10 September, 1977
Things are still going well with Sirius. We had our first real date, and it went very well. I'm starting to wonder how we wasted so much time getting on each other's nerves. The guys are getting used to the situation faster than the girls. I think it's probably because they see us together more often. Well we'll see how things go. Classes are getting better even though the material is more difficult than ever. Perhaps that is because I'm not so worried about Sirius screwing things up anymore.
Annicka Llewellyn
Sirius and Annicka lounged on a sofa in the Gryffindor common room, as the room emptied and quieted Sirius began asking her questions," Why is it so important to you to get into the Ministry of Magic? Is it because of your father?"
Annicka smiled to herself before answering, "I suppose it is, a little. He's the one who inspired me, but I was decided after I met Remus," she explained.
"After you met Moony?" he asked confused.
"Yes, I want to work in the Department of Mysteries, you know, magical research. I'm hoping to find something to help Remus and others like him," she answered.
"People like him? I don't know what you mean," Sirius lied.
"Sirius, don't bother, I know," Annicka stated.
"Know what?" Sirius asked, years of keeping secrets warring with his desire to tell her everything.
Annicka sat up straight and turned to look him in the eye, "I know Remus is a werewolf."
"How long have you known?" he asked, thankful the common room was empty except for them, this is not a conversation he wanted overheard.
"Since almost the day we met," she confessed. "I waited until the full moon had passed, but I knew. Why do you think we became friends so fast? I knew his secret," Annicka explained with a smile that quickly faded as she braced herself for what she had to say next. "I know about the three of you too, about what you did for him."
"What we did?" Sirius asked afraid he knew what she was talking about.
"I know that you James and Peter are Animagi," she stated.
"How?" he asked confused at how their conversation had taken such a turn.
"Just because you're wearing an invisibility cloak doesn't mean people can't still hear you love," Annicka replied with an indulgent smile. "Sirius I have to ask you something. I've wanted to say this for a while now, but with things as they were . . ."
"Ann say whatever you need to," Sirius encouraged her.
"I know the three of you will be with Remus when he transforms. Please be careful, I know how dangerous it is and I don't want any of you to be hurt. I couldn't stand it, and Remus would never forgive himself," Annicka looked so wretchedly anxious Sirius couldn't deny her.
"I promise," he replied, "I promise."
20 September, 1977
Despite Sirius' promise to be careful I feel really anxious about tonight. Perhaps it's because I genuinely care about all of those boys now. Even James and Peter have become my friends. Honestly it was easier when I was just annoyed with their antics. On a more positive note school is getting better. The teachers have come around to the fact that I wasn't actually the once causing all of those problems. Academically this year is much better, but I think I'll have to deal with a lot more drama in its place.
Annicka Llewellyn
It was well past midnight when three boys burst into the Gryffindor Common Room, "Peter go up to the girl's dorm and find Annicka," James ordered as he lowered Sirius onto one of the sofas. Peter, afraid of what might happen changed into a rat and scurried up to the 7th year girl's dormitory, changing back once he reached Annicka's bedside, "Annicka!" he squeaked.
She woke with a start, "Peter?" she asked not believing her eyes.
"Sirius is hurt, we need your help," he explained in a nervous whisper. Annicka was instantly wide awake.
"Peter, go ahead I'll be right behind you," she instructed grabbing her rope from the back of a chair. Peter transformed again as Annicka opened the trunk at the end of her bed. By the time she made it down to the common room, without waking any of the girls, the fire had been built up and the room was once again bright. "What happened?" she demanded to know as she knelt by Sirius' side.
"Remus almost broke free, Sirius jumped in to stop him and Remus took a swipe at him," James explained. Annicka was silent as she assessed the damage. She peeled back his shirt to reveal the long slashes across his ribs.
"They're not too deep, I don't' see any bones, and the bleeding is already slowing," she stated with cool detachment. Annicka opened the small kit she had brought with her, pulling out several potions, she began applying them with practiced ease. "I thought you promised to be careful," she reminded Sirius and he opened his eyes.
"I did try," he replied flinching as she dabbed at his wounds. The pain faded almost immediately, Annicka wiped away the blood from his side.
"Your wound should be fine by tomorrow, but I'm going to bandage it just in case," from her kit Annicka pulled out a bandage and wrapped him up. "You can sit up now," she said when she was finished. The boys were all silent as Annicka packed up her kit.
Sirius moved into a sitting position, watching his girlfriend all the while. She was quiet, and distant, refusing to look at him. "Ann, are you okay?" he asked reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder.
"Is there some reason I should be?" she asked swatting his hand away. "The one think I asked of you, the one request I've made since we started dating, and you couldn't even do that!" she exclaimed standing angrily. "Do you have any idea how terrified I have been since I found out the three of you go out on nights like this? I spent my entire childhood watching my father come home torn to shreds. I was the one who patched him up, knowing that one wrong move could take him away from me at any moment. And now, now that I've lost my family, you -!" Sirius stood and wrapped her in his arms.
"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I'm okay, we're all okay," he promised holding her close. After a moment she hugged him back and quietly began to cry.
1 October, 1977
Sirius has been perfectly wonderful since the last full moon. I hope this isn't just a phase to make up for scaring me. Something has changed between Sirius and Remus. It started before the moon, but it seems to have become more solid now. Things have been changing so subtly I don't' think anyone else has noticed, thought the girls are getting used to having Sirius around. Boys are so confusing. I don't know what is going to happen next . . . I doubt any seer would.
Annicka Llewellyn
James slammed his book bag down on the table startling Annicka making her jump. She looked up to see James sitting across the table from her with his face buried in his arms. "Have another row with Lily?" she asked, only mildly interested.
"How did you know?" he asked, confirming her suspicions, he didn't look up.
"Lily is the only person who can affect your moods this strongly," she explained. "So what did you do this time?"
James sat up, indignant, "Why do you always assume it's my fault?"
"Because it usually is," Annicka answered honestly. "I'm sorry to tell you mate, but you have the worst timing when it comes to Lily." She paused for a moment before concluding, "You asked her out again, didn't you?"
"I couldn't help it!" he exclaimed.
"James you have to stop this," Annicka ordered, her tone almost pleading. "Lily is never going to say yes, and it would make everyone's lives easier if you just gave up."
"But why?" James suddenly shouted, "I just don't get it, why does she hate me?"
"It's not that she hates you, it's mostly because you humiliate her," Annicka explained. She continued when he didn't' seem to understand. "James you tend to ask her out in the worst possible way in front of large groups of people. After a prank, or when you make it sound like you're doing her a favor."
"That's not what it is," James objected.
"I know that," Annicka agreed, "but she doesn't." She paused for a moment watching as he wallowed in misery. "Okay, okay I'll help," she sighed.
"Help?" James asked, confused but hopeful.
"I will help you have the best chance of getting Lily to say yes, but I do not guarantee anything," she stated. "There are three things you will have to do, first you cannot ask her out until I say." James was about to interrupt but Annicka talked over him, "Second, you don't talk to her unless she speaks to you first, and you have to be the picture of politeness. No jokes, no cute nicknames. Third, you have to meet me back here in the library for one hour every night for at least a week."
"An hour in the library every night?" James asked skeptically.
"You need to learn a few things about Lily before you ask her out," Annicka stated, "besides it will intrigue her."
James was silent for a moment thinking it all over, "Thank you!" he suddenly exclaimed. He was so excited Annicka was afraid he would leap across the table to hug her, "You are the best!"
"Why are you complimenting my girlfriend this time?" Sirius asked suddenly appearing at her side.
"I'm helping him get a date with Lily," Annicka answered.
"You have the best girlfriend ever, you made a good choice. I've always said so," James said enthusiastically. "Haven't I always said so?" he asked Sirius for confirmation. Sirius and Annicka just laughed and started studying.
20 October, 1977
The great James/Lily experiment has begun! I promised James I would help him get a date with Lily, and as hard as that sounds James has the hardest part. He has to control himself. The boys are all very excited, mostly because James has finally stopped asking what to do about Lily. It's only day one, but he's been fine so far. We'll have to see how he is by tomorrow.
Annicka Llewellyn
The dorm was quiet as the girls got ready for bed, "I don't' get it!" Lily suddenly shouted. All the girls froze, staring at her like she was crazy. "Where does he go?"
"Lily, who are you talking about?" Mary asked voicing their confusion.
"James!" Lily threw her hands in the air, and sat heavily on the edge of her bed. "Every night after supper he disappears for over an hour."
"Since when do you care what Potter does with his time?" Margo asked still confused.
"It's not just that," Lily grumbled. "He has been completely different the past few days, he doesn't ask me out. He doesn't look at me, or even talk to me. It's like he's avoiding me."
"Maybe he's given up," Alice suggested. "Or he could be up to something."
"He's not to anything," Annicka stated sitting on her bed. "I know where he's going."
"You do?" Lily asked eagerly. Annicka was silent, smiling at Lily, "Are you going to tell me?"
"No," Annicka answered as though it were obvious.
"Why not?" Lily demanded to know.
"I want to know the answer to Margo's question first. Why do you care? All we've been hearing from you for the past six years is how annoying and arrogant James is. Every time he's asked you out the only thing you've wanted is for him to stop, and now he has. So why do you care?" Annicka sat waiting for an answer. Time seemed to drag on. The dorm was dead silent as the girls waited for Lily to answer. "Lily, maybe you should admit that you want James to ask you out, the right way. You want to say yes."
"That's crazy!" Mary exclaimed, turning to face Lily. "That's crazy, right?" Lily remained conspicuously silent.
"Well, I guess that's answer enough," Annicka sighed. "James spends an hour in the library studying with me."
"He's studying?" Lily asked incredulously.
"Studying," Annicka replied smugly. She closed the curtains around her bed and the conversation was over.
26 October, 1977
Tomorrow is the big day! I begged a couple of extra days from James, but tomorrow he is asking Lily out again. I just hope he doesn't screw it up, because if he does I can guarantee he won't get another chance. It may sound selfish to say that I put in a lot of work to get them together, but the reason I did is because I really think they are made for each other. James and Lily belong together. Anyone who has seen them, or knows them knows it's true. Snape even knows it, that's why he hates James, and if truth were told Lily knows it too. She just needed a wakeup call. Please James, don't let me down.
Annicka Llewellyn
Annicka and Lily chatted amicably as they went down to breakfast when they came upon James Potter walking alone. "James!" Annicka called out making him pause and turn, "Good morning. Are you heading down to breakfast?"
"Good morning Ann, Lily," James greeted them. "I'm a little early, so you find me all alone this morning," he answered Annicka's question.
"Do you want to walk with us?" Lily offered. Both Annicka and James were surprised by the invitation, but James readily agreed. When they reached the next staircase Annicka paused, "What is it?" Lily asked.
"I just remembered that I left something in the tower," Annicka replied. "It's okay, I can get it later," she added hastily.
"No," Lily objected, "you co back and get it. Potter can walk with me."
"Okay," Annicka managed to sound reluctant, though this was exactly what she was hoping for. "Don't start a fight," she said before she turned and headed back down the hall. Lily and James slowly descended the stairs in a nervous silence.
"How have you been?" Lily asked her tone quite pleasant.
"Good," James answered. "I've been catching up on my study habits," he joked lightly. "Lily, I'm actually glad we have a moment alone. I have something I want to ask you."
"What is it?" Lily prompted as he hesitated.
"Lily, would you come with me to Hogsmeade this weekend?" James asked haltingly.
"Actually James, I would," Lily answered.
James paused for a moment, taken by surprise despite his hopes. "Well, we can meet in the common room or the entrance hall," he suggested leaving the decision up to her.
"Common room," she decided.
"Alright," James sighed in relief, "I will meet you in the common room one hour after breakfast." They walked for a few minutes in silence when Lily was prompted to speak.
"Potter you've been different lately," she stated slowly, "why is that?"
"Let's just say a mutual friend helped me gain a new perspective," he answered cryptically.
"And would that friend be Annicka?" Lily asked with a knowing smile.
"Yeah," James confessed.
"She has a knack for brining out the best in people," Lily added. They continued on talking, never knowing Annicka was following close enough to hear.