RE-UPDATED: 17/3/05
Disclaimer: God, if you haven't gotten the fact that I so do not own Harry Potter by now, you are hopeless.
Andrea: Pronounced Ohn-Drey-A by Mrs. Rose.
A/N: OK, I wanted to get some stuff down before I start. First of all, it'd be a good idea to read my Authoress' Notes, I answer questions, make announcements and stuff. I'd rather not have to repeat things I've said before. Especially in the review replies I put above. So, with that out of the way…
Remember how I was so worried about my exams? (Breaks into great big fat happy grin.) I'm a top scorer! I took an extra (in my opinion) really useless subject, and I still manage to ace all 8 of my subjects! I love you people if you prayed for me! I even love you people if you didn't, 'cause guess what? I'm so damn happy I couldn't care less!
My friend called me (despite my severe warnings that if any of them told me my results over the phone, I would slowly and painfully torture them) to tell me that our results were finally out and on the notice board. I asked her (all the while, strongly denying the temptation to screech 'WHAT DID I GET!') about her own results, and she said 7A's (which is standard, 'cause people in my country usually take 7 subjects, unless they're willing/forced –cough, cough- to do otherwise.) and we both started screaming. Then, I couldn't help it, asked if she knew how I'd feel if I saw my results, and she said, 'You'll be very happy!'
Then we both started screaming again (Now, I see why guys run away when girls get all excited.), me squealing, 'I got 8A's!' and her going 'Yes, yes, YES!' a few seconds later, I yelled at her for telling me. I know I'm an unreasonable person.
But, seriously, I can't believe it! Especially my History exam, (long story, involving newly gotten period, downing menstrual pills with coke, and amazingly painful cramps.) which I fully expected to… not get an A in! I want to say one more time, thank you guys so much! You've shown a lot of concern and well wishing in you reviews, and it made me so happy! Oh, and I know I said that if I got good results, I'd update my stories, which I did, only not this one. (Looks sheepish.)
Ok, now, I will stop babbling, and get on with it.
To those of you who have read The Diaries Of The Perfection of Sirius Black, I'm sorry to say that it does not follow the plotline of Bring It On (BIO, for those who don't know.). Although I have brought characters and things from BIO (ex: Andrea and WEB-We hatE Butterflies), it doesn't fit, so it will not accompany this fic.
Oh, and I'm going to do some correcting on my earlier chapters, you know, grammar mistakes and such. I won't add anything much, though I might elaborate and change a few facts, but it won't be of any importance. So, if you read something that doesn't quite tally with coming chapters, I've probably made a change here and there. By the way, do you know if my reviews will be deleted if I replace chapters?
HEY! EVERYONE! READ!
Replying to PentagonMerlin: Thank you very much! I really appreciate your criticism and compliments! I'm sorry, but I don't see how Remus, Taylor and Andrea are Mary-Sueish. Remus, because I never put that much of him in. I mean, he's a really sweet guy, and he's cute and cares for his friends, but does that make him a Mary Sue? I only portrayed him the way I thought he'd be. (shrugs.) As for Taylor, she isn't very pretty, just average, like one of those pleasant faces. It's just that Remus thinks she's beautiful, because she's nice. I know that you haven't seen any of her flaws yet, but you will in the coming chapters. And Andrea, I was always worried about Andrea. After all, she's the only OC I said was gorgeous. Even so, she's exceedingly vain and obsesses about her looks. You'll notice that none of them are specially talented or smart (though I mentioned that she was in this chapter, you'll also notice that I said she sucked bad when she was trying some spells in earlier chapters.). I've sent all of them on the HP Mary Sue test, and I'm pleased to say that none of them were anywhere near the MS border. I thought I had variety, but still, what are your suggestions? I'm always open to them!
As for the Mock-NEWTs thing. I'm sorry, but I'm still going with my original idea. I highly doubt it's be taken in 6th year, after all, how can they take the Mock Exams if they haven't even studied 7th year material? It sounds awfully unreasonable to me. My country has this sort of test system, and I've followed it. We're given several months before they give us mock exams, I'm sorry, but I really can't see this from you point of view. As for the time, it's around late to mid January right now. Anyway, thank you! And yeah, I didn't want to rush things, that's why I didn't shove Lily and James together immediately. But don't worry, they're relationship will start soon! Again, thanks for your review, I really appreciated it!
"Stupid, stupid, stupid!" mumbled Lily furiously to herself as tramped in the direction she assumed Hogwarts was. "Potter is such a great, fat, stupid prat!"
She sighed and plopped down on the ground. She'd been walking for hours and her sore ankle was starting to throb painfully. To make things worse, the hazy rays of sun that had managed to pierce the Forest's thick canopy was dimming. Which meant that night was falling, and when night came, so did the night prowlers.
"How dare he blame this on me?" she continued angrily, glaring daggers at an innocent rock. "That bloody idiot with his inflated head! And an ego the size of Alabama! Stinking berk he is… Gah!"
She uttered a cry of alarm when a furry black head popped out of the soil. It flew to the silver watch on her wrist, large paws outstretched, and teeth fastening itself on its target. She swung her arm wildly before managing to make the creature let go and land on the ground with a 'flump'.
She moved away to get a better look at whatever it was that attacked her. It stared at her with an expression that could only be described as hurt. A spade-like paw lifted to rub its furry nose.
"Oh, bugger," she said crossly, looking at it. "You attacked me. Don't give me that 'woe is me' expression."
She continued staring at it, trying to figure out what it was. She attended Care of Magical Creatures in her 3rd Year, but had dropped it after her OWLs. Finally, the memory clicked and she exclaimed, "You're a Niffler!"
Hurriedly, she took of anything remotely shiny and pocketed it. She gazed at it as it continued to look pitifully wounded. "Why on Earth would you be in a forest? I mean, you live in caves and things, right?"
It gave her a look that clearly said, 'Why are you asking me?'
"There are caves under Hogwarts, aren't there?" she said, remembering her first journey to the castle by boat. "I've always wondered where Kettleburn got the Nifflers from! Though it's strange that you came up here."
It gave her another look that showed that it obviously didn't care. They stared at each other for a while; Lily, never having met a Niffler out of class, wasn't sure what to do. It blinked at her a few times before cautiously approaching her. Lily reached out upon impulse and lifted it onto her lap, wondering vaguely if it would decide to use her robes as a toilet.
She leaned back against the mossy tree bark and stroked its fluffy head. "You know," she said conversationally, "I shouldn't be asking you what you're doing here. After all, I don't even know what I'm doing here!"
It turned to her with an expression of polite interest. She continued talking, "I'm Head Girl of Hogwarts," she prodded her badge forcefully. "I'm just about the smartest witch in my year. I'm responsible and I do my homework right after I get it and I've never been inside this God Forsaken forest before! So why am I here, you ask!"
The Niffler blinked at her again, it had asked no such thing.
"It's all because of an arrogant bullying toerag named James Potter! He's tall, plays Quidditch, messy black hair and always has this stupid smirk on his face! If you see him-" she trailed off and looked at the Niffler thoughtfully. As if completely forgetting what she'd been talking about (most likely due to the exhaustion of tromping through copious quantities of undergrowth.) she said, "I should give you a name. Oh!" her eyes lit up with inspiration. "How 'bout Bugger!"
If the Niffler had an eyebrow, it would have been raised.
"What?" she said defensively. "It's the first thing I said when I saw you! It's a good name for a girl, right?" she peered at the Niffler closely. "You are a girl, aren't you?"
'Bugger' looked exceedingly offended.
"Anyway, sod off. I'm the one who can talk here, so you're Bugger. Bug for short. Now shut up so I can continue yelling." She settled Bugger more comfortably on her lap and kept on ranting as though she hadn't even stopped. "Now if you see him, Bug, I want you to fly at him and bite him! Gnaw at him! Steal his blasted glasses and tunnel away! I don't care!
"The fact that I've been in more detentions these past few months than I've ever gotten in my entire life is because of him! In fact, it was his bloody fault I even got my first detention! He's been pranking and prodding me to near insanity, I tell you! And you know what?" she looked Bugger straight in the eye. "That isn't even the worst thing. Nor is my being stuck in this damn forest the worst thing! The worst thing, is that I'm pouring my heart out to a Niffler I've named Bugger! Forget near insanity! I'm already insane!"
She stood up with difficulty, her ankle fairly screaming in protest. "OK, you," she told her. "Run along now, go back to your nice cave or something. I'm going to tramp off into the dark and look for my school. I don't need to be raving to you while I do it!"
It rolled off her lap and sat on its rump, still looking pleasantly polite. Then, with a small heave of its plump form, it ambled off in the opposite direction.
She favoured her left leg as she plodded along stoically, hoping for some sign of Hogwarts. Mosquitoes buzzed in her ears while insects of every variety chirped a high-pitched melody. In the distance, she could hear a sweet bird song, which she took to comfort till the song changed to a shriek and a dying warble. Apparently, not all music soothed the savage beast.
She didn't know how long she walked, but when she checked her watch, it was already about two in the morning. It was then, at that ungodly hour that it happened. She'd been concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other, trying to assure herself that she'd been gone for about half a day, surely people would be looking for her. Instead, she found herself sadistically hoping that whatever animal devoured her would choke on her bones and achieve supreme indigestion.
Then, to be put quite simply, she fell into a hole.
Well, not so much a hole, per say, as a rather small valley. One moment she'd been wondering how she'd taste and the next she was screaming and sliding uncontrollably on loose topsoil and gravel before landing painfully on her behind.
A searing fire shot up her ankle. Unfortunately, she'd sat on it, making it worse than ever. She looked around; the understanding of her situation sank her further into the pits of despair.
She was sitting at the side of what seemed to be a lower piece of ground. It was as though a giant hand had taken a bowl and scooped up part of the land, leaving behind a hole that was about 10 paces in diameter. Also leaving behind the hell she was currently trapped in. She hit the damp earth angrily, cursing her bad luck and lack of attention at where she'd been going.
Lily pushed herself up, sheer determination and stubbornness lent strength to her throbbing ankle. She stood in front the curved wall that was almost twice her height and determinedly dug her fingers into the rich fertile earth to pull herself up, but it merely crumbled and fell beneath her grip, the plentiful supply of water had made it moist and loose. She refused to give up, desperately trying to claw her way out for the better part of an hour until all ten of her digits were pitifully bruised and sore.
She slid back down onto the mud and buried her face into her dirty hands. "It's hopeless," she mumbled to herself. "The walls are too loose… I can't get out." For the first time, the urge to cry arose.
Lily had always been a person who thought that crying was useless. What, after all, was the point of bursting into tears? It never made anything better. To her, it was weakness. Not that she'd ever said that to Taylor when she'd been weeping in her sleep due to some memory. Or Andrea, when she found her friend sobbing in the bathroom after a particularly bad spat with her mother. Andrea… she felt a wave of concern for her friend. Silently, she sent out a prayer that she would be all right, lest her mother came when neither herself nor Taylor were around.
She shook herself out of her thoughts and began to do the only useful thing she could do. Scream for help.
"Help! OY! Anyone out there?" she hollered, cupping her hands over her mouth. "Help! Girl stuck in a hole here! Wounded girl stuck in a hole!"
She paused for a moment, considering the possibility of things other than help finding her. Then, she decided she didn't care; she was desperate enough to risk it.
"James bloody Potter! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd be really thrilled to see you right now!" she shouted, her throat starting to feel hoarse from the strain. Still, she ignored it. "OI! James Potter! Anyone, just anyone who could pull me out of this damn thing? HELP ME!"
"You are an undeniably loud human," came a cool voice.
Lily swiveled her head so fast she thought she heard it crick. Standing above her was a man… no… she realized as she squinted, though the upper half of his body was a human's, the lower half was a… horse.
"You're a centaur!" she blurted out.
"Observant, aren't you?" he said dryly. Behind him, several more centaurs approached. One in particular caught her eye. He had a palomino body and striking blonde hair. Though he looked like about the age of a human four year old, his ice-blue eyes bore into her with an intensity that was beyond his years.
"Will you help me out?" asked Lily hopefully, her voice cracked slightly after all that yelling. "My ankle is hurt and I need to get back to Hogwarts."
"We do not take orders from humans!" said one of the centaurs, holding his head up proudly, his wild black hair flying. She supposed that he was an adolescent.
"It wasn't an order!" she protested. "I was just asking! I mean come on, I'm hurt and lost and it's bloody dark in this damn forest-"
"How dare you insult our home, human!" roared the same centaur indignantly.
"Quiet, Bane, your youth has yet to sow the seeds of maturity," said the one who had first spoken. He focused on Lily. "We cannot help you."
"What?" squawked Lily. "Of course you can! All you have to do is get a branch or something and tug me up! How hard can it be?"
"We have seen your coming," he continued calmly. "The planets have written of your fate. As Neptune shines and Mercury fades, it has been foretold that your arrival in our home will affect your future much." He stepped closer to the edge of the hole, towering over Lily. "We cannot, we dare not interfere! The cosmos has determined it so."
"B-but… but!" spluttered Lily in disbelief. "You're going to leave me here? Trapped? Just because the movement of the solar system tells you to?"
"Yes, Lily Evans," said the centaur firmly, oblivious to her steadily reddening face. "Mars, bringer of battle has been glowing with the fire of the sun! You are one who shall aid the quenching of the fire! Your being here is crucial."
He looked up at the sky and stared.
"Can't you even give me a straight answer?" yelled Lily in frustration. "Listen, if you just leave me here, I could be eaten, or die of hypothermia, or dehydration, or… or starvation! How will that help quench Mars's fire?" she paused. "Lord, that sounded weird."
The palomino child looked at her quietly. "She is right, father, we cannot just leave her here."
"Yes we can, Firenze," was the firm reply. "You are a foal and have yet to understand, but we centaurs cannot tamper with what shall be. We watch, witness and learn."
"But father, the planets have been read wrongly before," he said, refusing to back down. "What if this is one of those times?"
"Unlikely," said the older centaur. "You must learn your place, Firenze. The future shifts and changes, we cannot take it into our hands. Destiny shall come without our help. Come," he said to the rest of them, beginning to trot away. "We bid you well, Lily Evans," he called back without turning, "but we shall not interfere."
Lily stared at their retreating hindquarters, her mouth hanging open. She sat there, slumped and stunned for some time. Then, the shock faded away and disappointment and helplessness took its place, fury and fear blooming in her chest. She felt the corners of her eyes prickle again and she swiped them viciously. Snarling, she grabbed a rock near her and began to pound the ground with it furiously.
"Stupid (thump) centaurs (thump) with their (thump) stupid (thump) fortune telling! (THUMP)" she growled, making a large dent in the earth. "Destiny! Pah! (THUMP) How can (thump) they just (thump) bloody leave (thump) me here! (THUMP) Stranded and – AAAHHHHHH!"
She managed to stop the rock she was holding half an inch above the black head that had just popped out of the ravaged ground.
"Bugger!" she said in surprise. The Niffler clambered out of the hole and gave her a faintly disapproving look that seemed to scream 'you almost killed me, you did.'
"What are you doing here?" asked Lily sternly, "I told you to go back to your cave!"
Bugger scratched her head and looked thoughtful. How she managed to convey expressions on her furry face was beyond Lily. Then, she waddled down the hole she'd made and came back with something in her mouth. She spat it out in front of Lily before sitting back, looking distinctly pleased with herself.
Gingerly, Lily picked up the grimy and spit coated object. Wiping off the dirt with her robes, she found herself looking at a familiar pair of wire-rimmed glasses.
"You actually listened to me and took his glasses?" she asked incredulously.
Bugger looked distinctly pleased with herself.
"Is he far from here?" asked Lily frantically. "Can you get him over? Did he follow-"
A deep growl from above broke her incessant questioning. Lily looked up to see a deep grey muzzle and cunning black eyes. It showed Lily its sharp, gleaming teeth. She literally felt her heart stop for a few seconds. A Dark Wolf, one of the many that lived in the Forbidden Forest. There wasn't much difference between an ordinary wolf and a Dark Wolf, except its strength, intelligence and teeth. Those fangs had a sort of poison that would stun its prey so that the Dark Wolves could devour them whole before spitting out the fragments of bone. There were only several ways humans could use to hold off Dark Wolves, and all of them required a wand.
And where there was one Dark Wolf, there was a whole pack.
It grinned at Lily, letting her take a good look at its jagged yellow dentures before letting loose a howl to call the rest of its family.
Lily comforted herself with her earlier thoughts of how her many bones would make her an uncomfortable meal.
……
"Your mother is here," repeated the third year, spooked by the look of pure horror on Andrea's face. "She's waiting in Professor Dumbledore's office."
A thick silence permeated the room; only Andrea's harsh breathing could be heard.
Finally, Andrea forced her stiff legs up. Terror's icy cold fist gripped her hear as she moved woodenly to the door. Her brain seemed to be thinking a thousand thoughts and of absolutely nothing at once. Blindly, she followed the third year, barely noticing Sirius's openly confused face.
Soon, all too soon, Andrea was once again in front of the stone gargoyle. There, waiting for them was Professor McGonagall. She sent the third year back before turning to Andrea with a look that could only be described as pitying.
"It'll be all right, Ms. Rose," she said, looking at her as though she expected Andrea to burst into tears at any moment.
"Professor," said Andrea hesitantly, unable to stop herself. "Could you not pity me?" she opened her eyes to see her teacher's astonished expression. "I mean, this is my way of life. I'm used to it. I – I…" she struggled with her words. "I don't want people's sympathy. I don't want to be seen differently just because you know."
Her expression changed and a soft smile she'd never seen before graced her thin lips. "Of course."
She put a hand on Andrea's shoulder and ushered her in.
As the stone staircase rose, Andrea clenched her fists and bit her lip in anticipation and fear. When she stepped out into the office, she saw Professor Dumbledore at his desk. And opposite him, sitting stiffly in a cushy chintz armchair was her mother.
……
Sirius narrowed his eyes as the two left. The moment the door closed, he went to the opposite side of the room and squeezed himself behind the trophy shelves. He ran his fingers over the stone until he found one that was unusually warm. Tapping it several times with his wand, a door appeared. He pulled it open and rushed through a few more secret passageways till he reached his dorm. Wrenching the Invisibility Cloak out of James's trunk, he took a shortcut to the hall leading to Dumbledore's office.
He managed to pop out a few steps behind the two. With the cloak on, he trailed them.
He listened with a puzzled frown as Andrea made her request, which only served to confuse him more. What was wrong with her? Did she have some sort of illness?
He snuck up behind them on the stairway, not missing the way she stood rigidly. When they entered, his eyes fell on the visitor opposite him.
One could say that she looked like an older version of Andrea. Her silky black hair was pulled back into an elegant chignon, her skin flawless and fair except for the tastefully applied dusting of rogue under her high cheekbones, and full lips curved into a pout. The designer robes she wore flowed to the ground, clinging to her slim body, practically screaming of her great wealth. Yet, the one large, obvious and undeniable difference was her eyes. They were the same shape and colour as her daughter's, but while Andrea's had fairly sparkled with good humour and warmth, hers seemed cold and calculating. Just looking at them made Sirius want to shiver and turn away.
"Ohn-drey-a Persephone," she said, dragging out the name in a fashion that was far from endearing. Her voice was cool and smooth, but sharp, like a glass of champagne. Sirius saw Andrea barely hide a grimace.
"Mother," she said, stepping forward and inclining her head in a gesture of respect. Her tone was as fine as the older woman's, but beneath it; Sirius could somehow sense the well-masked tenseness. His eyebrows jumped, so, that was her mother! That was probably the cause of her somewhat insane behavior of late.
"You've gained weight, Andrea Persephone," said her mother sharply, her eyes like bits of ice as she examined her. Andrea glanced down at her flat stomach. As far as she knew, she'd lost weight due to the frantic studying and lack of time to eat. "Your hair is in a mess! What have you been doing?"
Andrea bit her lip to stop the scathing reply that was struggling to fly out of her mouth. I…" she hesitated. Her mother would be far from pleased to know that she had had detention. On any other occasion, she'd have lied her way through without a second thought, but she hardly believed that Professor McGonagall or Dumbledore would be willing to help her. "I was in detention," she admitted at last.
"Detention?" her mother repeated, her nostrils flaring. "You've been acting like a little miscreant again, haven't you? I've tried to help you, Andrea Persephone, again and again, but have you ever listened to me?" she rolled her heavily lashed eyes in a gesture of exaggerated exasperation. "What did you do this time?"
She compressed her lips; she'd never much liked the way her mother tended to say 'this time', as it always implied that she had one whole list of misdeeds to choose from. Which, in truth, she did, but that was beside the point. Her mind raced for a way out, after all, she couldn't possibly tell the truth. She cringed at how it'd sound, "Actually, I pushed the Head Boy and Girl into the Vanishing Cupboard. So, they're wandering around somewhere outside Hogwarts, hopelessly lost." That would not do.
"Well?" she asked impatiently.
"I-" she began, still not knowing what to say.
"I'm afraid you daughter's Potion blew up during class," said Professor McGonagall quickly. Andrea gaped. McGonagall covering for her? After all the havoc and chaos that she'd helped create during the last few months?
Mrs. Rose narrowed her eyes and looked at her daughter. Andrea flicked her hair back and tried to look as though this story was nothing new to her.
"And exactly why did your work blow up, Andrea Persephone?" she asked tightly. "Were you careless as usual? Foolhardy? Too confident of your non-existent abilities?"
Before Andrea could nod in agreement, Professor Dumbledore interrupted calmly, "The ingredients used were rather stale, I'm afraid. Apparently, the student who used it last didn't seal the container well."
"And my daughter was blamed for this student's idiocy?" she sniffed coldly. "Though I'm not entirely convinced that her lack of common sense had nothing to do with her punishment, it's clear to me that Hogwarts's standards are far from satisfactory."
"Mother," Andrea started. She knew where this was heading.
"Do not interrupt your betters, Andrea Persephone," she said icily. "Your Potions Master is incompetent if he is unable to ensure that everything is as it should be. Your students are careless and uncaring. You rules are flawed and regulations-"
"You will kindly refrain from insulting my school, Mrs. Rose," said Professor Dumbledore quietly, a definite tinge of coolness behind his words.
She looked faintly miffed, clearly not used to being reprimanded. "I wasn't insulting you school, Professor, I was merely stating facts," she turned pointedly to Andrea. "These sort of things would never happen in Beauxbatons."
"Actually," began Andrea, unable to resist the temptation. "I heard that one of the students there-"
"Quiet, Andrea Persephone!" she snapped, showing the first bit of herself besides her frigid demeanor. "Do not speak unless spoken to! How many times must I drill that into your thick head?"
Dumbledore's face was expressionless, McGonagall's lips became a straight line, but her eyes were full of disbelief while Andrea… Andrea just looked resigned.
"Take a seat, Andrea Persephone," she continued as though nothing had happened, waving a hand gracefully to the seat beside her. "Professor Dumbledore and I were just discussing your progress in school."
"Yes, Mother," she replied cordially, sitting down, being cautious not to slump lest she was reprimanded.
"Indeed," said Professor Dumbledore, giving a small smile that expressed none of what he was feeling. "For a clearer view on the matter, I've invited Professor McGonagall here tonight. As your daughter's head of house, I'm sure that she knows her well."
Professor McGonagall composed herself, probably trying to rid her voice of any of the disgust she was feeling. She'd have made some sort of comment long ago to put that woman in her place, had Professor Dumbledore warned her not to interfere. Irritating her would hardly help Andrea. "Your daughter is a very smart young lady," she began, looking at Mrs. Rose for some hint of motherly pride.
"She gets that from me," she merely said. "Then again, intelligence isn't everything when you have the sensibility of a cow."
McGonagall chose to remain silent. She took out a stack of reports from a file. Showing Mrs. Rose the first one, she said, "As you can see, Andrea has always done remarkably well in my class. Our Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Zephyr, has also commented about her unusual aptitude for the subject. She's currently in the top three for both of these NEWT level lessons."
"Though she's done well, she's not the best," she shot her daughter a disapproving glance. "What's the point of taking up anything if you don't aim to be the best? What of her other subjects?"
"Well…" Professor McGonagall shuffled through her papers, obviously reluctant to continue. "Her results for Charms, Herbology and History of Magic have always averaged between an Acceptable and Exceeds Expectations whereas her marks in Divination and Potions are… somewhat erratic." Mrs. Rose's face visibly darkened and she opened her mouth to give Andrea a good tongue-lashing but stopped when the professor continued. "Though of late, her results in every class has shot up. She's manages to be in the top five for all her subjects except… Divination."
"A rather wooly subject," sniffed Mrs. Rose. "But then again," she snapped, "You're obviously not trying hard enough! You see, Andrea Persephone? The moment you hear that I'm coming, your results improve! You need a constant driving force behind you! If you'd gone to Beauxbatons like I'd told you to seven years ago, you'd have become a far more accomplished young lady than the useless bit of fluff you are now!" she turned to Dumbledore and turned up her aristocratic nose. "Hogwarts is too soft on its students."
"The world is full of different people with different opinions, Mrs. Rose," replied Dumbledore, his hands still clasped in front of him, a picture of calmness.
"Indeed," she replied in a tone that was scathingly disbelieving. "Then again, some of those opinions matter more that others'. If you would be so kind, Headmaster, I'd appreciate a private word with my daughter."
"Of course," he answered before standing. "Come, Minerva. I believe that now is the appropriate time for a mug of hot chocolate." He nodded to the portraits on the walls and their inhabitants who had been watching the scene beneath their closed eyes and loud snores. With a great deal of yawning and stretching, they disappeared from their frames.
Professor McGonagall rose stiffly and followed him out of the room. But before she rode down the staircase, she couldn't help but give Mrs. Rose's back a thoroughly repulsed look. Dumbledore, on the other hand, gave the corner where Sirius stood a hint of a smile and a shadow of a wink.
The moment the stairway spiraled down, Mrs. Rose faced Andrea with her hands folded regally on her lap.
"Do you know, Andrea Persephone, what diamonds were before they became the treasured gems we see?" she asked smoothly, holding up a slim wrist to better display the expensive mentioned jewels encircling it.
"Yes," said Andrea cautiously, it was always wise to be wary when she began talking like that. "From rocks, usually coal."
"Exactly," she said sharply, dropping her casual manner. "You, Andrea Persephone, are currently an ugly, common piece of coal, but with enough pressure and effort, you have the potential to become the brightest, most valuable diamond I have ever seen!"
"I'd much rather be a happy, ugly common piece of coal than a diamond that you display in a glass case to all your socialite friends," replied Andrea coolly. "To become a diamond to you, I'd have to do whatever you said, wouldn't I? I'd have no free will, no life of my own," she stated, looking grimly into the older woman's orbs. Without waiting for an answer, she continued. "I'm sorry, but I must decline. For I know, Mother, I know that if I were to follow the way of life you wish me to lead, I would never be happy."
"Don't you see, Andrea Persephone?" she said, a question that was not a question, her voice becoming steadily more glacial. "I only want what's best for you. And you should know that Beauxbatons and Pierre Neveau is what's best."
"You want what's best for you!" she shot back, abandoning the frosty demeanor she'd acquired upon meeting her mother. "You want a diamond to show off to your snotty friends! You want them and the whole world to see that your daughter is the shiniest, biggest diamond there is!"
"I have never heard such impudence!" snapped Mrs. Rose. "I don't see why you refuse to develop you talent! Your father and I spent hundreds of Galleons sending you to a wide variety of lessons, hundreds more to different evaluators, and they've all given me the same answer! That you have an IQ that is far, far above average and talent for magic that surpasses any other child they've ever seen! Why do you stubbornly limit yourself?"
"Because I want to enjoy life!" she said angrily. "Because I like nice clothes and make up and shoes and everything else that makes people think I'm a brainless twit! I like not over-achieving!" Suddenly, Andrea's voice became soft. "And lastly, because if I did work myself to the bone to become what you want me to be, I would never truly be able to live."
"What do you mean, Andrea Persephone?" asked Mrs. Rose dangerously, as though daring her to answer.
"You know what I mean, Mother," replied Andrea, her voice wobbled slightly. "I listened to you once before, and we both know what happened."
A ringing slap echoed through the room.
Andrea hadn't flinched as her mother's firm hand struck her cheek. Her long French manicured nails had managed to break Andrea's skin, causing shallow gouges. Something about the way she carried herself implied that she was far too used to this treatment. Even so, tears that she had desperately tried to hold back throughout the meeting welled in the corners of her eyes. Yet, she held her head up proudly, displaying the flaming red handprint that stood out starkly upon her fair complexion. The scratches that had come along with the blow began to drip blood.
Mrs. Rose gave a sneer at her daughter's glassy eyes. They both knew that tears were signs of weakness, but Andrea couldn't help herself; she wasn't as strong as Lily, able to bottle everything up.
"What you need to understand, Andrea Persephone, is that you do not become a success doing what you like," she said, "but by doing what you must."
"You mean by back stabbing, underhanded dealings and blackmail?" snarled Andrea. "As much as it disgusts me, I admit that I can bloody do that when I need to."
"You're becoming so uncouth, Andrea Persephone! This is exactly why I want you to transfer to Beauxbatons immediately! If it weren't for that father of yours, you'd already be there!" She looked at her triumphantly. "But I won in the end, didn't I? He's finally agreed with me after that discussion during the holidays!"
"The only reason you want me to transfer there is because of Pierre Neveau!" said Andrea defiantly, opening her eyes wide in hopes that the tears would dry up before they could actually fall. "And that 'father of mine' is your husband!"
"How many times must I explain it to you?" she hissed, her temper melting off the icy front she'd shown. "The Neveau's are a well-respected pureblood family in France! A marriage between you and Pierre would unite our families and leave us ever higher in social status! Do you have any idea how important that is for the politics and business that I must deal with everyday?"
"And I've told you many times before, Mother, that I care nothing for that social status!" said Andrea harshly, refusing to wipe the blood that had begun to slide down her throat. To her, it was like acknowledging that the slap she'd received hurt. Which it did, but her mother didn't need to know that. "Nor do I care for Pierre! He's nothing more than a spoilt, whiny little brat!"
"You will not speak of your future husband in that appalling manner!"
"I shall speak the truth, for he is not my future husband!"
"You will marry Neveau, and that is final!" yelled Mrs. Rose, standing up and slamming a hand on the table.
"No, I won't!" shouted Andrea, also rising so that they were eye to eye. "I'm a legal adult now! You can't force me to do anything!"
"Really, Andrea Persephone?" she said mockingly, raising a perfectly arched eyebrow. "You know, I can make your life a living nightmare after Hogwarts. You have nowhere to go but back to the manor. You have nowhere to go but to me!"
"I can get a flat of my own," answered Andrea in a would-be calm voice, but there was a definite tremor of fear in her words.
"Is that so?" replied Mrs. Rose silkily. "I've no doubt that you have some money at your disposal despite your feather-brained ways, but that money will not last."
"I-I'll get a job."
"Oh? And what job might that be?"
"I…" Andrea hesitated. "I want to be an Auror."
"You will do no such thing," she said sternly. "You are the descendent of the Le' Amore family, heiress to one of the largest wizarding businesses in Europe! Not only must my bloodline remain in it, but I will hardly allow any child of mine to be involved in such uncivilized dueling everyday."
"Protecting the innocent is hardly 'uncivilized dueling'!" protested Andrea heatedly. "And I don't want to manage your stupid business!"
"Not only will you manage it, Andrea Persephone, but when you marry Pierre you will merge together with the Neveau's manage theirs too!"
"I won't!" cried Andrea vehemently, as though she wanted to make her mother understand through the sheer power of her voice. "I will not marry that berk! And I absolutely refuse to enter that dishonest, scheming world of politics and business that you call a job!"
Her mother stared at her for a moment before tucking back a single strand of hair that had escaped her chignon. She gave a smile that Andrea found far from comforting and sat down. Andrea followed the suit, but instead of being reassured, she was all the more worried.
"Would you agree that I hold a powerful position in the wizarding community, Andrea Persephone?" she asked, delicately placing the tips of her fingers together.
"Yes," said Andrea slowly. Even someone who lived under a rock would have heard of Priscilla L' Amore Rose. She was a renowned businesswoman, shrewd and calculating, also known for her diplomatic and negotiating skills. Every other week, she'd hold a ball that only the most prominent social figures in Europe were invited to. To be put simply, she reined supreme in the world of glitz and glamour.
"Correct," she replied shortly. "I suppose you heard about what happened to Olivia Davidson?"
Andrea racked her brains. During the holidays, she was forced to attend the parties held by her mother and her contacts (either friend, supposed friend or enemy. There was just no such thing as not inviting Mrs. Rose to any sort of social event.). Being a natural gossip, she managed to pick up a lot of scandals and news about snotty cows everywhere. "Olivia Davidson… she was the owner of a four star hotel, wasn't she?"
"The keyword, my daughter, is 'was'," she said, smiling in satisfaction. "How do you suppose that keyword came to be?"
"Her… her business went down," said Andrea, the horrible realization of what her mother was implying sank in, "You…" she whispered. "You did that."
"Yes," she replied airily, "I did. But it was merely in retaliation. She called me a right little bitch when I bought some stocks that she had been aiming for. It was easy, Andrea Persephone," she looked at her, her pretty mouth twisting into a cruel smile. "Far too easy. In this world, my word is law. I simply made an announcement that I was boycotting her precious little hotels, and they could either be with me, or with her. She was forced to close them down a few months later."
She leaned forward. "You get it, don't you Andrea Persephone? I may not be able to make you come back to the manor, but you will do as I say! When I am through spreading the word about you, you won't even be accepted as a barmaid at the Hog's Head!"
"I'm your daughter!" she hissed disbelievingly.
"And I'm your mother," came the unfazed reply. "I'm your mother who has contacts in every nook and cranny of the wizarding world. I'm your mother who's married to the ambassador of England. I'm your mother who can ruin your life if you do not do as I please!"
Andrea looked at her helplessly. She was trapped, and they both knew it.
"I'll be taking you out of Hogwarts right after your Mock NEWTs," she said casually. "Now, how would you like a summer wedding? France is beautiful at that time of year."
"But…" Andrea said, despite the fact that she had nothing to say.
"But what?" asked her mother, letting you a bell-like laugh that many who didn't know her well found charming. "There's nothing here at Hogwarts that could possibly convince me to let you stay-"
"Andrea, darling!"
At the sound of someone tromping noisily up the stairs, Mrs. Rose waved her wand at her daughter's cheek, making the cuts and blood disappear. Andrea refrained from rolling her eyes. To Priscilla Rose, image was everything.
She turned around to face the speaker, wondering whom it was and how they managed to get into the office without being noticed earlier. Deep brown eyes sparkled under the dark hair that fell perfectly over them and a pair of lips that made girls drool pecked her on the cheek. She withheld a gasp of astonishment at the sight of the undeniably handsome countenance of Sirius Black.
……
James Potter was decidedly not having a good time.
First, he'd gotten into a fight with just about the only sentient being he knew in the entire forest. Then, he'd tramped around for hours aimlessly, looking for familiar landmarks (Still thinking about Lily.) before he realized that he could've just changed into a stag and found his way to Hogwarts by following the trail the Marauders left every full moon. After that, just as he was finally picking up the trail to the school, his sensitive ears picked up a faint scream. Changing back into his human form, he paced back and forth, wondering frantically if that was Lily.
And then to top it all off, a Niffler (a Niffler of all things!) suddenly leapt out of the ground, tried to bite him a few times before nicking his glasses and running away.
James sighed and sat down, bringing his knees to his chest and squinting at his surroundings. Everything was a blur of green and brown thanks to that stupid Niffler. His mind turned back to the scream he'd heard and the image of a redhead that came with it.
Lily.
Merlin, he groaned inwardly, letting his head fall to his knees. He couldn't stop thinking about her! Two seconds after she'd stomped away, he wanted to rush after her and apologise to her, to tell her to stick with him so he could protect her, but his pride held him back. He doubted she'd ever been into the Forest and would've had a much harder time getting out that himself. When they'd both stormed off, there'd been a definite limp in her step. Lord, she could be lying, hurt and bleeding as animals ripped through her still-warm flesh…
He punched the ground angrily at the thought of her harmed in anyway. That's it, he decided firmly, standing up and nearly slamming into a tree. I'm damn well going to find her even if I have to comb the entire Forest by myself!
With a pop, a majestic white stag stood in his place, and thankfully, his vision sharpened. He sniffed around, looking for the scent of another human, but to his dismay, there was nothing of that sort in the damp, humid air. Strangely, there was a smell that he'd only encountered once or twice before. He breathed in deeply and thought carefully, it was like a person who spent a lot of time around horses.
A clip-clopping sound startled him out of his thoughts and he stared at the source of the scent that had befuddled him. A very young centaur stepped towards him tentatively.
"You are the Potter boy," said Firenze, a statement, not a question. James supposed that some form of astonishment must have shown on his face, because the next moment, he said. "I know, for I have heard the elder's talk of you and your friends. A group of students who are illegal Animagi, running around our Forest and the village with a werewolf every full moon," he looked at James seriously. "They do not like you."
James changed back and gave the other a hard glare, which would have been more imposing had he not been looking slightly left of where his original target was. "Remus isn't just a werewolf!"
"I know of that, Potter boy," he replied, seemingly unperturbed. "We centaurs too have been looked down upon. We do not discriminate those who do not deserve it, just because of blood or calamity," he glanced around before saying, "but this is not why I have come to you."
"What?" said James, unsure whether he could trust the centaur.
"Another girl who came into the forest with you is in danger," he said, "she has fiery red hair, green eyes and a very loud voice-"
"Lily!" said James, his eyes widening. He took a step nearer. "Where is she? What's happened?"
"She's hurt and has fallen into a pit," he answered. "She cannot escape. It is not safe for her for there are many nocturnal predators there."
"How do you know this?" asked James shakily.
"My father, several other centaurs and myself heard her cries for help. They refused to help her for fear of disturbing what was to be."
"What?" exclaimed James angrily. "You mean you just left her there? What crap is this?"
"We must hurry, Potter boy," said Firenze, showing the first signs of agitation. "Not only is she helpless, but I will be severely disgraced if my family finds out about this."
In a blink of an eye, James was a stag again. Both of them raced off, Firenze leading the way. He seemed to know shortcuts, leading them between boulders and over walls of logs. Minutes later, James could smell the soft scent of peach that Lily always had.
Just in front of a stand of trees, Firenze halted. "I must leave now," he sad nervously. "I cannot be seen bringing you here," he pointed to somewhere beyond the greenery. "She's behind that-"
Without even waiting for him to finish his sentence, James bolted forward, bursting through the foliage.
The sight that greeted him was not a pleasant one. Surrounding the pit was a pack of Dark Wolves, six salivating ruthless creatures, all alpha males. They prowled around the edge, assessing how dangerous their victim was before they pounced.
James froze for a second, but at the sight of Lily in the midst of danger, he let out a loud bellow and charged towards them.
They were unprepared for his sudden entrance and scattered wildly. James attacked them, ramming his large rack of antlers into the nearest one; the force of his blow powered by his fear for Lily made the wolf fly into the air and land with a thud, unconscious. The rest of the pack looked at their fallen comrade and took a step back, narrowing their yellow eyes. They looked at James, trying to figure out if he was worth giving up their prey for.
James stood strong and tall, separating them from Lily. He let out another cry that said clearly, 'Lay off! She's mine!' The Dark Wolves merely growled in return. They fanned out, what seemed to be their leader stood at the front. As most leaders of vicious groups were, this one looked meaner and tougher than the rest. He was large, bristling with fur, tooth and nail. A particularly nasty scar over one cruel eye and similar battle tokens proved him to be the victor of many fights.
With a menacing snarl, he leapt at James who barely sidestepped the blow. Wicked claws tore through his flank upon rebound, but he turned sharply, hitting the wolf's side with his namesake. His opponent rolled but managed to land on his feet. The two fighters circled warily, trying to predict the other's next move. James tried to butt the Dark Wolf again, but his opponent was prepared, nimbly leaping out of the way. Instead, his teeth nearly nicked James's neck. James jumped away; he knew that if the poison got into his bloodstream, he was done for.
They parried more; swift blows darted to and fro. While the wolf had experience and the merciless instinct of an animal, James had human intelligence and the desire to protect something he cared for. All in all, they were evenly matched. As James ducked a swipe of claws, sliding slightly on the moist ground, he felt himself tiring. They'd been at it for sometime, and he needed to end it quickly before the wolf sensed his weakness.
Quickly, he reared up on his hind legs like a horse and slammed his front hooves into the wolf's belly, temporarily stunning and winding it from the unexpected move. With a swift motion, he bent low, scooping the other up with his large antlers. He strained his neck muscles to the extreme and heaved, flinging him a few feet away towards his followers.
The other Dark Wolves looked cowed and disconcerted at their leader's defeat. Dragging their unconscious companions with them, they turned tail and fled.
He moved towards Lily who was still sitting in the mud, gaping at him with undisguised awe. Her mind was reeling. A stag, some random stag had just popped out of nowhere and saved her from a gory death (which involved her bones being stuck between serrated teeth.). After she'd been pushed into a magical cupboard, met a Niffler, been abandoned by centaurs and eyed up by wolves, it was really a rather lot to take in. As her savior's piercing hazel eyes examined her shaking form, all she could do was gawp.
Wearily, when James had convinced himself that there wasn't much physical damage that he could see, he stumbled into the undergrowth and turned back to a human, heading towards Lily, hoping that she wouldn't notice his excellent timing. He stumbled back out with a long branch in hand. Leaning over the rim, he was able to hold out the branch and allow Lily to clutch to it like a lifeline. Somewhere at the back of his mind, he realized as he pulled her up, that it wasn't quite normal to have a Niffler clinging onto your leg as the one that was clinging onto Lily's.
She stared at him with her mouth opening and closing, her face splattered with mud and drawn from exhaustion, before throwing her arms around him and bawling loudly. He himself was so drained that he could barely register the fact that not only was Lily Evans hugging him willingly, she was crying.
Minutes later, both teens had collapsed on the ground, sleeping peacefully in each other's arms.
……
"What're you doing here?" blurted out Andrea. She was very much afraid, not only could Sirius worsen the already horrendous situation, but he would also find out what her family was truly like. Something she'd been trying to hide from everybody for years.
"I heard your mother was here!" said Sirius buoyantly, looking into her eyes meaningfully, trying to convey some hidden message she was obviously not receiving. "Andrea dear, don't you remember? I've been wanting to meet your darling mother for ages now!"
He looked at Mrs. Rose and gave her a smile that would've melted a heart of stone.
Unfortunately, it had absolutely no effect on her.
"Exactly whom," she said disdainfully, pausing to give Sirius a look that reminded him of a cat eyeing a particularly scrawny rat, "might you be?"
"I'm Andrea's boyfriend," he said. He gave a polite bow and kissed her hand swiftly. She blinked, not appalled, but surprised at his well-bred manners. "Sirius Black is the name."
"Black?" Mrs. Rose's attitude changed immediately. "Sirius Black of the Noble House of Black? Whose blood has run pure since the Middle Ages?"
"The very one," said Sirius easily, but his smile seemed rather forced. He took her hand and squeezed it, lest she say something she'd regret. Andrea who had been gaping at Sirius disbelievingly since he'd appeared finally managed to regain her composure. "Do you know my darling mother?"
"I've heard of her, certainly, but I'm afraid we don't run in the same circles," replied Mrs. Rose. She was still examining Sirius critically, but without a hint of disapproval on her face. "Your family has a wonderful reputation, lots of services to charity and relatives with prestigious positions."
And you're damn rich and powerful, added Andrea silently, knowing what her mother was thinking.
"Indeed," said Sirius, though Andrea noticed his eyes were tightening around the edges. "In fact, my great-great-grandfather, Phineas Nigellus used to run this very school."
"Really," said Mrs. Rose, turning to the empty portrait with green hangings. "I'm sure he managed his school with a far sterner hand than its current headmaster does."
Though Sirius's jaw clenched, he gave a charming smile and said, "To each his own."
Mrs. Rose nodded and waved her wand, conjuring an uncomfortable looking antique chair. "Do have a seat, Mr. Black," she said. "I'd like to ask you a few things."
Andrea stiffened and dug her nails into her palm as Sirius sat beside her. She knew what this was. The exact same thing had happened to the first, last and only boyfriend she'd brought home. Interrogation.
"Please," he said, with another heart-winning grin, "call me Sirius."
"Alright then, Sirius," she said with smile that didn't reach her eyes. "What do you think of our Minister's latest announcement? Rather affects the economy, don't you think?"
Andrea bit her lip. This is it! She wailed despondently in her mind. How does she expect teenagers to know about current affairs? Especially teenagers like Sirius Black! As far as she knew, his only concern was a girl to snog and treacle tart for desert!
"I believe you speak of the proposition about the embargo against flying carpets?" said Sirius smoothly, causing both mother and daughter in blink in surprise. "Though we may no longer be allowed to import carpets due to the enforcement of rules, I don't believe that it will damage our economy. After all, the production of brooms has risen, earning Britain a respectable reputation for producing quality transportation. Besides that, family brooms have begun to come into the market. Not only will this work just as well as carpets, it will actually reduce the money flow out of the country as we're buying our own products."
"Really?" said Mrs. Rose, her smile seemed slightly warmer this time. "Then again, it may be years before someone in the Ministry takes serious action. Do you think that there may be any other effects due to the Minister's announcement?"
"Yes, the Ministry does tend to dawdle doesn't it? I personally believe that Mr. Bartemius Crouch would make a good candidate as the Minister of Magic."
Andrea stared at him, how on earth did he know that her mother was a huge supporter of Couch's? Social gossip perhaps? Then, she frowned, hadn't she just heard him snarling about Crouch a few days ago during breakfast? Something about being a heartless bastard.
"I completely agree," said Mrs. Rose firmly. "He certainly does know how to take matters to hand. About my earlier question…"
"Well, our political connection with Asian countries may weaken. After all, the export of carpets to Britain has always brought in a hefty income for them," said Sirius thoughtfully. "However, this will have to be one of the little sacrifices made in order to enforce the law. According to the Registry of Proscribed Charmable Objects, carpets are defined as a Muggle Artefact. Rules are important after all, imagine what a mess England would be in if there weren't any!"
Sirius flashed a sincere smile while Andrea had to bite her lip to stop herself from bursting into hysterical laughter. Sirius Black, troublemaker extraordinaire was discussing about the importance of rules with her mother, who bribed, sabotaged and black mailed her way to success! It was too much.
"You are an unusually mature and thoughtful young man," said Mrs. Rose, approval layered on every word. "Tell me, Sirius, what do you know about business?"
"I know enough," said Sirius modestly.
"Judging by the current circumstances of our country, which company's stocks and shares do you think will rise in the near future?"
"As we've been hearing constant news of Dark Wizards, companies in the security and insurance business will certainly make a huge profit. If there's one thing humans are scared of, it's death. Thus, with the rumour of danger about, I imagine that people will be looking for spells and enchantments to keep themselves safe," answered Sirius. "This will also lower business for companies that provide relaxation and pleasure like 'Holly's Happy Holidays' or brooms for joy riding and Quidditch. In fact, I hear that the Silver Arrow production line is going down while…"
Andrea tuned out his voice, getting lost in her thoughts. It was absurd, really, she decided. To have Sirius Black (Sirius Black!), a boy she didn't much like or know, just barge in and declare himself her boyfriend. It was even stranger that he knew the exact moment to show up, and the exact thing to say. She compressed her lips, her quick mind running over the possibilities. Had he been listening somehow? She mulled over the ways he could have done so (and there were many of that, ranging from him being able to turn into a potted plant to having amazing psychic powers. She dismissed the last one with disgust, he had after all, written on his last piece of Divination homework that he needn't pass it up as their professor would be dead before the date was due.)
"Don't purse your lips like that, Andrea Persephone," snapped her mother. Andrea looked up, apparently the interrogation was over and Sirius had passed with flying colours. "Now Sirius," said Mrs. Rose with a smile that Andrea usually saw when she was about to close a large deal. "How did you and my daughter get together?"
Sirius reached over for her hand and held it with both of his. His skin was slightly rough from Quidditch. She knew that it was so cliché as she thought of it, but their hands fit perfectly together. He clasped her palms to his chest and looked lovingly into her eyes. She herself struck upon a lovesick air and gave a saccharine smile.
"I was partnered with her for Potions, and it was then that I finally saw the beauty in front of me that I'd be ignorant of after all these years," said Sirius wistfully, Andrea inclined her head bashfully, in reality trying to cover up the snigger she felt bubbling up her throat.
"I remember the first time I really looked at her," he continued. "She was chopping up newt livers with this tiny frown right here," he lay a finger in between her eyebrows. Even Andrea couldn't help but giggle.
"She does tend to do that though she shouldn't. It'll cause frown lines, seeing as being pretty is the only asset you've got, I suggest you take my advice for once," she said, completely untouched by Sirius's story. "What off you, Andrea Persephone? What's your side to this tale?"
Sirius gave her hand another reassuring squeeze and she cleared her throat. "Well, the newt livers slipped out from under my knife ('clumsy girl,' sniffed Mrs. Rose.) and Sirius had to help me pick them up. When I looked at him, I felt this fluttery feeling in the pit of his stomach. It was then he asked me out."
"Really?" was all she said.
"Yes," cut in Sirius, seeing as how all of Andrea's creativity had been sapped away by her mother. "Over the shimmering fumes and dancing flames did our love begin to bloom. Our relationship progressed from there, and I can quite honestly say that I've never felt this way about anyone else before."
Mrs. Rose stayed silent for a few seconds, and then she said. "What is your ambition, Sirius?"
"To become and Auror," he said without hesitation. At the obvious souring of Andrea's mother's face, he added. "From what I hear, so does Andrea. Can you imagine it, Mrs. Rose?" said Sirius, raising his arm like he was gesturing to a billboard. "'Top Aurors of the Year! Best Couple the Ministry Ever Had! Sirius Black and Andrea Rose!' A huge page on the Daily Prophet! How proud would you be when you hear that your daughter is the Ministry's number one Auror?"
Andrea frowned, had he been listening somehow? No one but Lily and Taylor knew about her ambition. After all, most of the school thought she wasn't smart enough to actually get a job, much less an elite position like an Auror.
Mrs. Rose's expression changed and became thoughtful. Knowing it would take another tiny prod to push her towards agreement, Andrea added quietly, "I heard that Mrs. Cartwright's daughter couldn't make it through Auror training."
"Well then," she said with another frosty smile. "Perhaps being an Auror is a rather respectable career. And Hogwarts is really quite a good school, with Sirius here, it's certainly worth it," she gave Andrea a meaningful look. "I think I will let you finish your studies here."
"That's wonderful, Mrs. Rose!" said Sirius with true enthusiasm.
"I know," she said bluntly. "Now if you don't mind, Sirius, I'd like to say a few things to Andrea Persephone before I leave."
"Of course," said Sirius, disappearing down the stairs, but in truth disappearing under James's Invisibility Cloak.
When she saw that Sirius was nowhere in sight, she said. "For the moment, I believe that Black will do. I, frankly, find it amazing that you managed to accomplish something useful for once."
"Oh," she said, unsure of what she was supposed to say. "Does this mean that I … I needn't marry Neveau and take over the business?"
"I suppose not," she said with a sniff, not noticing Andrea's face of suppressed glee. "As for the whole Auror thing, you just make sure you do better than Melinda Cartwright did."
"Yes, Mother," she said, her eyes sparkling.
"But, I may consider matching you up with Neveau again if you ever break up with Black."
"What?" choked Andrea. "You mean I've got to be with him fo… forever?"
"Unless you wish to become a Mrs. Neveau," she said briskly. "I know Pierre will wait, he's very keen on you."
"What if Sirius doesn't want to stay with me?"
"Then get pregnant," she said -as though it was a completely normal thing to do- ,picking up her handbag.
Andrea's jaw hung open, but a second later; she was over her initial shock. Standing up, her eyes blazed with fury, "Fine," she bit out. "But just to be sure, you're telling me that as long as I'm with Sirius, you won't force me into marriage or a job as head of your company?"
"Yes," she said. "So you best keep him Andrea Persephone."
"Wait," said Andrea grimly, snatching one of the sharp, spindly things from Dumbledore's desk. She cut her skin and held her hand up to show the trickle of blood escaping from the wound. "Wizard's Oath. We'll exchange blood to seal those promises."
"You needn't have done that, Andrea Persephone," said Mrs. Rose.
"Yes, I did," said Andrea stonily.
"You have become paranoid," she replied tonelessly. Her eyes flickered, as if she was realizing for the first time what an untrusting and shrewd person her daughter had become. She didn't flinch as the cold metal kissed her palm, "but this maybe the best habit you've ever had."
They shook hands, neither woman's face showed any sign of pain as the torn skin met and blood flowed. "I keep my word, Andrea Persephone," she said. "But very well, I swear upon my family's name of L' Amore, whose pureblood has run for over 12 generations that I shall not force you into a marriage nor a future you do not wish to as long as you stay with Sirius Black."
They released each other's hands. "I must leave now," said her mother, drawing back and wiping the blood away gingerly with a silk handkerchief. "Business with the Minister of Belgium."
"Just remember," said Andrea harshly, "I still hold the ultimate key to opening the door to the cupboard with all your skeletons that could destroy your career."
"Oh?" said Mrs. Rose, her lips twisting into an ugly smile. "You should know that it's never a good idea to use the same key to open too many doors. After all, whatever's inside might just spring out and… overwhelm you." Her eyes shot daggers, glittering with the unspoken threat.
"Goodbye, Mother," she said, her tone civil but weighed own by hatred and sadness.
Without even replying, the bane that had caused her so much trouble disappeared into the emerald green flames. At once, like a puppet whose strings had been cut, Andrea collapsed to her knees, pressing her bleeding hand against her uniform.
Sirius threw off the Invisibility Cloak and ran to her side, using his wand to mend the broken skin. Andrea looked at him with tears running down her face, "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I always break down after her visits."
Awkwardly, he pulled the sobbing girl into a hug and patted her on the back, unsure of what he was to do. And as abruptly as she'd started crying, she stopped. She pulled back and stared at him, though her face was shining with tears, the mask of steel that had been present throughout her mother's visit slipped back in place.
"I'm fine now," she said dully. "Don't worry, I'm not as perfect as she wants me to be, but I made sure that there was a loophole when we made the oath. As long as I'm with you, as in somewhere near you, like in Hogwarts, I've kept my end of the bargain."
She stood up and dusted her robes, swiping the tears from her cheeks. "I'll figure out how to deal with the rest of it after we leave Hogwarts… you know… get some obnoxiously rich fiancé or something," she walked to the exit and said. "Don't worry, I won't ask you for anything. I already owe you so much for spouting out lies and helping me."
"Hey," he called out to her, getting up himself, "not everything I said was a lie."
She gave him a bewildered look.
"I was telling the truth when I said that I'd never felt like this about anyone else before," said Sirius with a smile. "You're the most confusing person I've ever met."
A/N: Oh My God! Do you know how many words I've just typed? DO YOU! Over 13000 words, baby! My longest chapter EVER! I'm expecting a damn long review from you people! And since my birthday is coming soon… (hint, hint.) OK, well, I've finally gotten through this chapter. You guys'll get to find out more about Andrea's family in the coming chapter, and probably what James did to Lily in the first year too! So, give me huge reviews as a birthday present! I'm not sure I can update any nearer to my birthday anyway… I'm really not sure what I want to write about next.
I'm sorry if the whole Dark Wolf thing was lame, but I don't know any creatures in the Forbidden Forest. I don't have the book 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' despite my continuous efforts... So, that's the best I could come up with.
Anyway, I want to say this. I've just watched PoA. I know it's rather late, I mean it's been out for a year! But I was grounded when it came out and when I bought the disc, the only thing I could see was Harry's glasses floating around in the dark. Today, I finally remembered I hadn't watched it and borrowed the disc from my friend. And, I can only say one thing.
I am appalled.
What the bloody hell happened to the Marauders! Where was the brotherhood and close friendship! (Author trembling with anger.) Oh, sure, it's all fine and dandy, just about EVERY part except the ones involving the Marauders was well done!
Did they explain how Remus was part of the Marauders! NO! Did they say how much James and Sirius helped him by risking life and limb to become Animagus! Hell bloody no! Did they manage to convey the deep bonding and unbreakable friendship between the 3! NO!
I can't help it, I'm fuming! What was that crap? Remus sounded half in love with Lily! And Harry! Harry just believed them! In the book at least, it took some convincing, but here! God, here! He just saw Pettigrew pop out in rat form and voila, oh look! I believe you lot even though I viciously hated you moments before! And did they mention how Remus, Sirius, James and Pettigrew were connected to the Marauders? Or about James's Animagus form! UGH!
I'm not saying it was completely horrible, actually, I thought it was good, better than the last 2 at least. But… god… Ok… calming down now. Although I hated the fact that Gary Oldman was Sirius, he played the part of a misunderstood murderer/ innocent damn well. Still, I prefer the Sirius in the books… you know, more sane. Then again, the movie did manage to captivate me, especially near the end, when Sirius rode on Buckbeak towards the moon.
On to review replies!
Shadyday9: Thank you! Yeah, sweet 16! You make sure you leave me a lovely, long review! I didn't think of Aberforth! You know, I think that the person sneaking into the pub was Mundungus, working for Voldemort as an information supplier or something. And since Dumbledore helped him out, he's in debt! (I love making theories!) Oh, I'm from a country called Malaysia, it's really small and boring. You?
Ann black: Really? That's so cool! What's it like there? Thank you! Well, I'm not from Europe. In fact, I live in a little country in South-East Asia called Malaysia. Although not many people in my country speak English, after all our national language is Bahasa Melayu (which I incidentally stink at.), I grew up with an English speaking family. Please review!
Queenelf101: Well, this chapter should help slightly! And, as mentioned above, you'll find out about the whole first year thing in the coming chapter or two.
TacoBeesh: And I'll try not to hold the fact that you don't like cheerleaders against you. Although I don't see what's so bad about it. Anyway, thank you very much! Although the whole prank war thing is over, I'll try to insert humour here and there. But warning! The next few chapters are going to be serious ones!
Pandawitch1616: You should post your stories! I mean, you never know till you try! As for Andrea's family, she's a pureblood, hence, she's got a lot of cousins, second cousins and the like. Liz is just one of the ones she's close to. Oh, do you mean like doing 'blah, blah, blah…' or 'blah, blah, blah-'? Well, that's just my style of writing. I'm too used to it to change. Thank you, I consider it an amazing honor to be compared to J. K. Rowling! Can't wait for her new book!
Darak: Well, I mentioned in the first chapter that she wasn't sure if she had enough time to spring up and grab her wand. After all, Mrs. Dursley might decide she was mad and walk off before she got back.
Anonymuz: Hi, did I review your story? I'm sorry, people have asked but I keep forgetting whether or not I've done it! Thanks!
wudnulike2know: Yep, I am, and I'm proud of it! Oh, no, my exams are like OWLs, it's one that all the students in my country take when we're 15.
Story Weaver1: Yes, I grant your request. Let us now imagine curses and hexes flying from every corner towards that blasted woman! Hahahahaha! (going mad.) Yeah, well, I had a mental breakdown like that about 2 years ago, so I pretty much knew how to write it.
Dovasery: And I raise my glass to you. Thank you so much! God, after I read your review, I couldn't stop smiling! I love the way you left comments about each chapter! You gave loads of interesting comments and really made my day! Yeah, and as for the JKR bit, I am not worthy! Seriously, she's totally revolutionized literature! I hope that it won't either, I've got a rough idea of how I'm ending it, right down to the epilogue, but, you know, I haven't actually written it yet.
Freelancer477: Well, I want to kind of develop their relationships. So, they'll be like friends for a while and… I can't tell you! I planned how they'd get together for so long! I don't want to spoil the surprise!
FlOrA: Hey! Thank you, and yeap, it went amazingly! I got the equivalent of 12 OWLs! So, I also get an amazingly expensive hand phone I've been eyeing (my last one was confiscated.).
Hppigeonluv: Well, Sirius said that they got together in their 7th year, but he didn't say when in the 7th year. So, I think it's reasonable to believe that they started dating either midway or at the end of it. And thank you!
Phoenix Lumen: You're right! I'm sorry, I always have typos. People have offered to beta for me a few times, but I'd rather not. I can't stand waiting!
Ms. Lippy: Thanks for the suggestion, but I already have her based on someone I know… she's a real person in my world.
Kat44: Really? I didn't know it was done before! Which fics? And I've updated, not very fast, but a hell lot better than 4 months! Anyway, thank you!
Xxxsapphiretearxxx: Thank you! I got obsessed with HP when I was like 10. My brother introduced me to the books, telling me that if I didn't like it, he'd give me money. And, I fell madly in love with it. It was only after the 5th book that I realized what an amazing, gorgeous sexy person Sirius was! And am now obsessed with him! Sure, when you post it, tell me, I'll be glad to read it! Can't help it, I'm my worse critic. Like now, I just read over this chapter to check for mistakes, and I was wincing all the way because I didn't like a lot of parts… but I can't think of anyway to correct it. Just hope that you guys aren't as critical as I am.
Mae513: Thank you! You've hit the nail right on the head. The point of that conversation was to show their other sides, and soon, you'll be seeing more of how deliciously sweet Sirius can be! (drools)
Anngel from Hell: Of course you can use her name! Geez, I don't own it! As long as you don't steal her character or anything. Anyway, thanks and good luck with your story!
Faithwings: Well, the discussion was of the whole Beauxbatons thing, I mentioned it above! Thank you so, so much! I hope you did well for your exams!
Nisha: Thank you! I'm truly honoured that you reread my story! About the Taylor thing, well, you can assume what happened to her, it's of no great consequence, but I think I'll tell you guys what happened when you find out about the first year incident. Yeah, I live in Malaysia, and let me tell you, it's dead boring. Oh, poor girl! It must've been hard leaving America! I feel sad for you, but if it's of any help, my family isn't a picnic either. In fact, Andrea's family is loosely based on mine, I say loosely because it's not so extreme. Well, if you ever do come to Malaysia, got to Kuala Lumpur! I love the shopping there!
Legallyred: Ooh, thanks for the tip! Didn't know that! Ok… geez, I didn't know that. You know, in PoA the movie, it's like Hermione is madly in love with Harry and Ron. Gah.
ApplePie: Thank you! I do tend to make sure things go slowly as it seems more realistic, but I'm always afraid that it's dragged out!
Elladora D. Jobberknoll: Sure, no problem! Yeah, she is, I had a nervous breakdown two years ago and I drove my friends mad with my insanity. Filch does do an amazing job as a slimy bitter caretaker! As for the cupboard, yep, it is!
Yeoldecrazy: Frankly, I'm not a fan of Christmas… the whole family thing. My friends always stare at me like I'm mad when I tell them that. Anyway, the cupboard was still there when Harry and co got to school! That's where I got the idea. In fact, it was mentioned twice. The second time was by Fred/ George (can't remember which.), they pushed Montague into it. As for whether or not they work out their problems, yeah, they will! Things are really taking a turn now! Even so, I never ever want to deal with organizing anything again! Gah!
Evahyoung: Well, she might cut or it the scars might be someone else's doing, you'll find out soon! Nope, not yet – yet- I don't like people to jump into relationships, saying that they're madly in love.
SeCrEt LiLy: Thank you! I'm always afraid that people don't like them! That's the risky thing about OC's, especially girl ones.
DanceDiva: Many, many thanks! Yeah, Andrea's freak out was probably realistic because I have experience with that sort of thing. It was only once, and I never ever want to feel like that again. Anyway, this chapter should answer some of your answers!
Mrsjesspotter: I'm sorry you think I'm taking too long, but I really hate it when people just go, 'Oh, I hate him,' then maybe a hot snogging session, and 'Oh, I love him!'. It really ticks me off, so I have a tendency to make sure things progress properly. Thank you!
Lena-jade: Thank you! Yeah, I'm working to correct that. I want to redo a few chapters and get rid of the mistakes. I don't suppose you know if I'll lose reviews by doing that? Hope you did well with your mid terms! And yes, I'm an evil person! Sorry, couldn't resist the whole cliffie! Actually, I find the concept of exams in January rather strange. But that's probably because I'm from a different country. We only get back to school in Janaury.
PruePotter: Thank you! Anyway, I hope you did well for you exams. If it help, I slept through my History exam, bloody Coke and menstrual pills'll do that to you.
Orient Fox: Hey! Well, yeah, of course! But I'm going to take it slowly, loads of winding twists and turns!
Pigwidgeon188: Good guess! And, yep, you're right! Am I really that predictable?
Emrisah: Dah-ling, I do love you! (I meant that in a non-lesbian-ish way, thanks very much.) As for the scars, that'll come out in the next chapter, I'm not sure how to write the scene though. It'll be hard… (ponders.) Anyway, thanks for the review!
GoldenStar: Well, you'll find out all about it in the next chapter. But, I rather thought that I already hinted that it was her mom. Thank you!
A/N: Ok, that's all then! OMG! I just counted my reviewers and you guys have given me a total of 115 reviews for my last chapter! I so love you!