sooooo, i was totally kidding about stopping this story. it might take longer for updates now, seeing as im in school and im only at mah house for four hours everyday. soo youll just have to be patient. and thanks to everyone that did review. on with the story...
sadly, i dont own harry potter.
Chapter Four: Ravendor
Lily woke the next morning to enormous amounts of noise filtering up from the Gryffindor common room. She could barely even remember the events of last night. Then Lily remembered… the letter. A trickle of fear entered her mind. Pushing aside her worries, she opened her emerald eyes.
"Bloody hell," moaned Lily groggily. She sat up in her bed, rubbing her tired eyes. "What is all that noise?"
Dinah and Kaelin were already throwing their school robes on their backs and trying to get out of the dormitory as fast as they could. "They've posted the teams for the Tournament."
Lily sighed dramatically. "That explains everything."
Camryn felt the exact same as Lily did. "Should we go?"
Lily knew she would have to. It's not like she would be able to fall back asleep with all the racket down stairs. "Yeah."
"How did you sleep?" Cam asked as they descended the stairs into the common room.
"Excellent, not a dream at all," smiled Lily.
A large group of anxious looking Gryffindors had formed a tight circle by the bulletin board, next to the portrait hole. At the exact moment Lily entered the common room, James Potter followed closely by Sirius Black pushed their way to the front of the board.
A whoop illustrated from Black's mouth. "I knew we would get it, mate!"
The pair gave each other a high-five. "And we're on the same team too!"
"Excellent, oi Di!" shouted Black. "Come look, you, Kae, and Jensen are both on our team too!"
A very sleepy looking Jensen had just appeared at the bottom of the stairs. Upon hearing her name, her eyes looked up excitedly. "I made it?"
"You made it!" exclaimed Kaelin, who pushed herself away from the notice. "It's the five of us and two Ravenclaws. The other team is Hufflepuffs and Slytherins. We are going to dominate!"
The three girls jumped up and down elatedly. Lily and Camryn clapped happily for their friends. They wouldn't have to worry anymore about them making it. And they also wouldn't have to be hearing about how nervous they all were.
"How about some breakfast," suggested Camryn, "for our team?"
"Are you offering?" Black asked, sauntering up to Camryn.
"I'm sure you can find your own way to the Great Hall, Black," said Camryn slowly, "unless you're small brain doesn't remember how to get there."
Laughing, the five girls turned and started for the Great Hall. Cheerfulness had resumed in the castle once the aftermath of the attacks had worn off. People were now enjoying themselves, even though most students had an excessive amount of homework, they found ways to be on the sunny grounds, talking excitedly about the school year to come.
Lily had just voiced her concern of what she should do with Petunia's wedding. "I'll be your date!" exclaimed Dinah happily.
"Okay, but I don't know what I'm going to do," sighed Lily. "The other schools are arriving the same day, and I really want to be there for the arrivals."
"When is the wedding?" Jensen asked.
"At 10 in the morning," Lily said gloomily. She had no idea how this was going to work out.
A light bulb seemed to have appeared to Kaelin. "If the wedding is at 10, and the arrivals don't get here till later, you might be able to make it!"
Lily took in Kaelin's words. "You are right. I have plenty of time to get back! It's not like I want to stay for the reception anyway. Kaelin, you're the best."
Lily hugged her friend and rushed off to the staff table. "I know," said Kaelin happily.
Professor Dumbledore smiled greatly as Lily came to a halting stop in front of him. "Ah, Miss Evans, what can I do for you?"
She took a second to catch her breath. "Professor, I have a favor to ask."
His light blue eyes were twinkling merrily. "Ask away," he said leaning back in his chair.
"My sister," Lily began, "is getting married on the first of November. It's kind of required of me to go, so I was wondering, if in anyway possible that I could go to the wedding. And I'll make sure to be back by the arrivals of the other schools."
Dumbledore simply smiled at Lily, giving her the feeling of being uncomfortable. But she didn't squirm under his penetrating gaze. "Of course you may go!" he said after a long silence. "We were trying to decide if we wanted to cancel lessons that day anyway, since no one will be able to pay any attention. There is no need to worry about your classes then seeing as we won't be in need of any. Are you bringing a friend?"
"Oh yeah," Lily said, "may Dinah McKey come with me?"
Dumbledore nodded. "Is that all, Miss Evans?"
Lily stared at Dumbledore wondering if he could read her mind. That letter was still plainly occupying all her thoughts. For a second she was tempted to tell Dumbledore about it, but only for a second. "Yes, that's all. Thank you so much Professor."
A hearty laugh escaped Dumbledore's mouth. "No problem, Lily. Good day."
Lily waved slightly and walked casually back to the Gryffindor table. Her friends sat there, looks of wonder on their faces.
"He said yes," Lily said, grabbing a plate of waffles, "and Ruby you're coming with me."
Dinah pumped her fist in the air. "I love weddings!"
Lily had a feeling that this wedding, wasn't going to be like any other weddings Dinah has ever been to before. And for that, Lily was extremely nervous.
September sun faded into October wind. The heavy breeze swept various colored leaves about the grounds, occasionally managing to hit some students in their faces. Piles of leaves began to build up, and on breaks you could see students jumping into the crisp leaves. More and more cloaks were being seen wrapped tightly around the hurrying students from the greenhouses or the area for which was designated to Care of Magical Creatures. One day in particular, it had been so windy that some poor little first year had blown right into the lake. Luckily Professor Grubby-Plank rescued the first year before the Giant Squid could attack him with his tentacles.
With two weeks remaining in the month of October, the anticipation of the arrival of the other schools had become so high that teachers were beginning to hand out detentions to people that were found talking about it in class.
In Transfiguration class, Professor McGonagall had addressed the class that they would be having House meetings that evening in the common rooms. James Potter immediately protested, they had been planning a Quidditch training session.
"Mr. Potter, you will have to schedule it for another time," Professor McGonagall said simply.
Potter huffed and didn't push the subject any farther. Lily couldn't agree more with McGonagall. Kaelin, Dinah, and Jensen had all been exhausted as of late. Apparently, Potter had dubbed himself the captain, and took it to great pride in making their team better than their counterpart.
Promptly at eight o'clock that evening, Professor McGonagall appeared in the portrait hole. Talking ceased almost immediately. Lily and her group of friends were in the best seats by the fire. They had to move around so they could face McGonagall. She looked out of place in her bright red robes, she usually wore black. Her hair was still up in a tight bun.
"Attention," she said just to announce that she was there, "as you all know, we are hosting a special event this year. And due to dying foreign wizarding relationships, they will be staying for over most of the course of this year. They will attend lessons with you and stay in your dormitories. Being Gryffindors, I expect nothing but the best attitudes towards our guests." Her sharp eyes glanced to the corner where the Marauders sat. "They will be arriving on the first of November, and it has been decided that we will not have lessons that day, due to the fact that no one will be able to concentrate on the lessons. They are expected to arrive at seven that evening. Following their arrival we will have a welcoming feast." Shouts of happiness filled the common room.
"Two feasts in a row!" exclaimed Sirius Black, the whole of the common room found this extremely funny.
Lily found it remotely irritating. Professor McGonagall continued, "Yes, Mr. Black, and I expect you, of all people, to be on your best behavior." Sirius mocked hurt. "As I was saying, there will be a feast, and then they are allowed to choose where they wish to stay. I know, my Gryffindors, will set an excellent example and graciously admit them into our House. Any questions?"
Surprisingly, a couple hands shot in the air. A pretty seventh year girl waved her hand at McGonagall, "Professor, when will the information about the musical be posted?"
"We are going to explain the musical in full detail once our guests arrive, Miss Prewett" said McGonagall. "Anything else?"
A frightened first year raised her hand timidly into the air. "Yes, Miss Quinn?" McGonagall asked, addressing the girl.
The girl jumped at being addressed by McGonagall. "How many schools are coming?"
"Two, Miss Quinn," said McGonagall hastily. "Anyone else?"
Black raised his hand from the corner. "Are teachers allowed to be in the musical?"
Professor McGonagall looked at him oddly. "I guess if they really wanted to be, they could. But it is mostly for the students."
Black smiled. "I think you should be in it."
"Enough Mr. Black," McGonagall said, but you could see a faint tinge of pink appear on her cheek bones, "now if that's all, I shall be going. If you have any other questions, come and ask me, you all know where my office is."
McGonagall exited the common room. Animated jitters erupted once the last bit of her robes whipped out of the common room.
"We will have plenty of time to get back," Dinah said, instructing one of her bishops to attack Camryn's pawn. Lily winced as the pawn crumbled under the bishop.
"No lessons that day," exclaimed Camryn, "bloody wicked!"
"They have never cancelled lessons for anything," stated Kaelin, reading a book.
A tap at the window turned their attention to the tan owl pecking at the glass. Lily put her book on the table and walked to the window. As soon as she got the window opened, the owl rushed in, clawing Lily's shoulder in the process.
"Bloody owl," she muttered. "Whose are you?"
Kaelin abandoned her book too, checking the letter. "It's for you."
"That's not Turner though," Lily said apprehensively. Kaelin thrust the letter at her. Lily looked at the small piece of paper, fear consumed her face. She had a feeling she knew what it was.
One side of the small piece of parchment was completely blank, Lily flipped it over. Six words, written in a blood red, stared back at her.
One; yoU hAve bEEn wARneD, MudbLooD
Lily's friends formed a tight circle, all of them glancing at the parchment. Lily's hand shook, Kaelin actually let out a small gasp, and Dinah ripped the note from Lily's trembling hands.
"What crazy nutter does things like this?" she asked, yelling at the parchment.
"Dinah, shh," whispered Camryn. Half of the common room had abandoned their talks to glance over at Dinah.
"What are you looking at?" she snapped at them.
"Now we know for sure this wasn't James and Sirius," said Kaelin softly.
"Yeah, he would never call you that," Dinah said disgustedly.
"It's okay," said Lily, continuing to stare at the words, "I'm used to it from Snape."
"Hate that kid," muttered Camryn. She shook her brown bangs out of her eyes.
"That's two now," voiced Jensen, "isn't it?"
Lily nodded. "What do you think they mean?"
"Someone is obviously trying to give you a warning," Dinah said.
"Not sure who the hell it is though," finished Kaelin.
"What do we have here?" Black asked, snatching the parchment out of Dinah's hands.
Dinah managed to grab it back before the Marauders could read it. "It's none of your business Sirius," she said, giving him a very stern looking face.
Somehow Sirius understood her. James said, "We came over to see how our favorite girls were doing."
Lily glowered at him. The boys settled themselves on the floor in front of the fire. Remus managed to squeeze in next to Camryn on the couch. Lily was glad she had picked an armchair for the night, or she knew that Potter would have tried to sit with her.
"Where's Peter?" asked Kaelin looking around for the mousey boy.
"Wormtail," Sirius called, surveying the room, "no idea."
Lily rolled her eyes.
"Remus, are you feeling okay?" questioned Jensen. "You look really pale."
Lily focused her eyes one Remus Lupin. He did look pale in the face, and Lily had a vague idea of why he did. Remus' gray eyes locked with Lily's for a moment. He had told Lily about his secret in fifth year, when she kept badgering him about the cuts. Plus, by then Lily had already mostly figured it out. Lily, Dinah, and Kaelin were the only ones that knew. Camryn never bothered to ask, and Jensen was new. So she didn't know any better.
"Just feeling a bit under the weather," he said easily.
Sirius and James shifted awkwardly. "So," began James, obviously trying to get Jensen's attention off of Remus, "good practice the other day."
"Yeah, I think we have a shot of winning this thing," said Dinah. "It depends on how good the teams from the other schools are. Slytherpuff is no competition."
"Slytherpuff?" Camryn asked, totally confused.
"Yeah, that's what they are calling themselves," said Kaelin, "Slytherin and Hufflepuff but together.
"And you guys are Gryffindclaw?" wondered Lily, laughing slightly.
"Close Evans," James said, "Ravendor."
A chorus of laughter went around the circle. "Who is on the team from Ravenclaw?"
"Amelia Bones and Timmy Greenbow," answered Dinah, seeing what kind of reaction Lily would get upon hearing her crushes name.
Lily showed no outward emotion, but inside, her stomach did a back flip. Why hadn't her friends told her that he was on their team?
"Yeah, surprisingly Amelia is a decent Keeper," said Kaelin, "and I never noticed how quick Timmy is. He's really good."
Kaelin smirked at Lily. Lily narrowed her eyes at Kaelin. James watched this exchange in pure jealousy. He quickly figured there must be something going on between Lily and this Timmy person. And James did not like that.
Sirius took no note and continued, "We're going to win this Cup!"
The Quidditch freaks joined him in chanting 'Quidditch Cup! Quidditch Cup!' Lily laughed along with them. Quidditch talk usually bored her to death, but Lily found her self somewhat interested about the upcoming season. It could be because Timmy Greenbow was finally on a team that Lily was allowed to cheer for, she would never tell.
"Emer," Camryn said drawing her attention back to reality, "did you ever send a response back to your dad?"
A hand slapped to Lily's forehead. "Thanks for reminding me!" Lily jumped up and took the stairs two at a time up to the girls' dormitory.
"What does she have to respond to her dad for?" Sirius asked curiously, following Lily's retreating back.
"Never you mind," Dinah said giving Sirius the look that made him stop asking questions.
Camryn wondered how Dinah could do it. A simple look from Dinah made Sirius cower and shut up. Yet teachers and other students alike had trouble getting the annoying young man to shut up. Camryn had learned to at least get along with the Marauders, since they were friends with Dinah and Kaelin. Dinah had asked both her and Lily to act like they could stand them, she never said anything about liking them.
"Where did you just go?" Kaelin asked Camryn waving a hand in front of her face.
The crystal blue eyes focused on her friend's hand. "Oh nowhere, I just remembered, I have to go finish that Care of Magical Creatures essay."
"Do you want some help?" Remus asked, pushing himself off the couch.
Camryn looked at him awkwardly for a minute. "Uh, sure."
James and Sirius both shot Remus looks of pure laughter as he passed them, trailing behind Camryn.
"He totally fancies her," Sirius whispered, a little too loudly.
A heavy textbook connected with his head. "I heard that," Remus said before stepping out through the portrait hole.
"He does," exclaimed Sirius once Remus was completely out of sight.
"So Moony, how was the library?" James asked, raising his eyebrows knowingly.
Remus glared at his friends through gray eyes. "It's not like that."
"It's weird, I always thought Camryn fancied Padfoot," James said shining his Dart 200 with his Broom Servicing Kit.
"She doesn't fancy me," muttered Remus.
"She didn't object to having you come to the library with her," Sirius pointed out.
"That's because I don't annoy her out of her wits like you do," Remus said sharply.
"See, you do like her!" exclaimed Sirius. "Good thing, cause I thought she liked me too, and she's just a little too much for me."
Sirius shook his dark shaggy hair out of his dark eyes. The girls at Hogwarts loved the way his hair fell so elegantly into his dark and mysterious eyes. And Sirius knew it too. He had a way with women, almost so that he could corrupt their minds into thinking he was the sexiest male in the castle. Remus looked neither bothered or put out by his friends comment. He merely trudged over to his bed, sat upon it, and sighed.
"What's up Moony?" James asked, placing all the broom cleaning products back into its neat little kit.
"Full moon is coming up," he sighed again.
Sirius yelled, gleefully. He was clearly excited for the adventures the full moon brought, but Remus was hardly looking forward to it. The last full moon took a lot of energy out of him, which left him falling behind in his studies. Teachers asked him what was wrong; he could not rightly tell them that he was a werewolf. He faked many stomachaches and took refuge in the Hospital Wing.
James' hazel eyes swept over his tired friend once more. "It won't be as bad as last time."
Remus nodded.
"We will make sure of it," James said firmly. "Right, Padfoot?"
Sirius also nodded. James cleared his throat, certainly trying to find a more appropriate and not as depressing topic, as the full moon. "So what do you reckon Lily has to write back to her dad about?"
"She probably needs more quills or something," Sirius said offhandedly.
Remus scoffed. "Padfoot, are you dull? Her parents are muggles; they don't own quills or anything of that such."
"Well, it was a nice guess," Sirius mumbled.
After a minute Sirius threw his hand up in the air and said, "I know!"
"Know what?" James asked, leaning back against his pillows.
"Why Evans was writing to her dad," Sirius said breathlessly. "Dinah told me." He said after receiving confused looks from both James and Remus. "Her sister is getting married, and she has to go. Dinah is going with her."
"A wedding?" Remus said.
"I didn't know Lily had a sister," said James.
"I did," Remus said.
James glared at him. "Maybe if you talked to her once in awhile you would know these things, instead of accusing her."
This statement received silence from James. "What else did Dinah tell you?"
A faraway look appeared on Sirius' face as if thinking real hard. "Oh yeah, she told me something else. But she made me swear not to tell anyone."
James gave Sirius an accusing look. "And has that ever stopped you before?"
"Prongs, the woman will kill me if she finds out I told you," he argued.
"You're afraid of a girl."
"Have you seen her when she's mad, not the prettiest sight ever?"
James glared at Sirius.
"Fine, fine," Sirius sighed, "but if she ever finds out, I'm blaming you."