Nothing Stays the Same: A Year of Change
By jessebelle
Disclaimer: I don't own anything you might recognize in the Harry Potter universe.
Author's Note: Hey, been a while hasn't it. I'm not going to apologize for taking so long, cuz I kinda got a major writer's block and a whole lotta stuff came up, but I just kinda regot my groove on so hopefully I can update a lot sooner. Anyway, hope you appreciate the chapter. I think it's really good so hope you do too. Thanks for sticking with me. Toodles, jessebelle.
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Chapter Nine: Arabella Figg and Friendly ReunionsArabella Figg had been cooking extra meals for Harry when a shout from the fireplace caught her attention. "Arabella? Are you there?" Dumbledore's voice came through loud and clear. Wiping her hands on her apron, Bella walked out to her living room.
"Yes Albus, what can I do for you?"
The headmaster smiled at her, the infuriating twinkle in his eye brighter than usual. "My dear Arabella, a marvelous thing happened this morning, a marvelous thing indeed. I need you to come to Moony Mansion as soon as possible. I know you've only just revealed yourself to Harry, but it's a bit of an emergency."
Bella kept her emotions hidden. From the joy in the old man's voice, she could tell it was a big deal. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to keep the hope out of her voice. "Does it have to do with Sirius? Has he been freed?" She thought of her new/old boyfriend. He'd stayed with her a bit after he'd escaped Azkaban and they'd rekindled the relationship since then. She'd never even once doubted him.
The headmaster sighed. "I'm afraid not, but the news is just as good, if not better. There's also a great chance that he may be freed in the near future. But I still need you to come here."
Arabella looked at her messy kitchen. Being a witch, the bowls were still being stirred and the dishes cleaned. Then she thought of Harry. No doubt the boy would wish to speak with her. But, Sirius had a chance to be free. Harry wouldn't want to put a damper on that, would he? She made her decision. "Alright Albus, I just have to do something really quick and I can floo over. Hopefully I can make it back before morning."
Dumbledore shook his flaming head. "No my dear, your presence is required for long term. You even get to take off the glamours that you hate so much. I suggest telling Harry that you'll be moving, for a new job perhaps?" His eyes twinkled.
Bella cocked an eyebrow. "You want me to take the DADA position don't you? You know Severus would hate it that I got the job."
The headmaster grinned and nodded. "Yes, I would. Severus will just have to deal though. I can't imagine he will be that mad."
Bella grinned evilly. "Oh yes he would. I'll take the position." Both laughed. "Okay, I guess I can talk to Harry during the school year then. Um, I'll floo over tomorrow morning, I have a few things to take care of."
Dumbledore nodded. "Of course my dear, make all the arrangements you need. I'm afraid I won't be here till later, but I'm sure Severus, Sirius, or Remus can explain the situation."
"Severus is in the same room as Sirius. Have they killed each other yet?"
Dumbledore laughed. "No, there's someone here that is calming both of their presences. I'll tell them to expect you. Goodnight Arabella."
"Night Albus." The headmaster's head disappeared. Bella sighed. She had a few things to do. Luckily Harry's main surprise was already taken care of. Now, to start packing. What had she gotten herself into?"
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The next morning after making a few last minute preparations and writing Harry a few notes, Arabella Figg took off the hated glamour that she's had to put on each summer for the last four years and year round the eleven years before that. With one sweep of her wand, her true appearance showed through.
Long, straight blond hung down her back. Her bright blue eyes were the main feature on her made up, a little bit pointed face. Instead of being a hunched over old woman, her real body was sleek and tall. She wore robes of hunter green, her old house color. Her hands were delicate with long fingers and manicured nails. She wore little jewelry, and you could tell she came from an old pureblood family. In fact, she looked a little like she belonged in the Malfoy family, who happened to be the most related family to her of all the old pureblooded families. Lucius Malfoy, unfortunately was her cousin. However her family didn't share the same beliefs, thank Merlin.
She grabbed her purse off of the couch. Inside it held all of her shrunken items she'd need to take with her. Her wand was replaced up her sleeve in the strap she had for that purpose. In these times you never could be too careful. She took one last look around the house. All of her cats had been illusions, all except two. One her familiar, Sal, short for Salazar, and one that had belonged to Lily in her school days. It had been a half kneazle, the ugliest creature on earth in her opinion. However, she took care of it for years until that, beast, had become too much for her. Sirius had become friendly with the cat in his stay. It had been his idea to sell it to the animal menagerie. Last she'd heard it had, ironically helped Sirius in his escape and been bought by one of Harry's friends, the intelligent girl, Harmony or something.
She sighed and reached for the floo powder. Throwing it in, the flames turned green, she stepped in, and called her destination. "Moony Mansion." She was then whirled through the many fireplaces in Britain before finally coming to a stop. She was thrown out of the fireplace quite forcefully, but she managed to keep her footing. She did bent over from nausea, traveling by floo had never been her thing, but an outstretched hand helped her stand up straight. She used her wand to clean the ashes off of her and turned to the person that had helped her. "Thanks James."
He grinned. "No problem Bella." He waited for it to sink in.
"Where's Sirius?"
"In the kitchen."
"Okay." She took off toward her boyfriend before stopping in her tracks. She turned around in shock. "James! Is that really you?"
The messy haired man nodded. "In the flesh. Are you okay, you don't look so good?"
Arabella had turned a bit pale at seeing her dead friend. "I'm fine."
"Oh, good. Do you want me to get Lily? I think you two have some catching up to do. She's in the back room with Snivellus."
Bella nodded. "That would be good."
James smiled at her. "Good to see you again."
"You too." Then she fainted.
James managed to catch her. He brought her over to the couch. "Why do people keep doing that when they see me? Am I that grotesque to look at?"
"Yes, extremely ugly. But don't worry, we've gotten over the sight." Sirius grinned at his alive, best friend as he came out of the kitchen. He was still worried that it was all a dream. He noticed his girlfriend passed out on the couch. "Hey, what happened to Bella?"
Remus had entered the room behind him and Lily and Severus came from the back. "Bella, she's here?" The excited red head practically ran to the blonde's side.
"Whoa, slow down Petals, she's not going anywhere." Severus had a rare smile on his face. However, he had a feeling it wouldn't be rare anymore.
"I know; I just can't wait to see her. It's been so long."
Just then Arabella opened her eyes. She took one look at Lily and smiled. "So, you're alive than. James too? I'm not dreaming?"
Lily grinned. "Nope, we're back."
Bella sat up. "It's so good to see you." The women threw their arms around each other.
Sirius grinned at the rest of the guys, even Snape. "At least they aren't crying." Sobs could then be heard from the hugging females. He shrugged. "Spoke too soon."
Lily and Bella pulled apart. "Wow, this is great. But, how?"
James and Lily shared a look. "We don't know. We just, woke up in our coffins."
Bella, who was showing an uncharacteristic display of motions, gasped loudly and put her hand to her mouth. "You mean you had to dig out of your grave?"
Lily nodded and gave her friend a sad smile. They hugged again. "I'm so sorry."
Lily shook her head as she pulled away. "Don't be, it's no one's fault. Dumbledore will be trying to find out why we came back though. Hopefully we should get some answers."
"I don't care why you guys are back, I'm just happy that you are." Everyone agreed with Remus. Everyone sat down in the sitting area.
"Oh, Severus, I didn't realize you were there. I have some great news."
The potion's master was skeptical of his friend. She was using The voice. "So, what is it?"
Bella grinned and in a singsong voice asked, "Guess who Dumbledore said is the new Defense teacher?"
Severus paused for a moment before smiling. "Finally, I thought the old coot would never give it to me."
Bella shared a grin with everyone. "Well, he still hasn't."
"What!"
The Marauders all chuckled. "You aren't it. He chose me." Then came the full-blown laughter.
"Did you see his face, when, when?" Sirius was doubled up.
"I know, he actually thought he was getting it." James and his best friend shared a high five.
Remus was chuckling, but didn't do anything more. Lily was looking upset. "Bella, how could you do that? You know how much he wants the position." She turned and smiled at Severus. "Don't worry, there's still next year Sev."
Severus harrumphed. "Yeah, next year, and the year after that and the year after that. I'll always teach potions."
Bella grinned. "Not if you take McGonagall's job. I'm sure you'd do wonderful in Transfiguration." She lowered her voice and scowled. "There will me no silly potion making in this class. I can teach you to make needles out of matches, teapots out of turtles, and even turn your desk into a pig." She couldn't keep a straight face and started to laugh, as everyone else already was.
Severus gave her a look, but he had to grin at the thought. "Yes, because you all know how well I did in that class."
Lily couldn't help but chuckle. "It's okay Sev, it's not your fault everything you transfigured was green."
The Marauders were still laughing. Severus gave her a wry grin. "Yes, well it was just my house pride showing through."
"Ah, so that's what it was. And all these years I thought it was just your distaste for using a wand." Everyone turned to see an amused Minerva McGonagall and a chuckling Headmaster.
"Oh, Minerva, we were just," he looked at Lily, "reminiscing. You can remain assured that you will be keeping your job."
Minerva gave her coworker a grin. "Oh, and I was just so worried." This made everyone smile and the Marauders had finally gotten under control.
"Albus, Minerva, welcome."
"Thank you Remus. Now, how is everyone feeling?" Dumbledore peered over his half-moon shaped glasses.
"Well, my back aches, my toe hurts and I think I ate something that doesn't agree with my stomach. Oh, and my pinkie finger has a kink in it."
Everyone laughed as Sirius. "What? He asked didn't he?" The prankster just gave everyone a look.
"Ah, Padfoot, may you never change. I'm fine headmaster. Everything is a bit, brighter than I remember, but I think I'm adjusting well." James pushed up his glasses that the headmaster had retrieved the night before.
"I'm also fine. I just miss my baby boy." Lily gave the older wizard a smile.
"Oh, and I'm just fine. Can't wait until Harry sees his room though." Bella grinned at everyone.
"Well, that's simply marvelous. Arabella, I trust you liked the surprise?"
"Yes, it was definitely a surprise, but I've adjusted."
"So quickly?" The headmaster gave her a skeptical look.
"Oh yeah, it's just like old times. So, what brings you here?"
"All in good time my dear." The headmaster's eyes twinkled.
"Lily, James, I must say welcome back. I apologize for being, out of it last night." McGonagall gave her old students a smile.
"It's wonderful to be back professor." Lily got up and hugged her.
The elder woman smiled. "It's Minerva dear."
"Yeah Minnie, I missed you too. Say, how's my boy?"
Mcgonagall just rolled her eyes at James. "He's fine Mister Potter, now get over here."
Lily stepped away and James came to stand before his old professor. They stared at each other for about a minute, before smiles took over both of their faces and they hugged. "My dear boy, it's good to have you back."
"Thanks Minnie." They pulled apart and she lightly swatted James.
He pretended to be offended. "Well, I never. Such abuse." His façade was ruined by the smile on his face.
"Oh, that was just beautiful, such a touching scene. Don't you think so Mooney?" Sirius had out a handkerchief and was pretending to cry. He blew his nose loudly.
Everyone rolled his eyes at his antics. "That will be enough Mr. Black."
"Alright Professor." He grinned up at the Transfiguration professor.
Dumbledore was smiling. He clapped his hands together. "Well, as I'm sure that life has to go on, we need to get down to business. Lily, James, I'd like to invite you to stay at Hogwarts for the year, just until we find answers and you get adjusted to everything. I also think it would be better to have you in a safe place when Voldemort gets wind of what's happening."
"I agree Albus. There's also the media to think about."
"Precisely. I've already contacted the ministry. Fudge, the minister, is skeptical, but has accepted you two are back. I'm also hoping that you two can make an appearance later today and possibly give the evidence needed to clear Mr. Black."
Sirius' eyes lit up at the prospect, as did Remus' and Bella's. Lily and James had been filled in on what had been happening in the wizarding world since there demise. They were shocked at Sirius' story to say the least.
"Of course, we'll go as soon as possible." Lily smiled at her old friend. Padfoot grinned back. From where he sat, Severus scowled.
"Perfect. Now, Arabella, you and Severus will both be at Hogwarts teaching this year so of course you'll be staying there. Sirius, upon being cleared, and Remus, you are both welcome to stay at the school. I'm sure we can find something constructive for the two of you to do this year. I can't imagine you'd want to be separated?" Everyone shook their heads enthusiastically. The old wizard smiled. "Then it's settled. On to the next matter, Harry."
"Yes, when can we see him? Is he alright? Where is he now?" Lily clutched her husband's arm, her eyes shining.
"You may see him soon. We can even go later today if you wish."
"Yes, please Albus." James shared a look with his wife.
"Alright. As for your other questions, I believe Harry is fine. And he is staying with Lily's sister and her family, the Dursleys."
Lily's eyes got wide. "You left my son with that, with that horse woman?" She looked horrified.
Dumbledore's brow furrowed. "Yes, it was the only place safe enough for him."
James frowned. "But Albus, Petunia hates magic. She even hated Lily here, and after she married me, well, I can't even imagine how Petunia is treating Harry."
"Well, um, there's nothing we can change now. Mr. Potter hasn't said anything about any mistreatment."
"Doesn't mean there isn't any." Sirius' voice was bitter. Lily and James turned to him.
"What do you mean? Did she do anything to him?" Lily's voice held a lot of concern.
"Well, yes and no. It's more of her husband. Harry's never actually said anything to me, but from what I gathered from his letters, his home life isn't the best."
Bella scoffed. "Lily, James, I'm sorry I was never able to do anything, it would have ruined my cover. I've seen first hand how they treat Harry, and well, he's going to need a lot of love from you two."
"Of course we'll love him, he's our son!" James looked mad at the hidden meaning behind Bella's words.
"And here I was under the impression that Potter was treated like our resident spoiled Golden Boy. You mean to tell me different?" Severus' voice was dripping with hate towards his most hated student.
Lily looked at him surprised. "Severus, do you have a problem with my son?"
Severus looked away. If he were to look at his friend he would have to see the disappointment in his features. "Yes, he's exactly like his father." He glared at James and looked away again. "He's a spoiled, arrogant child and I seem to be the only one to treat him like the way he should be treated."
"Take that back!" Sirius stood up and pulled his wand out.
Severus just looked bored. "No, I'm just stating the truth."
"Bull, you hate Harry and treat him like dirt just because you can. You purposely treat him different because his fame and single him out. Harry's an excellent boy and I'm surprised he's been able to stand you for this long."
Severus stood up and got in Sirius' face. "I treat that boy no better than he deserves. It's not my fault he's so wrapped up in his fame and everyone else is blinded by it. He needs to learn he's not perfect Potter and that everyone will jump at his command."
"Severus, Sirius, sit down. You two are grown adults. I expect more from you. Remus, Bella, is what Sev says is true?" Lily looked aghast at the prospect.
Bella glared at her friend. "Not a word. I've known Harry for a long time. He's the most polite and respectable boy I've ever met. What Sev says is a load of dragon's dung."
"Lily, James, don't believe a word of what Severus says. Unfortunately he hasn't been able to get over his childish behaviors and is exceptionally cruel towards Harry based on James and our actions as kids."
James glared at the potion's master. Lily just looked heartbroken. "Sev; is this true. Do you-do you single out my son?"
Severus sighed. "Yes Lils, it's true, but it's for his own good. I also protect the boy like I promise you. If it weren't for me, he'd certainly be dead already."
Dumbledore decided to intervene. "Lily, James, I agree with Remus. Severus has displayed some very rude behavior toward Harry, but nothing too serious. And he has protected Harry when he gets into trouble."
Lily shared a look with James. She looked over at all of her friends that were staring at Sev with angry faces. She sighed. "Sev, I think, I think you need to go now. I'm not blaming you for anything, but, I think it would be better if we talked later."
Severus opened and shut his mouth a few times before glaring at his childhood enemies. He stood up and marched to the fireplace. "Fine Lily. Its good to have you back." He emphasized the word you. Grabbing some floo powder, he shouted his destination and returned to Hogwarts.
McGonagall stood up. "Albus, as there's nothing more to really do now, I should really get going. I still have a lot of preparations to make for the coming year. Everyone, it's good seeing you. Lily, James, it's good to have you back." She walked to the fireplace and flooed back to Hogwarts after Severus.
Dumbledore looked over at his former students and clapped his hands. "Well, why don't we go about freeing Sirius and retrieving young Mister Potter?" His eyes were twinkling extra and everyone smiled. It was definitely a good plan.