(A/N: See Authors Note below.)
Lone Child
Chapter 27: The Full Moon, Going Home and Strange Dreams
The day passed quickly for James and Triss. They stayed relatively close to one another, not really talking with anyone else. James was still pissed off at Snape and had no intention of getting over it anytime soon.
Triss was still a bit upset and scared that the anger James carefully hid was directed at her. James assured her it had nothing to do with her and that gave her some comfort. With a bit of persuasion Jewel gave them the password to Gryffindor tower.
By dinner everything was set. James had talked, well, bribed one of the house elves into slipping a potion into Snape's food at dinner. The potion was one of James's special brews, time activated as well. At approximately 7 o'clock the potion would turn Snape into a spider and transport him to Ron Weasley's bed. The potion wouldn't release Snape until Weasley had busted him up just a little bit, but wouldn't let Weasley kill him.
Sadly, neither James nor Triss would be around to see the show, as they would be out with Lupin. Because they would miss the prank and wouldn't be there to take pictures, Triss hired a second year Gryffindor boy and his first year brother to hide in the third year boy's room and wait. The boys were curious as to what they were supposed to wait for but agreed when James let it slip that it had something to do with Snape.
"The sun goes down at 7:15. You ready to go?" asked James from his seat next to Triss. It was 5 minutes till 7 and James was anxious to get to the grounds.
"I'm ready," said Triss standing up from her place at the Slytherin table.
"Be careful guys," said Fred.
"Yeah, we've no intention of having to peel what's left of you from the ground," said George in disgust.
"I love you too," said Triss.
"Really? What do you say to a drink at 'The Three Broomsticks' this weekend?" asked George wiggling his eyebrows seductively.
"I would but I'd rather not have to peel what's left of YOU off the grounds. I may not have a protective older brother but James is just as bad," said Triss. George paled and ducked behind his twin, looking wearily at James.
James smirked at him. "No, I'm worse," he said adding onto Triss's comment. George paled even more, if that was possible. James grinned. "Come on, I know I'm not that scary."
"When you smirk like that you are. It's like dealing with Snape after a class of first years," said Fred shivering.
Triss shook her head, trying not to burst out laughing. "Come on James, we've got a Werewolf to baby-sit," she said grabbing him by the arm and pulling him out the door.
&&&&&&&&&&&&
'Well this should prove to be a rather eventful evening,' James thought to Triss, as they stood just inside the forest in their animal forms.
'If he's not in control I'm bolting,' said Triss.
'As if I would let you hang around,' said James with a snort. A giant cat paw shut him up. 'Okay I get the message, you can take care of yourself,' he said ducking another swat.
Triss growled at him before turning and resuming her watch on the castle doors. 'There he is, see him?' asked Triss motioning to a dark figure slowly making it's way across the lawn.
'Yeah, the moon should rise in a few minutes so lets go catch up with him. It looks like he's going to the Shrieking Shack,' said James stealthily walking out of the underbrush. Triss followed just as silently.
Several minutes later they were crawling threw the tunnel to the Shrieking Shack. They both could already hear the screams accompanying the Werewolf transformation. Finally they reached the end of the tunnel and both jumped up through the trap door at the top. Sitting in the corner of the room was Lupin in his full Werewolf form.
The wolf stood, hackles raised, and growled at him. James rolled over on his back, exposing his belly, showing that he was a friend. Triss followed his example. Lupin rolled over as well, showing peace.
The wolf cautiously approached them and sniffed them. His eyes went wide when he recognized the scent. 'Don't look so surprised,' James said in his mind, making Lupin jump again.
'Your Animagi?' Lupin asked still not quite believing his eyes.
'What did you think?' asked Triss sarcastically.
'What are you doing here?' Lupin asked switching over to Professor mode.
'Making sure you had some kind of control potion under your belt. Don't need someone kicking our best Defense teacher yet out because he mauled a student,' said James.
Lupin looked somewhat hurt by the statement. 'Don't take it personally. Jamesie over there didn't mean anything. As a matter of fact I think he was being sarcastic,' said Triss. Lupin perked up a bit at the statement. 'In all truth we're here to do a bit of fieldwork. James has been doing research on Werewolves for a while now, trying to find a cure. So far he's had minor success. He can cure Werewolves that are only a few days old and still recovering,' said Triss.
Lupin looked stunned. 'What about long termed Werewolves?' he asked, voice full of hope.
'I'm close, really close. I've got a type of Crystal that can absorb and destroy the Werewolf curse, but I'm not sure exactly how to extract the curse,' said James. The hope on Lupin's wolf face died but there was still a small glimmer of hope in his eyes. 'I think that I'll have it by the end of the year. For tonight I brought a potion with me that will cure the side effects that the curse has.'
Lupin looked very relived at that. 'Is the side effect cure permanent?' Lupin asked.
'Yes, as far as tests have shown,' said James.
'Why are you doing this?' asked Lupin, awe radiating from his wolf form.
'I'm tired of people discriminating against non-humans. I, my self, am not human. I'm a little more then half Elf and 1/8 Sidhe. The other ¼ is pure blood wizard, a very powerful combination,' said James.
'Wow,' Lupin said.
'Okay, enough chitchat. I want to go for a run, you two are coming,' said Triss snagging James' tail in her teeth pulling him backwards out of the shack. Lupin chuckled at the two.
&&&&&&&&&&&&
"I'm tired!" said Triss smacking her head down on the table.
"Go get an energy potion, you know where I keep them," said James taking a bite of sausage. "Or better yet, eat."
Triss growled at him. Both of them had been up all night the night before running around with Lupin who was sitting up at the head table looking only slightly worn out. The pale sick look was gone and he actually looked rather healthy. Potter and Evans were looking curiously at him, Snape hadn't arrived yet. From the pictures Colin Creevey had given them the event was hilarious, both James and Triss were sad to have missed it. Creevey had also told them that Weasley would be serving detention till Christmas break, at least.
"How'd it go last night?" asked Dray coming to sit with them.
"Better than expected. Have you seen Snape yet today?" asked James.
"No, but Kat's on a war path. Almost everyone knows about the little prank in the Gryff dorm last night. I swear I could hear Snape yelling from the Dungeons. Do you know who pulled it?" Dray asked smirking knowingly.
James handed Dray the pictures. Seconds later Dray was doubled over in laughter; the particular picture he was looking at was when Snape had just changed back to human form and the look on Weasley's face. "That's too cool, just watch out for Kat, she threatened to castrate who ever did that to Snape," said Dray chuckling.
"Speaking of castration, what's Snape going to do to us? He's got to have figured out who it was by now," said Triss.
"I don't know but I vote to lay low. I've no intention of getting castrated by Kat or murdered by Snape," said James.
"Speak of the devil," said Dray looking over at the great hall doors. Both Snape and Kat walked threw the door, right at the Slytherin table.
"We are soooooo dead," said Triss standing up a bit from the table.
"Not yet. Escape route 5," said James.
Triss wasted no time standing from the table and heading towards Professor Lupin, James a few feet behind her. "Hi Professor! Can James and I have a quick word with you in your office?" asked Triss. James locked eyes with Lupin and made a small motion to the two people walking towards them with Hell not too far behind.
"Of course, this way," said Lupin standing from his seat and walking towards a side door. James and Triss eagerly followed, not wanting to get jumped by Snape or Kat. Several minutes they arrived at Lupin's office, neither Snape nor Kat following.
"That was close," said Triss.
"Well, I'm just glad I didn't end up getting castrated," said James.
Triss rolled her eyes. "Well, did you too have something you wanted or are you just trying to hide from Snape?" asked Lupin with a hint of amusement.
"It's not funny! You didn't get threatened with castration!" said James sitting down in one of the chairs in front of Lupin's desk.
Lupin looked like he was trying hard not to laugh. "Well, who was threatening you and how did you get Snape so angry?"
"Well, after that little incident with The Weasel yesterday James passed out from over use of his healing powers. He gave me specific orders to take him back to his room so I did. I decided to stay with him because sometimes he starts to convulse when he's used too much of his energy. The next morning Snape came in to yell at James for some reason or another and found us in the same bed; I guess he thought we were up to something inappropriate," said Triss blushing just a little for cover. Actually she couldn't care less what anyone thought, she needed sleep and James made her feel safe.
James picked up where she left off. "Snape started yelling and spooked her for reasons I sure you could guess." Lupin nodded. "She took off like the devil himself was chasing her and Snape started throwing around accusations. Naturally, that didn't go over too well with me and he and I exchanged words. Eventually I left and tracked Triss down, I offered to plan a prank on Snape and Weasley for double pay back. I'm sure you've heard about what happened in the Gryff dorm already."
"Yes I did, but what does that have to do with you being castrated?" asked Lupin, still hiding his amusement.
"According to Dray, Kat threatened that when she figured out who pulled the prank she would castrate said person," said James crossing his legs. Lupin looked a bit confused.
"To Kat, Snape is kind of like the dad she never got to have. If you didn't know her dad is in Azkaban for extreme child abuse. Snape took her in for the summer and if I read her emotions right he's offered to adopt her," said Triss.
Both James and Lupin looked surprised. "When did you find this out?" asked James.
"Ummm. . . two days ago," said Triss sheepishly.
"Good for her then, she deserves it," said James nodding in approval, but Triss could see the anger, disappointment and rejection lying just behind his eyes.
"Well, it's time to head out to classes. I believe you have my class first," said Lupin standing from his chair. James and Triss nodded also standing up and walking towards the door.
&&&&&&&&&&&& (Christmas holidays)
"Finally! We're home!" said Triss collapsing on one of the sofas in the sitting room of the manor.
Charlie whistled, inspecting the room. "Damn, you've got it good kid," he said sticking his head into the hall that lead to the dinning room.
"Thank my parents." Said James laying down on one of the soft suede sofas. "That train ride takes to long, and having to sit up the hole time too," said James, cracking several muscles in his back.
"You make a good pillow thought," said Triss. James glared at her in response.
"I still don't see how you to aren't a couple. You sleep in the same bed more often than not, flirt no stop and you cuddle," said Bill walking down the main hall stairs.
James gave him the Byrd. "I swear the next person who says something like that is going for a swim in the outdoor pool," said James rubbing his temples. Ever since that little screaming match with Snape the first few days of school everyone teased the two teenagers. Both James and Triss were quickly getting fed up.
"Okay, okay, no need to threaten us," said Dray sitting in a loveseat, Gin on his lap. The Twins, Bill and Charlie glared at the young Malfoy, and Gin glared back at them.
Mel snickered from the lazy boy she was draped across, Night snoozing in her lap. The only member of the crew that had decided not to come was Kat; she wanted to spend vacation with her new father. As of October 23 Snape had legally adopted her, she was now officially Katherine Hermione Snape. Kat had decided to drop her real last name and swap her first and middle names, as she wasn't really a part of that family anymore and didn't like her first name. It had come as a shock to most of the school but James and Triss weren't surprised.
As of yet only James, Triss and Mel knew about Sirius and his innocence but they intended to break the news to everyone present when they were all settled in. "Alright people, I need all of you to sit down and gather round. Triss, Mel and I have a few things that happened over summer break we would like to inform you about.
"As I'm sure you all know the infamous Sirius Black escaped from prison this past June. As I am also sure you know he was accused of killing Peter Pettigrew and 13 muggles in a rage, well that's not true. I know from personal experience that Pettigrew was a Death Eater; I blinded him in one eye when I was 5 years old after they killed my mom and dad.
"Now, you all have to promise not to fire and trust my judgment. Night, anytime your ready," said James motioning to the dog.
Night jumped out of Mel's lap and landed on the floor with a thump. Slowly the black wolf transformed into a healthy looking man. Everyone staid seated and didn't move a muscle; all of them knew James enough to trust his decision on Sirius. "Well, no one cursed me, that's surprising," said Sirius in a slightly rough voice.
Dray was the first to move. "Nice to see you well Uncle Sirius. I'd get up and hug you but I'm comfortable right where I am," he said smiling at him Godfather.
"Draco? Wow, last time I saw you, you were this high," said Sirius holding his hand two feet off the floor. In all the time he'd been around them he'd never figured that Dray was his Godson Draco. Drawing little attention to himself Sirius slipped back to his original seating plan with Mel, still not all that comfortable around other men.
"James, what proof do you have of his innocents?" asked Charlie. While Charlie trusted James' judgment he wanted to know if he had any solid proof.
"I've seen in side his mind, Pettigrew blew up the street and cut his finger off before fleeing the scene. Not too complicated and very effective, Sirius didn't even get a trial," said James sadly.
"Isn't that illegal?" asked Gin.
"Yeah, but you know Fudge. I really don't like dwarves. Their stubbornness rivals his," said Triss pointing to James. James gave her a raspberry. "It's true Shadow. The Elven people are supposed to be very agreeable but not you," said Triss.
"You're an elf?" asked Charlie.
"I could have sworn I told you guys that. Anyway, yes. I'm 5/8 elven, ¼ pure blood wizard and 1/8 Sidhe. Very interesting combination," said James. Charlie nodded, not really surprised.
"Okay, now that it has been established that no one will be killing anyone I'm going swimming," said Triss standing up.
"You do that. I'm going down to the lab; I've got work to do. Everyone, make yourself at home. If you need anything ask Dolly or Dot, I'm sure they will be happy to help," said James disappearing down one of the corridors.
&&&&&&&&&&&
"Damn!" said James ducking a bolt of electricity. "Okay, I won't be using that stuff with a crystal again," said James putting a vial of frog's breath back on his storage shelf. In the last week he'd had absolutely no luck with the crystals. Most potions ingredients they were exposed to ended up exploding or the like.
Triss was getting annoyed that James only left the lab long enough to eat and sleep. Add that to the fact she was hardly sleeping at all and you've got a very dangerous mix. She had suggested that he take a break several times but each time he said no. Both of them were very frustrated, if for different reasons. That made an extremely dangerous situation for anyone with in 100 feet of James and Triss.
James moved to grab another potion bottle off the shelf but was interrupted by the door of his basement retreat. Triss was standing in the doorway hardly concealing her annoyed look. "Okay Shadow dear, you are coming up with me for some sunlight, now," said Triss from the doorway.
"No time, I want to get this done then I'm project free for your use," said James distractedly.
"Do you even know what today is Shadow? It's Christmas Eve; we've left you here alone all week. You need to come visit; it's not healthy being down here all the time," said Triss.
James looked at her, rather annoyed. "I want to get this finished."
"James, you still have no idea what you're even looking for," said Triss. James sighed in defeat.
"Alright, I'll come up for a few hours but that's it," said James setting the jar of toad livers back on the shelf.
"Excellent!" said Triss bounding back up the stairs. James followed closely behind, silently laughing at her antics. At the top of the stairs they were greeted by Bill and Charlie.
"It's about time you came up for air. I thought you'd died down there," said Charlie.
"Me too. Anyway, since it's Christmas Eve and all we thought we might have, well, party. Like last year," said Bill.
"So, let me get this straight. You want to chill and watch a movie, get piss drunk, and not remember any of it tomorrow," said James thoughtfully.
"More or less," said Charlie.
"Well, as long as you aren't too bitchy in the morning cause you have major hangovers. If you couldn't tell, most of the stuff I keep in storage is strong," said James walking towards the den.
(Later)
"Who the hell talked me into putting on 'The Beauty and the Beast'?" James demanded staring at the big screen T.V. in the middle of the room.
"That would have been Gin," said Triss pointing to the couple snogging in the corner. The four Weasley brothers threw a glare at Dray every once in a while but he was having too much fun to care.
"Well, since they're busy. . ." said James waving his hand at the T.V. The movie switched from 'The Beauty and the Beast' to 'Shrek'. "Much better," said James relaxing into the sofa, Triss lying on top of him.
Fifteen minutes into the movie everyone was rolling with laughter. The twins were lying on the floor trying to compose themselves. Bill and Charlie were in much the same state, except they had managed to stay on the couch.
Sirius and Mel had disappeared long before and hadn't been seen since, and Dray and Gin were still having a petting session in the corner. "James, I'm getting tired. Can I stay with you in your room tonight?" Triss asked.
James nodded, a bit too smashed to care. Triss stood from the sofa, pulling James with her and slowly, as to not trip over their own feet, walked up the stairs to James' room. With a small wave of James's hand both were dressed for bed. Triss crawled onto the large mattress first, pulling James with her. James, being a bit tipsy, tripped and landed on top of her.
"Oops-" but James was cut off by Triss. He'd hardly had time to register the fact that Triss was kissing him before he'd found himself lying flat on his back with Triss straddling him. "What are-" again Triss cut him off.
"Please don't fight me on this James. I want this. I want you, as my first," said Triss again kissing him. James struggled at first, his mind fuzzy and unwilling, but he eventually broke down and started kissing back.
As to prevent intruders, James cast a small locking and warding charm on the door. Before James had realized he was shirtless, Triss running her hand anywhere she could find flesh. James groaned as she more sensitive and harder areas.
Triss laughed. "Like that do ya," she said grinding her hips into his. James groaned again. Triss went on licking, biting and sucking what ever she could get her mouth on. Suddenly, as things started getting hot and heavy everything started to fade.
"James!" a voice called. Things started to dim faster. "James, wake up!" suddenly James eyes snapped open and he came face to face with a jar of shaved basilisk bladder. James jumped and fell back out of his chair.
"Shit!" yelled James as he hit the ground. A masculine voice chuckled. James looked up to see Bill leaning over him.
"Sorry about that. You really shouldn't fall asleep in the lap though, no telling what could happen if you happened to knock something. Anyway, Triss told me to come get you. A bunch of your Professors are here, along with a few other people, including the rest of my family," said Bill.
James looked at his watch, the date was Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. "What did you guys do about Sirius?" asked James standing up from the floor and changing into formal robes with a wave of his hand.
"He's up in the privet wing you set up, with Mel. Everyone thinks she's got the flu and they are to stay far away from her," said Bill.
"Right then, I suppose we best get a move on then," said James in a fake old English voice. Bill laughed and the two walked up the stairs, James having completely forgotten about his dream, for now at least.
(A/N: Okay, I get it, no one liked the last chapter. It was too late to change this one so bare with me, but it does start off the whole James/ Triss thing you guys wanted. For the record, screw beta readers! The last chap and part of this one was my beta's idea. If you didn't like it, well, neither did I so, again, just bare with me. On another note, I'm taking a temporary break from the story. It's the last half of the year and my grades are falling, not to mention the last part of FCAT is in a few weeks, March 1-10. I should have an update by then, if not earlier. If I don't have one up by April 6, spring break for me, e-mail and bitch me out.)
Review responses:
Athenakitty: More or less. You get a little more info about the prank and what not in this chapter.
Lunawolf: Glad that makes you happy. I decided to give Snape his bastard edge back after a little skirmish with him in my mind. (See my bio for more information) He wasn't too happy with me so I reverted his image a little.
Musicstarlover: Thanks, I try. The rapist will be someone you don't really suspect so keep your eyes open.
Insanechildfanfic: Snape, a parental figure? Ha! Well, Snape will be sort of parental but not very much. As far as I'm concerned James is an adult of sorts, what's the point of Snape trying to parent someone who acts like an adult? He'd have more luck trying to control Dumbledore.
Lee: Well, that's my moral booster for the day. I don't really think chapter 26 was very good, but that's what I get for letting one of my beta readers influence the chapter topic. I planned to just hop and skip right over 3rd year but no, 'you need to make it just as long as the others'. That's the last time I listen to her.
Howling wolf1: Thanks. I think I'm going to do a combo prank but I'm not sure when. I might do it next chapter, but I'm not sure.
Gaul1: What ruined potion? I don't remember adding in a ruined potion. . . If I did I honestly don't remember. O'well, this is what a lack of sleep does to you.