HEY SURPRISE UPDATE!!!! hehe you didn't think I would be that mean as to leave you hanging for a long time, did you?! ah, it was my boyfriend's idea...anyway enjoy the surprise update now!

HERMY PERMY: I KNOW I'M BEING HYPICRITICAL WITH ALL THE CLIFFIES BUT IT MUST BE DONE! LOL THIS CHAPPIE'S FOR YOU WOMAN:P

Chapter 9. Uh oh!

"My, my, this is going to be a splendid night, isn't it, Mr. Jingles," said the scruffy man just as a gray tabby cat stepped around the corner.

"Mr. Filch, we were just heading to our common rooms right now. There's nothing to get so work up about," said Lily nervously.

"Now, do you really think I'm that stupid as to let all of you go after committing such an act? No no no, I think a good ounce or two of blood rushing to your heads might be a rightful punishment," growled Filch. "And I do believe it's been a long time since my nose hair pluckers were used as well," said Filch, his face beginning to glow with the thought of punishing the group of students in front of him.

"Now, now, Argus, I certainly don't think that such retribution is in need for these students," said a voice from the right of Lily. She turned quickly to see the Headmaster in a navy blue robe accented with purple stars, heading towards them. They were in trouble now.

"Ah good evening Professor, we were just heading to our chambers so we'll be on our way now," said Sirius calmly as he began to walk toward the portrait of the fat lady.

"Not so fast, Mr. Black, I do believe there is a matter to discuss at this moment," said Professor Dumbledore, giving Sirius a gentle glance. Sirius looked back at Dumbledore and shook his head as he joined the rest of the group in defeat.

"Headmaster, I just witnessed these students using a Polyport Device," Filch said gravely. "And we all know very well that those things were banned a year ago."

"Yes, I know Argus, but another matter is at hand. Now, if you would please be so kind as to let me take these students to my office to converse?" said the Headmaster politely.

"But, Headmaster! They used an illegal device on school grounds! I think some punishment is needed here!" snarled Filch in frustration. His cat was now in front of Sirius hissing. Sirius just growled at the cat and it went away just as James elbowed him him in the ribs for what he did.

"We shall discuss their punishment after I hear their side of the story. Please excuse us now, Argus."

After giving Filch a reassuring glance, Dumbledore turned to the group and nodded for them to follow him to his office.

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James was in utter confusion, to say the least. Not only were they going to get in a great deal of trouble for getting caught using the Polyport Device, but there was something else on the Headmaster's mind that didn't look too good either. James was so caught up in his mind that he hadn't noticed that his feet had led him all the way to Dumbledore's office, along with everyone else. He guessed that since he had been there so many times, his feet already knew where to take him.

James glanced at Lily, who looked completely terrified at being taken to the Headmaster's office for something other then an award for good grades.

Finally in the headmaster's office, James looked around the enormous room as they gathered around Professor Dumbledore's desk. It had been a while since he last entered this office, and again, it was on bad terms so James really wasn't that frightened of getting in trouble. He was more worried about the girls then anything else. More for Lily and Liz, that is. It amazed him that Gwen was just as much of a troublemaker as he and the Marauders were, considering she was supposed to be a good girl like her two best friends.

Looking upon the gadgets that cluttered the desk and the portraits of all the previous headmasters and mistresses of the school that hung on the walls, James hadn't noticed the group that was staring at him intently.

"James!" Remus hissed, nudging James with his elbow.

"Sorry, I had forgotten how much stuff you have in here, Professor. It just overwhelmed me," James said with embarrassment.

"That's quiet alright, but would you please explain to me why you were caught with a Polyport Device on school grounds?" said Dumbledore softly, sitting behind his desk with his hands clasped in front of him.

"You see, Professor, it was a mistake and we won't ever do it again. We'll-even-give-you-the-device-if-you-wish," Lily said in a rush.

"Be quiet Lily, that thing isn't even yours," Gwen commented.

"Then who may I ask, does it belong to?"

"It's mine, Professor," Sirius raised his hand with his head averted to the floor.

"That's a lie, Professor." James interjected. "The Polyportal Device belongs to me.""No, James, that thing is mine, my own mother gave it to me so be quiet," Sirius hissed to James, his eyes full of concern.

"I admire your altruism, but there is no need to try and hide anything from me. I will not punish you for anything tonight. I just wish to know how you came about with this contraption and if I may ask you to help me with something," Dumbledore said giving the group a little bit of a shock that they weren't in trouble…yet.

"Are you serious?" asked Sirius. (a/n: yes I know this pun is used quite often, but I couldn't resist XD)

"Yes, of course, Mr. Black," the old wizard said lightly. "So, would you be kind enough to give me information on the object you have in your pocket, Mr. Potter?"

Slightly startled, James started to explain, along with Sirius, since it had been his first. After giving Dumbledore all the information they could, they asked the old wizard what else it was that he needed.

"There is something else, but I doubt that I should get you all involved in the same thing. I will separate you into pairs and each couple will have a different assignment. The thing in which you will be working on must be very confidential, no one must know about it until the appointed time. You must not even tell each other what different task you have taken." Dumbledore said very critically, looking directly into each of their eyes. "Do you each understand the seriousness of this?"

"Yes, Professor," they all replied with determined looks on their faces.

"If any of you feel that this is too much to handle after I tell you your assignment then please do not feel obliged to go through with the task, but let I remind you that your memory of that point in time will be removed for reasons of information being intercepted."

"We understand, Professor Dumbledore. But may I ask one question before you assign us these tasks?" Lily interrupted politely.

"Yes, go right ahead, Ms. Evans."

"What exactly are we dealing with that must be kept in top secret?" Lily asked cautiously.

"You will be dealing with a very powerful dark wizard named Lord Voldemort."

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At those last words, Liz and Gwen gasped. The boys on the other hand had a different reaction.

"I've heard that name before." Remus confessed. "My father had an assignment on that same wizard in the Ministry of Magic. He worked on it before- before his death," Remus finished with difficulty. Liz gently put her arm around his shoulders as a bit of comfort for him.

"Yeah, I've heard of that name too. My mother tried to get me in league with that bloke." Sirius shivered at the thought. "Didn't seem like of good idea and I was right, wasn't I?"

"Yes, you were quite right," said the old wizard with his eyes sparkling at Sirius.

"And well, of course I've heard of it as well. My father is an Auror so I've heard that name constantly in my house." James said earnestly.

Then Gwen spoke out of nowhere, her eyes seemed watery as if she wanted to cry.

"How can you all just talk about him as if nothing?" Gwen said with a hint of anger in her voice.

"What do you mean? Why are you so worked up, Gwen?" Lily asked curiously. She looked slightly confused at Gwen's sudden out-burst.

"I mean, haven't you heard of all the things that have happened because of that one particular wizard?" Gwen questioned, her voiced seemed to quiver as she spoke.

"Yes, that's why I have gathered you all here. We all know the destruction that has been caused by only one person," Dumbledore replied. "Your assignment will be dealing with Lord Voldemort. And I have chosen all of you due to the different impacts he has had on each of your lives."

"On each of us? What do you mean, Professor? I have had no connection with this Lord Voldemort," Lily said. Once again Gwen and Liz shivered at the sound of the name. "And stop getting so worked up because of one little name. I am ashamed at how easily a few stupid words make you react in such a way."

"I'm sorry to say this Lily, but you have a great involvement in this as well even though you may not have realized it yet. Lord Voldemort has had some impact in your life. Just look around, most of your friends have had some sort of tragedy due to this wizard," said Professor Dumbledore softly.

"Not Liz, she's part muggle-born and she lives most of the time with her mother in muggle France," Lily said desperately before turning to Liz.

"I'm sorry Lil's but he's right. Something happened that did impact my life, but lets not talk about it now…" she replied in a tiny voice, making Lily feel alone.

"So there you have it Lily," Sirius said with frustration and a yawn. "Now will you let the Headmaster finish so that we can get to bed?"

"Alright, please tell us what our assignment is, Professor" said Lily.

"I will, but let me divide you all first," said Dumbledore as he got up from his desk to stand in front of the group of young witches and wizards.

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James looked around as Dumbledore gathered his thoughts, hoping that he would end up with Lily by some miracle. As it turned out, he got just what he wished for, but as always, Lily didn't look so thrilled. So it went with Remus paired with Liz and Sirius with Gwen.

"Now that I have paired you up, would the four of you please wait outside as I give these two their instructions?" Dumbledore said, nodding to Remus, Liz, Sirius, and Gwen to wait outside as he spoke to James and Lily. Once the four students left the office, Dumbledore turned to the Head Boy and Girl.

"Your assignment begins on the first of December-"

OooOh so what's Dumbledore up to? i dunno...maybe you gotta come back next time for the next chapter!! reviews please!!!

p.s. this was not a real cliffhanger...i promise. :D