She thought her life was over – but fate gave her another chance, in a world of magic. Now, running around Hogwarts with James Potter and his friends, she's about to make choices that will change the future in ways she never thought possible…
Marauder's Phase
CHAPTER TWENTY
Slap
"SHE USED THE CRUCIATUS CURSE ON YOU!?!?" Sirius' voice echoed around the common room, and everyone turned to stare at us sitting there.
I was sitting in a chair by the fire, James and Sirius were sitting on the couch opposite me, Remus was at a desk nearby doing his homework, and Peter was sitting on the floor.
But now Remus closed his book and hurried over to the group by the fire, where Sirius – who had been the one to do all the yelling – was standing up, anger colouring his handsome face.
My face coloured too, in embarrassment though, as everyone began to talk at once. "Siri, it's okay – Professor McGonagall is going to sort it out! Bellatrix will be punished!"
"When I get my hands on that bitch…" Sirius began, his eyes flashing angrily. "First Snivellus, and now her…"
"Calm down." Peter said nervously.
"I will not calm down!" Sirius growled. "Damn that bitch!"
"Did you get in trouble too, Em?" Remus asked, leaning down so that we were at eye-level, and I suddenly noticed how concerned he looked. I also knew what he was talking about, but obviously not wanting to say it in front of the entire common room.
I shook my head. "No, she missed – I ducked the first time, disarmed her the second time."
"She did it TWICE!?" Sirius yelled, in a strangled sounding voice.
Remus straightened up. "Padfoot, get a grip!" He said sharply.
Everyone was staring at us. People were whispering, others were just watching us, transfixed.
"Do you know what this is?" Sirius was beyond getting a grip. "This is the Slytherins getting revenge! This cannot be allowed to happen, I swear to God I will make Bellatrix pay!"
"Padfoot…" James began, but Sirius wasn't listening.
"HOW DARE SHE USE AN UNFORGIVEABLE CURSE AGAINST MY G…"
SLAP!!
I don't know who was more surprised – Sirius, who's cheek was turning bright red where I had slapped him, the people watching us or me.
I couldn't believe I'd just done that. I'd let my emotions get the better of me again. Remus was going to hate me before too long, if I kept doing these things.
"Excuse me." I said shortly, turning on my heel and hurrying toward the girls dorms.
When I reached it, I ran inside, flung myself onto my bed, and sobbed into my pillow.
"Emma?" A soft voice said after a few minutes.
I looked up, to see Lily standing at the door to the dorm, her face a mask of sympathy.
"Are you okay?" She asked, coming into the room and sitting beside me on the bed.
I shook my head, and buried my face in the pillow again, as a fresh wave of sobs broke through.
Lily rubbed my back comfortingly, and just let me cry, even though she could never fathom just why I was crying.