Ch. 6, Time Filler, The Train and Sorting

To Remus' disappointment, and Jane's delight (in case you haven't figured it out, she doesn't like Remus) Vera stayed in shy mode for the next few days. She tended to the owl, which she had named Lightning. She didn't let anyone that she wasn't sure was magic in her room, because she had put a shield charm on his wing to prevent further injury.

Whenever there was a beach party, Jane (who loved the water) filled in for Lily, who had developed a fear of water ever since her 'accident'.

Lily, at the moment, was doing homework, while explaining it to Vera, so she would have an idea of what to expect from the teachers. Then, the girls decided to go to Diagon Alley, (at much protest from Vera) together, to get their school stuff.

After Lily had described all the stores, Jane was insistent of going to the Diagon Alley branch of Honeydukes. Then, to the branch of Zonkos. But Lily told them they should get their school stuff first, so they would know how much money they had left to get 'perks'.

When they entered Flourish and Blotts, Lily laughed at Vera's reaction. Her mouth had dropped right open at the sheer amount of books.

"Yeah, wait 'till you see the Hogwarts library." Lily said jokingly. They all bought their needed (Jane) wanted (Lily) and Herbology and Potions (Vera) books, and left for the other essentials. Lightning had become quite attached to Vera, and it turned out he was smart, and a good pet. So, they stopped at Eelops for Vera to get some owl treats and a proper cage.

As they headed towards Zonkos, there was a roar of laughter that could only be the Marauders. Vera quickly and expertly shrank out of sight. Jane followed, after Lily said that it would be a wonderful prank on them to not have the 'all knowing Marauders' not know of the transfers. Plus, it would make Lupin even more infatuated with Vera if he knew she was a witch. Jane quickly gave Lily a shopping list, and then disappeared, but not as expertly as Vera.

The Marauders looked up in surprise as Lily entered the joke shop. They stared for a while, as she browsed the shelves, picking something out every so often. Then, they walked up to her.

"Lily, you can't use those in front of muggles, and you wouldn't use them at Hogwarts, now would you?" Sirius teased.

Lily turned around. She didn't glare at them, but she didn't smile either. Her basket was full of dungbombs, stinkpellets, hair-dye kits, hats that make you get warts, and several other things.

"They aren't all for me. Most are for a friend." she said simply and walked up to the counter.

James thought for a moment. Lily didn't have any friends at school that he knew of. But then, he remembered the different Hogwarts letter.

Dear Mr. Potter,

This letter is to congratulate you on achieving the post of Head Boy. Also, you are reminded that term starts on the 1st of September. The list of required items is included.

Please note that this year Hogwarts will be accepting two transfer students from Beaubattons Academy of Magic. You, and the Head Girl, are to locate them, and assist them into the castle. They will be sorted before the first years. They have been notified of this, and will meet you in the Head compartment. The Head Girl is likely to be with them by the time you get there.

Professor M. McGonnagle, Deputy Headmistress

Was it possible, by the way the letter said, that Lily knew one or more of the transfers? James had just assumed that she was talking about how Lily was much more punctual than himself.

"Who is it? Normally we're the only ones using that sort of thing." he asked before he could stop himself.

Lily shot him a cold look. But, it wasn't a glare. "They don't want to be known yet." she said, and walked up to the counter to pay for her purchases.

James left very happy.

"You didn't learn who the things were for Prongs, why are you so happy?" Sirius asked, attempting to stuff a large trainable fanged frisbee into his pack, to avoid the watchful eyes of Mrs. Potter.

"No, but Lily slipped up. She said 'they'. There are two new transfer students coming this year, do you think she knows them?" he asked.

"Wonderful! That probably means that their girls!" Sirius cried happily.

Remus smacked his friend on the head. He had been very sulky lately, as he did not know that his crush (Vera, incase you haven't guessed) would be attending the famous magic school.

"Owww! Cheer up Moony, your bound to find a bunch of girls at Hogwarts!" Sirius whined. But then, he saw a few pretty girls near the park and ran off to them.

"Yeah...I guess." he said sulkily.

"Come on Remus, it's off to Quality Quidditch Suplies!" James said happily. The boys grinned and ran off to their third favorite store in Diagon Alley, (following Zonkos and Honeydukes) the Quidditch shop.

Meanwhile, Lily had met up with Jane in a small park-like place for shoppers to rest. She wasn't surprised to see Vera up a tree, examining the sprouts on a nearby vine. She found Jane on the bench, flirting with a few random guys. But, unfortunately for her, one of those random guys was Sirius.

"Lily! What are you doing here!" he said, shocked when he saw her. He obviously hadn't recognized Jane yet- she was almost swarming with boys.

But Lily wasn't paying any attention. She grabbed Jane, and yanked on her elbow, ripping her from the crowd of boys. She then hissed furiously in her friend's ear.

"Jane, Sirius Black is here! Get away before you're recognized, unless you want to be part of the Marauder's 'initiating pranks' for the rest of the summer! And remember Vera!"

But Sirius, being the dog that he was, had very good hearing. Not as good as Remus', but enough to hear Jane's name.

"Jane? Jane Parker from Oakville?" he asked before the girls could rush away.

Lily swore softly. Then, admitting defeat, they turned around from their mad rush to get out of the way.

"Listen Black, if a word of this reaches the ears of either James or Remus before they have to know, you'll have a lot more to worry about than keeping mere dignity." she warned, then took off at a brisk pace with Jane at her heals. Sirius barely saw Vera slip expertly from the tree and follow them. He was to stunned to think. Muggles couldn't get into Diagon Alley, so they must have a slightest bit of magic blood in them. Then, him being smart for once and putting two plus two together, deducted that they must be the new transfer students.

Just as Sirius was about to go and tell his friends his new discovery, Lily's warning floated back into his head. He paled slightly, now knowing that Lily can and will carry out her threats. He hated keeping things from James and Remus. Especially James, since he was like a brother to him. But as Lily's warning ran over and over in his head, he decided against telling the other Marauders, and then ran off to the Quidditch shop.

August 31st, 7:30 pm

Weeks had slipped by, like someone trying to hold firmly to a bar of soap. Jane and Lily were discussing the first prank on the Marauders.

"But it won't be much of a surprise, will it? Sirius knows, James is Head Boy, so the only one left is Remus." Lily explained sadly.

But that was fine with Jane. She really didn't like Remus, she had seen him flirting a little in Diagon Alley, which he shouldn't be doing if he had a crush on Vera. She didn't take time to think that he was probably trying to get over her, because he didn't think that she would be coming to Hogwarts.

So Jane had come up with a plan. Vera was un-experienced when it came to boys, and therefor might feel a slight attraction to Lupin. If Vera gave any hint of this while they were in Hogwarts, Jane would put her plan into action. Jane wanted Vera's first kiss to be with someone with whom she would have a long, loving relationship, then leave, but on good terms.

"Still," Jane said, "they've pranked you enough by the sounds of it, and Black was startled enough in Diagon Alley. And Potter will be too, in the Head's compartment. We'll get to the train early, say, 10, and we can convince James not to tell. Lupin will still get a complete surprise during the sorting. How does it go again?" She asked, trying to change the subject. Vera had left to get some Haydora something from the mountain top.

"You'll enter the Great Hall with me," Lily explained, "through the side door. Everyone will be seated already, and then Professor Dumbledore will make an announcement explaining about the transfer students and all that stuff. Then, you'll be called first, since you're first name is alphabetically before Vera. You put on the sorting hat, and he decided which house you'll live in, based on you're personality. Don't worry, the Marauders hardly ever pay attention during the sorting." she explained for the hundredth time. Vera had returned, and was now setting some flower petals in the moonlight in a strainer.

But the cauldron that had an empty bag of leaves, an empty jar of pollen, a half filled crystal bottle, and a knife with some root remains now smelled like a mix of rotten eggs and dog business. It was brown, and turned a bubbly grey when she added a single drop of something from a dropper. Lily couldn't contain her curiosity any longer.

"Um, Vera, what is that?" Lily said. Her voice sounded more nasal, because she had plugged her nose.

Vera smiled. She had plainly been waiting for them to ask. "It's almost the best all-purpose healing potion you'll find anywhere. Normally it's just like this, and is a good antidote to many uncommon poisons. But when I add that," she gestured to the petals, which were shriveling under the moonlight. A golden nectar was dropping from the shriveled petals into the strainer. "It will heal almost anything, cuts, broken bones, I find the aroma even helps people relax." she said, stirring the cauldron happily. There was a piece of parchment that was scribbled in Vera's own handwriting, plainly, she had invented this potion herself.

"When will it be ready?" Lily asked again. Jane seemed to be absorbed in her own thoughts, having seen this many times before. The parchment was old and torn, so it has been used many times.

But Vera seemed happy at all these questions. "As soon as I add the nectar."

Consequentially, at midnight, there was no more petals to get nectar from. So, Vera took to small bowl with the nectar in it, and poured it into the rancid smelling, putrid looking potion. It immediately turned the same gold shade as the nectar, and smelled like the small sprig of mint she had placed in near the beginning. Smiling, she poured some into a thumb-sized bottle, that was on a chain. She 'put a cork in it' and placed it around her neck. She ladled the rest into a crystal bottle, then put it gently in her pouch.

Sirius had not spoken a word of his sightings to James or Remus. He preferred his dignity intact, thank you very much. Anyway, since it was 10:30, the boys were beginning to pack. They therefor had other things to worry about.

"Moony! Have you seen my socks? You know, the ones with the snitches?" James shouted from the other end of the room, as though it was a Quidditch field.

"You're wearing them!" Remus shouted back, but not as loudly.

James looked down at his feet. Sure enough, there they were. "Oh yeah! Thanks Moony!" he shouted.

However, Sirius himself was already packed. You see, he didn't have either Lily, or Vera to daydream about. It was a first in history.

Then, Mrs Potter came in, to see only one heck of a mess. Things were flying everywhere as the other two boys tried to find things that they had left behind. She rolled her eyes, like this was normal, and blew a whistle she had just conjured. Everything stopped.

"You boys are going to be late for the train! Don't worry if you forget anything, we'll send it on! Now hurry!"

The boys ended up on the train at 10:55. They went to their 'socially un-said but reserved' compartment, which was empty.

"Listen guys, I got to go meet the new transfers, good luck fending off the ladies Padfoot! And Remus, I'm going to say don't be late, just so I can tell Lily I said it, okay?" James said as soon as he got his trunk in the rafters.

The girls had gotten into the Head's compartment without seeing many people. Now, Jane was reading a magazine, Vera was reading her Herbology textbook, and Lily was reading 'Highly Advanced Charms for the Gifted' which was personally suggested by Professor Flitwick last year.

Then, the compartment door slid open. Lily looked up from her book, as did the other two. James stepped back in surprise.

"Parker Twins!" he said.

Jane scowled. "We do have names, you know." she said coldly. Vera had just gone back to reading her book.

"Listen James," Lily started, "we want to surprise the other two Marauders, so er... please shut your trap." Lily said, trying very hard to be nice.

After a while, James agreed he wouldn't say anything. The prefects meeting was un-eventful because the two twins stayed out of sight.

Then, using a charm she had learned from her book, Lily set a charm on the compartment doors so that nobody could enter without her consent. Then, each twin had a sort of battle with their conscience.

Jane's POV

(Bold italic is the conscience, while normal type is Jane's thoughts)

Well, so far so good. She's just being her shy self.

But that sucks!

What? Who was that? Whoever you are, get out of my head!

Sorry, no can do.

Why the heck not!

Because I'm your conscience. Whenever you make a bad or risky choice, I get to pop up and annoy you into re-thinking your choice!

Well then leave! I've made a perfectly fine choice, and if Vera shows the slightest bit of attraction to that player then I'm going through with it!

Don't you think that she's old enough to make her own decisions? Remember the mountain lioness, she saved both yours and Lily's lives! All because she took a risk!

One that she shouldn't have taken! She should have gone for help, and been safe! Besides, the two things are completely un-related!

Not as much as you might think! She can look after herself, and she doesn't need you to look out for her, for her entire life! She can kick some serious behind when she wants!

Yes, but I won't let her get hurt! Lupin would be much stronger than her, if he tried to over-power her...

Now your just being paranoid.

Maybe I am but it's still possible!

Okay, I'm going now, but I'll be back! You can count on it, especially if you try your plan!

Vera's POV

Erugh! Why am I so shy?!?!?!

Because of the accident.

Oh. It's you again.

Gee, you sound so happy. I feel loved. First I go to your sister and try to talk some sense into her, and I have forgotten that she has never heard me before.

So, what have I done wrong this time?

Same as every time dear. You focus too much on wanting your sister happy. Be a little selfish for a change!

But I'm happy! Isn't that enough?

Can you honestly tell me that your happy? You can't do all that your sister tells you! Remember the lioness, if you had known in advance that it was going to happen, and asked Jane whether or not you should put yourself at risk to save both Lily and her lives, she would have said no and we wouldn't be talking now.

But I wasn't being selfish there at all!

That's beyond the point. You did something that Jane didn't agree with, something that, in the end, made you feel good! If something came along that made you feel special, wanted,... like a crush... I don't think you would want to wait for Jane's consent!

What are you implying?

Who, me? Implying something? How dare you! You should know me better by now!

My point exactly. Besides, nobody likes me, I'm too shy.

Even if someone with a crush on you, who makes you feel special, wanted, and loved, came along? CoughRemusLupincough.

But Lily said he's a player!

You don't even know him! What if he simply only has short relationships because he doesn't want anybody close to him?

You mean like Lily?

Yes!

But then what difference will I make? To him, I could just be another girl. I shouldn't worry about this, it's not possible and Jane would never let me! Let alone him!

You're just to stubborn. Okay, I'll leave now, and go bug Remus. I'm a conscience, I can bug whomever I want. But I'll be back, when you see that he stares at you in the halls, when he asks you to the dance, when he asks you to move in...

Shut up!

I feel so loved! First Jane, now you, and I bet the next person I go to annoy and pester will be just as bad! But I'll be back! Adios!

Good riddance.

I heard that!

just before Hogwarts

Remus was annoyed. He had just been interrupted in his depressing daydreams where it turned out that Vera was a witch and a transfer. He had been trying to get her out of his head for days, weeks even. Ever since he realized that she wouldn't be there. But, conscience was it's annoying self, telling him not to give up, this was a major crush, blah blah blah. But James was still daydreaming, so that left him with Sirius.

"Mooooony, are we there yet?"

"No."

"How about now?"

"No."

"Now?"

"No."

"Now?"

"No."

"Now?"

"For Merlin's sake Padfoot, we are no-"

"DING DONG! We will arrive in Hogsmead in 5 minutes."

Sirius looked up to Remus with a superior look on his face. They 'woke' James up, grabbed their luggage and left their compartment. Just as they got outside, they greeted Hagrid, had a nice long chat, knowing that their carriage would be waiting for them, just like the compartment. But then Remus noticed that one had already left for the school.

"Hey Hagrid," he asked, "why is that carriage ahead of the others? Did the Threstals make a mistake?"

"Oh no, I s'pect tha's just them new transfers. They wan' te get up there befor any o' the others. Lily's with'em." Hagrid explained. He knew the Marauders and Lily quite well.

"Well, sorry Hagrid, but we got to go. Food and girls await!" Sirius said, making Hagrid chuckle.

"Come an' visit at the end of the week!" he shouted after their retreating backs. They waved as their answer.

Soon, everyone was situated in the Great Hall. The first years trooped in, wet, terrified, and nervous. Hufflepuff got a ton this year, as did Slytherin. But then, as everyone expected the food to magically appear on the plates, Dumbledore stood up. Several people noticed the Sorting Hat had not been put away.

"Welcome all!" he shouted to everyone, his arms spread wide in greeting, "this year, things will be done a little differently. As I am sure many of you know, this year two students are transferring from Beauxbattons Magical Academy, and they will both join the ranks of the seventh years. Now, would Lily Evans, this year's Head Girl, please escort our new students!"

He pointed his wand at the side door, which flew open to reveal an excited-looking Jane Parker, who received many cat-calls, and a pale-looking Vera Parker, who nobody noticed. McGonnagle came out with a considerably shorter scroll than she had before, and called out, "Parker, Jane!"

Jane walked forward, and sat on the stool. McGonnagle placed the hat on her head, and she started hearing something.

(Ok this works just like the conscience, bold italic means the sorting hat, and normal is Jane's thoughts.)

Well well well... you are a tough choice. Definitely not Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw. But either Slytherin or Gryffindor would do you good.

But Lily told me Slytherins are terrible!

Yes, she did. But then again, Lily is a born Griffindor, I remember sorting her. Gryffindors and Slytherins always have and always will be enemies. You, on the other hand, would fit in nicely, what with the way you try to control your sister's life.

Now you just sound like my conscience. I've heard enough about how people think that Vera can make her own decisions, she's to in-experienced.

I'm not here to annoy you or argue with you about your decisions, I'm here to sort you. Slytherin would be wonderful, but your destiny lies in GRYFFINDOR!!!!

The hat shouted that last word to the entire hall. Lily cheered, startling most of the people that didn't know her. Jane ran over and sat in the seat Lily had saved for her. The two started chatting immediately.

But then, Remus Lupin's ears caught the sound of Vera's name from their chat. He told himself not to get his hopes up, that the chances were so slim. But he was still hopeful when McGonnagle called the second transfer's name.

"Parker, Veralyn!"

He paid rapt attention as his crush that he had been trying to get over for the past couple days walked to the stool, looking pale, yet with a tinge of green in her face. He really hoped that she would be in Gryffindor.

Hmmmm.. another Parker? Your a lot different than you sister, aren't you? You would be terrible in Slytherin, Definitely not. And I can't see you happy for long in Ravenclaw. But Hufflepuff would be marvelous for you. Professor Green, the Herbology teacher is the Head of House you know, you would be wonderful.

I mean, think about it! Hufflepuffs have a reputation as pushovers, and the way you let your sister tromp all over you puts you in that category.

Do you by any chance know my conscience? Your sounding a lot like it. Besides, I'm not a pushover. I could stand up if I wanted to!

Yes, but if you had the choice you would just want to stay out of the way. You have a marvelous talent with plants, another thing Hufflepuffs are sometimes associated with.

OOOh, I can't believe I'm keeping the chapie here, but its a bad luck one. You see, while I was writing this chapter, twice, TWICE the power went out. First at the time when Vera made her potion, so I had to re-write that part. Next, the larger half of Vera's conscience battle thing, up to Hagrid's first line! AHhH it was sooo annoying! It was so hard to remember the conscience stuff!

Anyway, you'll see whe- oh, sorry, if Vera gets sorted into Hufflepuff, it would be a nice plot twist, don't you think? Anyway, tomorrow you'll see!

PS (added later on Christmas) Merry Christmas everyone! If i don't have over 21 reviews in the morning, i might have a relapse of Poster's Block! so Review!