta snapped, a harsh tone replacing her previously sweet one. "He's a respectable boy, you should be happy he even wanted to kiss you."
With a jerk of her head Marietta swiftly passed her daughter and re-commenced walking down the hall, her stinging words echoing in Julie's mind as fresh tears rose to her eyes.
"Oh--," Julie felt someone bump into her side. Quickly blinking to rid of any evidence of tears before she turned around, she was met with a smiling Lily and hurried to smile back. "Sorry," Lily said, stepping back. "I thought I heard someone talking out here but I wasn't sure."
Julie cleared her throat. "Oh, yeah," she attempted to look indifferent. "I was just talking with my mum."
"Were you?" Lily craned her neck to peer down the hall. "Darn, I would've liked to catch up with her. I wanted to thank her again for tonight… she really was wonderful letting us come, wasn't she?"
Julie's mind was hazy as she made to respond. "Yeah, she was."
"Well I'll let you get back to bed…" Lily smiled at her one last time before continuing down the hallway, leaving Julie alone once again. Slinking back into her bedroom and leaning against the door, she fought to pull herself together and suppress any harsh feelings her mother had brought about. This year was going to be different, she decided. O.W.L.s were coming up and career planning as well, which left many opportunities for her to strike her mother as a daughter she thought sufficient enough to pass as her own.
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A/N: Phew, it's over! Well the chapter is, anyway... The story still has a long way to go. Ooh so several of you mentioned you'd be interested in joining a chat with me and beta concerning the sixth book, so if you still are leave your aim (sorry that's the only messenger we have).
Also I don't know if you noticed, but I upped the rating to T (which is basically pg-13) mostly because I'm paranoid and unsure which content is 'unsuitable for young children'.
Avovisto- I'm glad you were okay with the length, this one is longer so it sort of makes up for the last one, hopefully. Thanks bunches for the review!
Hazel Maraa- Yes, yes, it was very sad indeed : ( I'm glad you enjoyed my story though! Thanks for reading : )
Sweet Sarcasm- Woohoo, comment my livejournal! Hmm maybe I should update it… Thanks for the review!
Lilypad-7879- Hehe, glad I could please you so much with an update : ) Yeah it was pretty confusing with Slughorn, I'm not sure if I should put him in or if it's too late… Well anyway thanks very much for the review, I appreciate it!
DisastaMasta/Forget-me-not- Wow, you really liked the sixth book! Lol I thought it was really different, and I think I need the seventh book to actually tell how I feel about it. I'm really, really hoping there's a twist with Snape… but anyway thanks for the review!
Zippyfox- I'm glad you're lovin' it! Hehe, I feel the same way pretty much about the sixth book, there were some very shocking parts. Thanks so much for the review, I really appreciate it!
M-girls- Very happy you're enjoying it, thanks for the always reliable reviews : )
Panting Slightly- I'm glad my chapter could wake you up; 9:30 is a sad hour to be awake in the summertime. It's awesome I could make you laugh, I really love hearing that! Thanks so much for the review: )
OmnipotentOtter- Sorry about your partner quitting on your story : ( If you ever need anyone to help with a fic you can always e-mail me. Thanks so much for recommending my story to a couple people, I really appreciate it!
The Big Dance- Aw thanks, I'm really glad you like it : ) I appreciate the input and enthusiasm, it really helps a lot!
Spork Princess- I'm glad you liked the part with the Marauders, I hope you enjoyed this chapter too. The reviews are immensely appreciated, thanks so much!
Dragon Rider22- Ooh it was a bust out : ) Who'd want to party with the Blacks? Hehe… I hope you enjoyed it, thanks for the review!
Rhiawoods- Hmm I'm really thinking (and hoping) there will be a twist with the whole Snape thing, I don't think JKR would just leave it at that, you know? I liked the part with Malfoy too; it was nice to see such a change of character. Lol you're right, it was nice with him being not such a sadistic teenager in this one ; )
Highlandhottie- I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter… hehe I liked the 'Won Won' part too. : p
Erisedxdesire- It's okay you didn't review the last chapter, thanks for reviewing this one though! Yes I was pretty happy that there was no James/Lily info to spoil the fic, though I wouldn't have minded a bit more goodies about them. Thanks for the review, I appreciate it!
MooningOverMoony- Hmm I know what you mean, a lot of fanfics seem to be at a standstill right now, I haven't read many in a while. I'll letcha know if beta has any though, thanks for the review!
BlueSeal- Hi! I'm so sad you're leaving for college : ( I hope we can still stay in touch! Thanks bunches for the review.
Hermione Puckle- Hehe I'm glad you're enjoying the story, thanks for letting me know with a review : ) I hope you liked this chapter too, talk to you next update!
Dance-flirt- Lol I didn't know your review responses were short. Hmm nope Sirius didn't get chased by any geese, thankfully. I hope you enjoyed the ball scene and the rest of the chapter, thanks for the review!
Ieyre- I'm glad you liked the Black family parts of the chapter, I hope you liked these too. Thanks so much for the review, yours are always truly treasured : )
NikkyB- Hehe I'm happy I could distract you from your boring studies (I had physics last year, it's tough). Thanks for the awesome review, I really appreciate it!
Melfster- Thanks for the positive review, I'm glad you're enjoying the different aspects of the story.
Sapphire039- I'm glad you liked the Cheerless Chronicles : ) Ooh okay, review with your screen name so I can invite you to the chat!
xoGossipGirlox- Lol everyone's asking about Julie and Sirius, but I must say in the story they're not at the same levels and it wouldn't really fit. Though there will be another love interest entering soon… ; ) Thanks for the review!
DeppGirl14- Ooh that guy was sooo handsome in Moulin Rouge… Not to mention an incredible singer. I wonder if Remus had a good singing voice? Hehe. Hmm I wonder who you're going to choose for Peter…
Mystikalolo- I'm glad you see the characters the same way I do, and also that I could capture them for you : ) Hmm good suspicions about Julie's mom… I hope this was updated quickly enough for you, thanks for the review!
May Olivia- Aw hehe, I'm glad you're enjoying it so much because I'm really enjoying your reviews! Thanks for the consistently positive in-put, I really appreciate it!
EilayAdnayVolieay- Hmm what was your penname before? Oh man, I was thinking the exact same thing: it would've been so awesome if Harry could've gone to a memory that involved his parents. Wow your review was so incredibly great… I'm sure I don't deserve all of those awesome words, but thanks either way : ) Ooh that would've been great with a Christmas present, unfortunately the chapter's already 16 pages long so I don't think it'd be good to add anymore, hehe. Thanks so much for the review!
Sttepph- Thanks, I'm happy you enjoyed the chapter and Remus's way of thinking. I hope you liked this chapter too!
Melissa- Oh how your flatter me! It's awesome enough to hear people are recommending my story, but suggested me to write a novel is just mind-boggling! Thanks so much for making me feel incredible!
Hershey.xoxo.Kisses- Ooh I'll be sure to check out your story as soon as I get this uploaded. Thanks bunches for the review!
Mystic Madness- Thanks for the enthusiastic review! Keep on going I shall : )
I-Lurve-Harry-and-Ron- Thanks a lot, I'm glad you liked it!
KicKstand- Hehe I like your interesting pennames. Ooh I like the way you think… anything to meet Rupert Grint! Though I'm not too fond of how long his hair has gotten. Have you seen the previews for The Goblet of Fire?
Juicilyn- I'm glad you liked the way I portrayed Sirius and his family, and that you don't like Juile's mom either ; ) Yes it was definitely a crazy book, very sad too! Thanks so much for the enthusiastic review!
Sarah Warder- Yes Dietrich is German, I got if off one of their sites ; ) Hmm maybe I will do a preface… I'll talk to beta about that. Thanks for the suggestions!
Eyes of sky- Lol… Sorry again about that mess up, thanks for the geography check!
DestinyofInsanity- Aw, I'm glad you and IamSiriusgrl still talk. Ooh a guy… wow she found one quick! Hehe well thanks for the review, much appreciated!
Windowseat Wonderer- Happy you liked it! Good, good, 'perfectly horrid' is exactly how Sirius's parents should be described. Thanks a lot for the review!
Punkgirl19892007- Glad you like the story, hmm the Harry Potter candy was just from a drug store, and a beta is someone that checks over your story for grammar mistakes and gives suggestions.
Tennislvr1904- Well I do enjoy tennis, but right now we're conditioning for the season so I'm very achy. Thanks mucho for the review!
Armith-Greenleaf- Hello! You have to wait for it to get translated? Where do you live, if you don't mind me asking? Well I'm really glad you enjoyed all of the chapters, thanks for sharing it with me!
Kat44- Yes, a friend like Remus does sound nice. (Mm and the whipped cream and cherry too : p) Thanks so much for the review, I always love 'em!
Sallymander- I'm glad you liked it so much! Thanks for letting me know : )
Faerielights804- Hehe, I'm happy you enjoyed the first couple of chapters; I hope you liked the rest too!
ZebraStripedFlamingo- Ah yes, the cat must watch out when Julie's mom is around. Hehe, I hope this chapter was updated quickly enough, thanks for the review!
Future-Mrs-Potter- Hi! I'm really glad you enjoyed the chapter, ahh yes… love the screen name! Which Potter are you hoping to marry, exactly? You'd have to fight the wrath of a red-head either way ; ) Thanks for the review!
KaylaAyleen- Hmm I don't really understand why Lucious couldn't be in Hogwarts, because if Narcissa was younger than him then it would work out with Andromeda being younger too. It's all very confusing… ah well, I might've missed something somewhere.
MissBlack- I'm glad you liked the way I portrayed Lily and James and their relationship, thanks so much for the input!
Sblomie- Oh no… three viruses? I had two and I could hardly stand it. Ugh yeah I know what you mean about having a love/hate feeling about the sixth book… I'm hoping for a twist in the seventh. Thanks so much for the review, I truly love 'em!
Abby- I'm glad this chapter met your expectations, thanks for the review and I hope you had fun on vacation : )
Purplereader- I'm very pleased you enjoyed it, thanks for the optimistic input : ) Talk to you next update!
Killmenow618- Aww lol, no I really love reading reviews like the one you gave me! I hope you enjoyed it : )
Soyy- Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! The review was much appreciated : )
LittleWriterGirl- Hehe, I'm glad my story could hold your attention, thanks for all of the positive feedback : ) I hope you enjoyed the chapter!