Thank you to everyone who supported the last chapter. I am so glad you liked it. Ok well for this next chapter......just read on and see what you think. Lol
Talk to you later.
The holidays came and went fast. The marauders and the Weasely`s celebrated their last Christmas together on the marauder territory before moving indefinitely to London. James, Sirius and Remus realising that the kids were upset about the move decided to do something in an effort to cheer them up.
For the last time the marauders transformed their garden into a quiddtich pitch. The six goal posts stood on either end of the pitch along with ten foot high flood lights across the stadium. It was a vein effort they were aware but even if it brought the smallest ounce of happiness to the children then it was worth it. When everything was set up all three marauders brought their families outside. The reaction they got from the younger ones they were expecting. Ryan, Arielle, Samia, and Kyrah were delighted at the sight before them. Ron, Ginny, Fred and George quickly forgot that they were somewhat uneasy about moving but Harry and Rob were not so easily swayed.
James and Sirius noticing this approached them both and hoped they could change their minds. Remus, Lily, Shari, Tonks, Arthur and Molly followed the kids down to the pitch in order to give James and Sirius a moment.
The four of them walked over to the notorious picnic table. Harry and Rob sat on top of it as Sirius and James sat on the bench facing them.
"Harry...I know that you don`t want to leave mate but it is for the best. Don`t think for a moment that I want to leave because I don`t."
"Dad....I do understand that we have to and I am cool with that really. It`s just seeing the quiddtich pitch....it made me realise how much things are going to change."
"We will come back here..... Sirius back me up here mate."
"Yes, Harry your dad is right. This move is only a temporary adjustment. Besides Grimauld Place has a huge garden to it....much bigger than here so we can have a permanent quiddtich pitch out there if you want?"
"Sirius please don`t treat us as though we are little kids. We know the score. It`s just hard saying goodbye to all of these memories and knowing that we have a war coming up...."
"Rob stop right there mate. There is no war presently speaking. Even when that does happen you are not going to be on your own. So let`s go and have the best game of quiddtich this family has ever played!" James exclaimed jovially jumping up with Sirius in tow. Reluctantly Harry and Rob followed suit.
The night went well for everyone involved. Harry played on Sirius` team with Rob, Ron and Arielle. They ended up beating James` team by fifty points. Ginny was disappointed that she didn't catch the snitch and prove how good a seeker she could be. Luckily for her James, Fred, George and Bill saw the fun in it all and took the beating in their stride.
The next morning was time for everyone to return to Hogwarts. All the marauders gathered in James and Lily`s kitchen for breakfast. James was cooking flapjacks and pancakes while Lily was busy making fresh orange juice and pumpkin juice. Shari helped her whilst Remus and Sirius set the table. Tonks who was now six months pregnant was left do nothing too strenuous by her husband. As she got up to help with the setting of the table, Remus immediately ran over to her, placed a hand around her back and asked
"Are you ok Tonks?"
"Yes, I am fine Remus. I just feel so foolish sitting here."
He smiled softly at her as he gently set her back down on the chair.
"Well breakfast is almost ready so why don't you go and call Harry and the others from the sitting room?"
She placed a hand on her stomach as she stroked it gently and looked up at him and said...
"Are you sure that won't be too strenuous Dr. Lupin?"
He half laughed as she smiled at him. He bent down beside her, placed a gentle hand on her stomach and began rubbing it gently while looking her in the eyes and said....
"I just want you to be as comfortable and as happy as you can during your pregnancy so I apologise if I seem full on sometimes sweetheart."
Tonks smiled lovingly at him as she caught his hand that was on top of her stomach, kissed it and brought it against her cheek.
"I am always happy with you Remus but you have got to stop worrying. I know my limitations all right? I have no intention of jeopardising our children`s lives." She kissed him lightly on the lips. Then Remus caught both of her hands as he helped her get off the chair so she could go down to the sitting room and call the others for breakfast.
Once breakfast was over Harry, Rob, Arielle and Ryan waited outside for the Weasely`s. Remus was the only marauder going with them this time. Sirius and James were going to bring the rest of their possessions to Grimauld Place, Shari had a shift to cover at the hospital and Lily and Regulus were staying with Tonks as well as ensuring there was nothing else to be brought with them later that day.
The train ride back to Hogwarts was fairly quiet. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Rob shared a carriage with Remus. Arielle, who met Dean on the platform decided to stay with him along with Seamus, Neville and Luna. Ryan headed off with Fred, George and Lee. As the train pulled up at Hogwarts everyone bundled out and headed straight for the carriages. Arielle, who decided to catch up with some friends, walked on ahead of Dean and his friends. Ginny, noticing that Arielle was no longer around, decided to approach Dean and see what was really going on between him and Arielle. She tapped him on the arm and he turned around and smiled at her.
"Hey there Ginny. I didn't see you on the train. Did you have a good Christmas?"
"Yes, it was lovely. Do you know that we are moving?"
"Yes, I do. Airs mentioned it to me in a letter over Christmas. Man, it's going to be tight." He laughed a little. Ginny smiled before saying...
"It could be considered cosy too Dean." They both chuckled before Ginny continued.
"How are you and Arielle getting on? You both seem quite close particularly since you have not been together too long.
"We are doing great Gins. I am so happy that I hardly believe my luck in finding someone like her. How about you and Neville?"
"Neville is lovely. He is a very genuine person but I don't know if there is any more there to be honest."
"Would you like there to be more there?"
"I honestly don`t know Dean. I know this is going to sound mean but I never pictured myself with someone like Neville."
"Are Neville and Harry really that different Gins?"
"What has Harry got to do with it?"
"You had it bad for him at one point girl." Dean whispered as he smirked and nudged Ginny with his shoulder.
Ginny smiled coyly as Dean laughed a little. She slapped him playfully.
"You are right to a point. They both are very sweet guys who care about everyone in their lives and always put those people before themselves...."
"Ok so we got kind, caring, sweet....so far Gins you are describing a dog."
"Ok well loyalty and honesty are characteristics they both share I suppose. Bravery and patience...."
"I think Neville does like you Ginny so instead of comparing him with Harry or anyone else why not talk to him, get to know him and see if he is someone that you would like to be with. You could do a lot worse you know? I`ll see you at the feast ok?" He said as he placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled softly at her. Ginny reciprocated and nodded. He then hopped into a carriage with Rob, Arielle, Harry and Neville. Hermione who was sitting in the one behind with Ron and Luna beckoned Ginny over to her. Ginny smiled at her friend and immediately headed over to the carriage, climbed in and sat beside her.
"I saw you talking to Dean. Is there anything that you want to tell me?" Hermione asked softly with a small smirk. Ginny looked at her aghast as she shook her head.
"Oh please don't tell me that you are interested in Dean now Ginny. He is with Arielle who happens to be one of your best friends in case you had forgotten."
"I am quite aware of that thanking you Ron!" Ginny barked with a deep angry glare in her eyes directed at her brother.
"I am not interested in Dean Ok? For your information I quite like Neville."
"Neville? You cannot be serious Gins!"
"Why not Ron? He is a good person with a kind heart and I know he would never hurt me. I am not saying that I am going to marry him or that anything will even come of it but.....I could do a lot worse."
"You could do a lot better...." Ron muttered.
"Oh really and who did you have in mind Casanova? How about Malfoy?"
"I just meant that Neville isn't your type...."
"Well Ronald did you ever think that maybe I am sick and tired of being used and abused by the wrong type of guys?"
"Ok fine if you like Neville then go for it. I just don't want you going out with him for the wrong reasons."
"Ron you can't seriously think that......"
"I am quite hungry. Is anyone else hungry? I am quite hungry." Luna lamented aloud which earned her quizzical stares from her friends but she didn't notice.
As the carriage pulled up outside the castle, students from all angles filed out. Ron, Hermione and Ginny caught up with Harry and company and as they entered the castle, Ginny who was beside Ron, thumped him and whispered
"Don`t you dare give me an ear bashing about liking Neville when you are interested in Loony Lovegood!" She then walked off with Arielle and Ryan leaving behind a confused Ron.
Back at Grimauld Place everything looked in order. Molly and Arthur had arrived with the rest of their possessions. Remus and Regulus were going to help Arthur upstairs with the cases whilst Sirius was going to play host and put on a pot of tea for Molly, Shari and Lily. Since Tonks was far gone in her pregnancy the safest way everyone felt including her to travel to London was by flying. James, being the best flier decided to ensure Tonks got here safely. He apparated to the pride lands where Tonks was waiting for him.
"Are you ready to go Tonks?" James asked upon arrival.
"Yes, James so let`s go do this." She was sitting on the bench outside on the patio. As she began to rise James assisted her by holding her hands firmly.
"If anything happens to you then your husband will kill me babe."
Tonks laughed heartedly whilst James simply smiled.
"Remus worries too much. I am not an invalid and I do know my own strength and limits so....can we just get this show on the road?"
"Yes mam!" James exclaimed as he removed the bike from its standing position. He then assisted Tonks on to it. Once she was sitting comfortably James then hopped on himself. As he started the engine he could feel Tonks tighten her grip around his waist. He smiled to himself before turning back and saying....
"I promise to get you there safely Tonks."
"If you don`t then you will have Remus to deal with."
James laughed lightly and shook his head. He then ensured Tonks was ready before taking off into the air.
They arrived outside Grimauld Place within twenty minutes. James jumped off and assisted Tonks in de-mounting the bike. He alerted Sirius that he was back via mirror after he said the password. As the house appeared in between number eleven and number thirteen, Sirius opened the door and ran down the steps. He caught the bike by the two crossbars as he drove it up the steps. James insisted on helping Tonks no matter how much she protested. As they got inside, Sirius parked his bike behind the door now next to the coat stand.
"Sirius Black! Put that dam bike out in the garden. I am not having it inside this house. Samia and Kyrah could easily get hurt by it you know? Besides it will scratch the wooden floor."
James and Tonks smirked at Sirius who looked at them for support but they headed towards the kitchen instead.
"Oh well thank you very much Prongs!" Sirius called after his friend who just laughed. Sirius turned back to his angry looking wife and smiled.
"Shari....this is my baby. You can`t still feel intimidated by her. Do you not remember all the good times the three of us had together before we were married?"
"Sirius please put that bike outside in the shed. The house is no place for it particularly with children and particularly with twin girls who are as mischievous as their father." They both smiled at each other. Shari walked over to him and threw her arms around his neck as she said softly....
"I`m sorry Sirius if I seemed angry at you. I just want to make this place look and feel as homely as possible you know?"
Sirius smiled softly at her as he tightened his grip around her waist, brushed away some stray strands of hair from her face as he said....
"I know love. And you have. You and Lily have really changed the look of a house I once loathed. The black walls are now all white; the drawing rooms have now got a lovely, homely feel to them with the new furniture and bright curtains to enhance it and not to mention the dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. I no longer detest or fear my old bedroom and it's all because of you so thank you."
"You`re welcome." They smiled at one another again before sharing a soft passionate kiss.
The next morning at breakfast Harry and company were winding up Ron about Luna.
"Why don't you ask her out Ron? The worst she can say is no."
"Hermione just because you are all loved up with the youngest Tri-wizard champion does not mean you need to make me...."
"You forgot to mention youngest seeker of the century." Harry said grinning at his friend. Hermione, Rob, Dean, Neville and Harry laughed along with Ron.
"I don't need a girlfriend all right?" Ron whispered to his two friends across the table.
"I`m not saying you do mate but if you like Luna why not go for it?"
"This conversation is over." Ron said flatly as he dug his fork into his sausage and began to eat it.
Moody hobbled passed their table and pointed at Harry. Harry looked at him quizzically.
"I want a word with you Potter, now." He said shortly.
Although Harry was confused he still followed him out into the corridor.
"What`s the matter Professor?"
"You do know that your family and the Weasely`s have officially moved in to Grimauld Place?"
"I knew that they were but I just didn't know they had officially moved."
"Yes, well now you do. I don't think I need to tell you how prudent it is that you don't broadcast this around the school. We don't want anyone to know at least not now."
"Professor I would never put people I care about at risk."
"Well I`m glad to hear that Potter. You are a smart lad I know but tell me have you figured out your egg yet?"
"Umm well....the thing is sir..."
"The thing is you have James Potter as your father and as a result you leave things until the last minute."
They both smirked at each other.
"Well Potter here is what you are going to do; run a bath for yourself on the fifth floor in the prefect's bathroom and take your egg with you. That is the only way you are going to find out what the egg is trying to tell you."
"Are you sure that will work sir?"
Moody placed a hand on his shoulder as he looked him firmly in the eye.
"Yes, Harry it will work. If you need any help then come and find me."
Harry nodded and smiled at him.
"Thank you Professor."
"Ah Mr. Potter. How are you this morning?"
"I`m fine thank you Mr. Crouch. How are you?"
"Yes, fine thank you. The second task is only a week from now. How do you feel?"
"I`m ok....."
"Why so interested Bartemius?" Moody asked.
"He is the youngest champion we have Mad- Eye so I trust that you remember that."
"Yes, just like I trust that you remember that he is a student of this school and has people who care about him here."
Crouch stared at Moody quizzically. Harry didn't know what to say or who to support. Luckily Sirius and James entered the castle at this point and seeing the tension which Harry was stuck between, intervened.
"Good morning Alastor, Bartemius and how are we this morning?" James asked eying Harry who approached his father eagerly.
"Fine thank you James. I am just here to see Albus so if you will excuse me."
He left hurriedly leaving everyone behind confused except Moody.
"You will do best to stay away from him Harry. I don't particularly trust him."
"You don't trust very many these days Moody."
"Yes, Sirius and I have good reason not to. When you get to my age you will see why. Everyone tries to be your friend when you are the essence of popular and where are they when you are not?"
"Oh what are you banging on about?" Sirius asked humorously.
"Barty Crouch is eager for your godson to win this tournament and I want to know why and you should too. Now I have a class to teach so I will see you all later."
He glanced at Harry before hobbling off down the corridor.
"Do you think he is right? Do you think Crouch isn't trustworthy?"
"I don't see it Harry but I also trust Moody`s judgement so maybe don't give him too much information especially about where we live."
"Yes, well Moody already told me that."
"What else did he tell you Harry?" James asked anxiously.
"Well nothing except how to figure out the clue for the egg. Why?"
"What did he say to do?"
"To go up to the prefect's bathroom and dunk it under water...."
"When you do that I want you to take Ron, Hermione and Rob with you as well as your mirror."
"Why are you so worried dad?" Harry asked quizzically.
"I don't want you to be wandering around the school on your own not with Karkaroff in the same building."
"Ok fine I`ll bring back up with me. You all right Sirius?"
Sirius was standing with his back to the door of the castle with his arms folded. He looked over at his godson, offered him a small smile and said....
"I`m fine Prongslet." James looked over at his friend and then at his son who seemed anxious over Sirius.
"I`m just going to talk to Remus for a minute Harry ok so why don't you to go and talk to Sirius?"
Harry nodded as he headed over to him and James went into the great hall.
"How is Hagrid these days Harry? I don't hear you talking about him so much anymore." Sirius said as Harry stood in front of him.
"He`s ok Sirius."
"He is the best ally you can possibly have kid."
"What are you talking about Sirius?"
"These days it is hard to know who you can trust mate. Karkaroff, Moody.... everything has changed and manifested itself so much over the years that sometimes you don't know if the person you are talking to is really them at all."
"Sirius where has all this suddenly come from? You know that you can trust Moody. He is one of us even though he can be a little bit eccentric sometimes."
"You know I never thought I`d say this but....Hagrid is the most stable person here. Apart from a few exceptions I believe Hagrid is your one true ally. We could all die in the morning but it would take a lot to harm never mind kill him."
"Sirius why are you talking like this?"
"I just want you to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Moody is right. There is someone here who is untrustworthy and that someone is responsible for you being in this tournament and we don't know why. That is why you must stay close to us and your friends."
"Don`t tell me now that you don`t trust Dumbledore or the rest of the staff? Sirius...."
"Hey how are you doing Harry?"
"Regulus! What are you doing here?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Dumbledore hired me as extra security for Hogwarts. Didn`t Sirius tell you?"
"No he didn't. Instead he is more moping about what will happen when he is gone." Sirius smirked a little at Harry. Harry in turn smiled at Regulus who reciprocated and swung an arm around his brother`s neck as he said
"Awww come on Sirius. You got to lighten up man. The world is dark enough without us turning all dreary too."
"It was just a mini melt down Reg ok? I`m all right and I`m sorry for scaring you Prongslet."
"It`s cool Padfoot. It`s cool." Harry and Sirius shared a soft embrace before the rest of the marauders came out of the great hall.
"Sirius! Regulus!" Arielle exclaimed gleefully as she ran over to them. Both of them hugged her individually.
"What are you doing here Reg?" She asked curiously.
"Dumbledore hired me as an ass assassin. I am here to help protect Hogwarts."
Just as Arielle and Ryan ran over to Regulus, Karkaroff came out of the great hall by himself. Sirius still was in his own world so Karkaroff took advantage.
"Well Black you do look haggard standing there. I cannot believe that the likes of you are protecting the school. What a joke."
Regulus held Sirius back and Remus held James back from tearing Karkaroff apart but nobody thought Harry would have a go.
Harry snuck behind his father as if he were heading into the great hall but instead he pulled his wand out of his pocket, pointed it at Karkaroff who was oblivious to him and shouted "EXPELLIARMS!"
Karkaroff was sent flying into the great hall.
"HARRY! What did you just do?" Arielle and Hermione exclaimed aghast.
Remus and James stared at Harry and then at each other before heading into the great hall. Hermione ran over and threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. He brought his arms around her waist and hugged her back. Regulus, Arielle, Ryan, Ron, Rob and Dean all followed James and Remus into the great hall. They were all talking to Dumbledore so nobody except Harry saw what happened next. Sirius smiled weakly at Harry before he collapsed onto the ground. Harry stared at his godfather horrified as he broke away from Hermione and ran over to Sirius. He knelt down beside him and tapped his face gently as he called him.
"SIRIUS! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! Oh no............ SIRIUS!"
After Harry ran over to him Hermione immediately ran into the great hall. James, Remus, Regulus and Dumbledore all emerged along with Arielle, Dean, Ron, Ryan and Rob. Dean held onto Arielle as Dumbledore and the marauders tried to revive him. Regulus kept Ryan and Rob at bay as Ron and Hermione comforted Harry who had tears streaming down his face by now. James and Remus carried Sirius between them down to the hospital wing as Dumbledore led the way. They were all instructed to stay where they were for the moment. All but Harry obeyed. He tore away from his friends and ran down after them. He refused to come back no matter who called him. Regulus led the rest of them outside. As Harry reached the hospital wing he heard Madam Pompfrey saying something about his heart and bed rest. Once she had gone into the office and Dumbledore had left the wing, Harry ran inside where he saw Sirius lying on a bed inside the door, unconscious and with his two best friends around him. Remus saw Harry come in first.
"Harry I thought you were with Regulus?"
"You really expected me to stay there when Sirius was in this state?" James who was standing next to his son brought an arm around his shoulder as he hugged him.
"What is the matter with him? Will he be ok?"
"Yes, Harry he will be fine. Madam Pompfrey said that he was just exhausted. He has been putting himself under a lot of pressure lately that all the stress finally came to a head."
"I heard her say something about his heart."
James sniffed and cleared his throat as he said...
"Sirius had a mini heart attack but he is going to be fine."
"WHAT? Sirius..."
"Harry I don't want you to lose perspective here. Instead of going to classes today I want you to do as Moody said and solve that egg puzzle. It is very important that we find out what the second task is about."
"Dad....I can`t just leave Sirius."
"Remus and I will stay with him for now. Sirius is going to be fine. He just needs some rest. Now you go, get your friends and solve that egg do you understand?"
"Ok dad. I`ll be back soon." Harry ran out of the hospital wing in the direction of his friends. After he was well out of ear shot Remus turned to James.
"Why didn't you tell him the truth James?"
"What are you talking about Remus?" He asked anxiously.
"Sirius` condition is much more serious than a mere heart attack. We don't know when he is going to wake up.....if he does at all."
"Sirius is my best friend Remus and I am not going to let him die."
"James, he is my best friend too. I don't get any pleasure over seeing him like this. Harry is too old to be lied to now."
"He is going to be fine. Sirius is a fighter. He will come through. He has to Remus. He just has to."
"The next twelve hours will be a sure sign of his fate Prongs."
Remus sat on the chair next to the bed and James did the same on the other side.
"Don`t leave us Padfoot." They both whispered together as they placed a hand each on top of Sirius`.
Well what did you think? I hope you liked it!! I hope all you Sirius fans don't hate me. I don't know if anyone will agree with me but I feel that in general Sirius tends to put a lot of pressure on himself especially when it comes to Harry. I just wanted him to realise that he is only one man and can only do so much. There is not a snowballs chance in hell that I am EVER going to kill off Sirius. He is my favourite character in case you didn't realise. Talk to you later.