Chapter 35: The Halloween Horror
Malfoy was none too pleased so far this year. He had been denied the role of Head Boy in favour of Ned Tozer. This was because of his consistent bullying of the Union and the lack of respect of his prefect position. Slughorn had expressed disappointment in him and claimed that the young man was lucky to not have lost his prefect role as well.
"I hope there will be a Slytherin Head Boy next time." sighed Slughorn, shaking his head in disapproval.
Malfoy was beyond furious, and Narcissa kept having to console and soothe him. Andromeda shook her head annoyedly. She had made Head Girl which cheered up Slughorn, but she was condemned by her sister and the other Slytherins for joining up with the Black brothers and their Union.
"I will get that Union group and those blood traitors if it's the last thing I do!" fumed Malfoy.
"Please…be lenient to Andromeda at least." said Narcissa piteously. "She is my sister after all."
Bellatrix had as good as disowned Andromeda already as she was beginning to date a Muggle-born, but Narcissa, as the younger sister, still felt affectionate to her sister despite the path Andromeda was taking.
"If you wish, Cissy." said her boyfriend. "But she is making her bed. Betraying you."
"I know…but I love her." replied Narcissa sadly.
Malfoy hugged her. "And I love you."
Narcissa loved when he acted this way. She sometimes wished they weren't so ambitious and more affectionate, but that was what came with being a respectable Slytherin.
Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws on the other hand were quite affectionate, as was shown with Frank and Alice, the former now a prefect, and Ned was dating a sixth year Hufflepuff, Velma Sucksby, whom had been one of the new recruits for the Union in Severus' absence.
Severus and Lily had been observing the two couples with some interest as they both harboured feelings for the other and were both now aware of the other's feelings but were still too shy to act on it. Severus was more frightened than anything else despite Lily Potter's reassurances.
James, Sirius, Peter and Remus were still working on their little secret project which was soon to be known as the Marauder's Map. Remus, however, was falling ill again and needed to rest. Peter and the majority of the Union were unaware of his lycanthropy still, but Severus, James and Sirius were still remaining respectfully silent on the subject, even around Remus himself.
As for Mary, she still seemed to be wandering off at random and without explanation, but Severus noticed that Quincey was acting oddly too. He always returned from the library in a more private mood and always had an odd colour about him, as though he had been running or exercising.
However, by the end of the month, the people who were the centre of attention were James and Sirius. They had both openly told the Union during one of their meetings that they were going on a double date in Hogsmeade on Halloween with Rebecca Castle and with Marlene McKinnon respectively. The whole Union congratulated them on that.
"So, what about you, Severus?" said Peter.
"What about me?" asked Severus in a warning tone.
Peter smirked and caught the bluff. "When are you gonna ask Lily out?"
Severus wanted to throttle the Gryffindor but decided that would be against Union policy and purposes.
Lily was blushing too. All the others laughed and patted their backs, Quincey rubbed Severus' hair humorously, much to his discomfort.
Regulus was the only one not fully participating in the laughter. He had a lot on his shoulders. He feared his parents' hatred, his cousin and her boyfriend's wrath, the safety of his friend, Melody and that of his brother's too. On top of that, he still felt some discomfort hanging around Lily and Quincey, and he was still suspicious of Remus.
Severus knew this and was hopeful that the Marauders were progressing on the Map's creation, as they could not all keep an eye on Regulus, especially at night.
"I've an idea." said James. "Although Remus has that Potion, he could still be seen and exposed by Regulus or maybe one of the others if they see him go into the Willow. I could follow him in my Cloak, and stand guard by the mouth of the hollow, to see that no-one tries to enter it, though the Willow itself should do a good job at that anyway."
"Good idea." said Sirius.
Severus wasn't so sure, but he did appreciate the idea of Remus having more security.
They often wanted to help Remus reveal his lycanthropy to the Union, but knew they were all bound to silence, unless Remus himself felt it safe to divulge, and with Regulus feeling insecure, he knew it wasn't the right time.
The group were all excited for Halloween, as they were allowed a day off to visit Hogsmeade for the first time.
Severus was particularly keen to go as although he had been home an extra month, he was excited to see Eileen and Robin at the Hog's Head together. He planned to arrange a routine with Lily to fit in all the attractions of the village. The Union initially planned to split up to explore the shops in their own order and interests, while meeting up later in the day at the Three Broomsticks.
"Why don't we explore the shops together?" said Lily. "You and me and anyone who may wish to tag along with us. Then we'll go the Hog's Head to meet your mother and Robin, have one Butterbeer and a chat, then double back to the Three Broomsticks for another one and to meet with the others."
"Good plan." said Severus.
"I'm so excited!" said Lily joyously.
"Me too." said Severus, though obviously not as excited as Lily was.
Both had silently decided that their first trip to Hogsmeade would not be a first date as well, as Lily was still unsure of starting a relationship at their age, and Severus was too nervous and afraid of asking her out, but he vowed to make an effort by fourth year at the latest. He also felt more at ease after learning of James' newfound romance with Rebecca Castle. He decided to innocently ask why he didn't pursue Lily at a later date.
Meanwhile, on the day before Halloween, Lucius Malfoy and his cronies were in class with Professor Flitwick, along with Murdoch, as the spell they were being taught was primarily a charm, but Murdoch was also a volunteer to show how the spell could be effective in Defence Against the Dark Arts.
"This spell is called the Disillusionment Charm." said Flitwick. "Though not as effective as a fully functioning Invisibility Cloak, the spell is effective in battle and in making sure Muggles do not see you. It makes you camouflage into your surroundings, rather like a chameleon."
Malfoy took a lot of interest in this lesson and was very eager to learn the new charm.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" asked Rosier.
"I am." sneered Malfoy. "Prince and his little Union won't know what hit them!"
Halloween came and the students were all prepared to visit Hogsmeade, bringing their permission slips to verify to McGonagall and Zeus Gardner the caretaker that they were allowed to go.
Gardner led the third years down into the village. All of the Union went together, with the exceptions of Frank, Alice, Ned and Andromeda, as they had prefect duties, or in the latter pairs' case, Head Boy and Girl duties. Alice had been made a prefect this year. Regulus and Melody, of course, were also absent as they were not of age to visit the village.
They all agreed to meet at the Three Broomsticks at three o clock, which gave them three hours to tour the shops and attractions. Severus and Lily found that not even Quincey and Mary planned to stay with them, and claimed they were going to join Peter in spying on the double dates.
"Honestly!" chuckled Lily. "Mary's got no respect for privacy!"
Severus agreed.
"Let's visit the shops, then go to see your mother at two o clock!" suggested Lily.
"Okay!"
The two friends went everywhere that afternoon. First, they visited the Ceridwen's Cauldrons shop, where Severus looked longingly at one of the gold cauldrons, but didn't have enough pocket money to purchase it. Next, they went to Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop, where they bought a new quill each. The third shop was Tomes and Scrolls, the bookshop, which both friends particularly enjoyed visiting for the first time. They were some books that looked older than the ones sold at Flourish and Blotts, but as a result, came out more expensive. Fortunately, they each bought a new book, either on Experimental Potions, or on Charms, which dated back to the Tudor Ages. They also had a look around in the Gladrags Wizardwear shop, as well as J. Pippins Potions. No purchases were made there, nor in the sixth shop, the Herbology store, Dogweed and Deathcap. The seventh store was a much more different matter. That shop was none other the Honeydukes sweet shop.
Just about every student from third year was there and Professor McGonagall and the prefects were trying and failing to keep them in order.
"Never known McGonagall to have such trouble!" called Lily over the noise.
"You're telling me!" called back Severus.
They also saw Nora and Elizabeth there in the crowds and pushed their way over to them.
"You just missed Remus and Peter." said Elizabeth. "They've gone to check out Zonko's."
"We're avoiding that until next time." said Lily. "I hope those two don't give James and Sirius any ideas."
"What a joke!" laughed Nora. "They're bound to buy every joke and trick in sight!"
"Weren't Quincey and Mary with them?" asked Severus.
"No, haven't seen them yet." replied Nora.
"That's odd." said Lily. "I thought they were joining Peter to spy on the dates."
"Maybe they've already done it and split up." said Severus.
"I guess…you know, it might be fun to take a peek at James and Sirius. And I wanna see Marlene's face turn all gooey and stupid if Sirius kisses her. Rebecca's just as bad around James!"
Severus did suddenly find the idea appealing. To see James and Sirius look smitten and spacey would be comical and relieving to see the former look that way around someone other than Lily.
"Let's check them out after we buy our sweets." he concurred.
They soon stocked up with Chocolate Frogs, Licorice Wands and many other new sweets that they hadn't seen on the Hogwarts Express trolley. But due to the crowding students also trying to make a purchase, it took them half an hour, and they only had another twenty minutes to look in at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, before heading over to the Hog's Head to meet Severus' mother.
"Let's get it over with!" said Severus, now in a rush.
"We have time, don't worry!" called Lily. "We're only peeking through the window for a minute!"
They soon arrived and peered through the glass window. The sight was cringingly amazing. The tea shop was pure pink and all the tables were as well. It was like a candy land for romantics.
"I bet the tea has far too much sugar." said Lily.
"Can you see them?" asked Severus.
"Yeah, there they are, in the corner by the left window." said Lily.
On a double table were James and Rebecca, facing away from the window that the two spectators were occupying, and Sirius and Marlene facing in their direction. As anticipated, the two of them had silly, smitten expressions on their faces, clearly enjoying the other's company.
"Ha! Look at them!" chuckled Severus.
"Oh, my Merlin!" cried Lily.
"It's not that shocking!" said Severus.
"Not that, but that is!"
She was pointing to the right-hand side of the shop, and Severus gasped at what he saw.
On a table close to the counter, and out of view of the double dating foursome, were Quincey and Mary, and they were clearly sharing a date of their own, considering how they were holding hands and looking as lovestruck as Sirius and Marlene.
"Woah! No way!" whispered Severus.
"Quincey and Mary!" squeaked Lily.
"I know!" said Severus in awe.
"QUINCEY AND MARY!" she squealed, hopping up and down with joy.
"Shh, they'll hear you! Come on!"
Severus pulled Lily away from the window and the two friends laughed heartily about their two best friends dating each other.
"So romantic!" said Lily dreamily, as they made their way to the Hog's Head.
"That explains their distance around us." said Severus.
"Not to mention Mary's hints at being experienced in kissing and dating." added Lily.
"They've kissed?!"
"Haha! I know! This is brilliant!"
"Calm down or Ab- er, the bar owner will kick us out." said Severus.
Lily breathed deeply to emphasise her calmness and they both entered the grim Hog's Head.
"Not exactly a very welcoming place." remarked Lily.
"Why do you think we're meeting the others at the Three Broomsticks?" said Severus.
"Fair point." conceded Lily.
"Severus!"
Eileen waved her son over from behind the counter.
"Mum!"
Severus embraced his mother happily, while Robin came back from delivering two beers to two shady looking punters.
"Hello, Severus." he said cheerfully. "And you too, young Lily!"
"Hi, Mr Kennedy." greeted Lily.
"How's Hogsmeade then?" asked Eileen as she prepared two Butterbeers for the two teenagers.
"Great!" said Lily.
They both told them of their day out in Hogsmeade so far and what they planned to do afterwards.
"Don't indulge yourself too much at the Three Broomsticks." said Eileen maternally. "You still have the Halloween Feast at Hogwarts."
"How could I forget?" grinned Lily.
Severus shook his head with a smile.
They also told Eileen and Robin what they had seen in the tea shop.
"Ooh, love in the air, eh?" said Robin.
"By the look of it!" said Lily. "I'm not letting Mary hear the end of this, after all that teasing she did to me at the start of term onwards!"
Just then, the Floo sounded and out of the fire came Rose Evans, accompanied by Septimus Prince.
"Hello, honey!" said Rose.
"Mum!" Lily embraced her mother. "I didn't know you were coming too!"
"Yeah, only briefly though." said Rose. "Septimus was kind enough to bring me for half an hour to share a drink with Eileen and to see you! She explained what time you two would come here."
Lily was delighted, and they spent the remaining half hour chatting with their mothers, as well as Robin and Septimus about the day as well as their education. They were all glad to hear that Severus was adjusting again, and there were several remarks on how his remaining pockmarks had finally faded away.
Eventually, it was three o clock and Lily and Severus realized they were late to meet the rest of the Union.
"We'll see you two at Christmas!" said Rose, giving her daughter a final hug, and Eileen did the same for Severus.
Robin and Septimus gave him a compassionate pat on the shoulder.
"Give my love to Nanny." said Severus.
"I will, lad." said Septimus.
The two friends waved goodbye once more and sprinted up to the Three Broomsticks.
Upon arrival, they found the majority of the Union sat on one of the larger tables, looking quite at ease, whereas in the past, Severus had been used to keeping close to the walls where the smaller, less noticeable tables were, so as to avoid people like the Marauders.
He and Lily joined them, Lily next to Remus, and Severus next to Quincey.
"So, how's Hogsmeade so far?" asked James.
"Great!" came the united reply.
"Honeydukes is Heaven!" said Peter.
"And this Butterbeer is so succulent!" said Mary dreamily.
"Though Madam Puddifoot's is so…uh…pink?" added James. "Ow!"
"I thought it was lovely!" retorted Rebecca, having kicked James in the shin from under the table.
Sirius laughed.
"It was good, but they put sugar in everything! I bet the pink wallpaper tastes like Honeydukes' Candy Floss!"
Everyone, even Marlene and Rebecca laughed at that. Quincey and Mary kept wisely silent on the subject of Madam Puddifoot's. Though Severus and Lily winked knowingly at each other.
The rest of the afternoon entailed talking about the day's events for each Union member, and drinking Butterbeer, already planning what to do on their next visit, and drinking more Butterbeer.
Eventually, it was time for curfew and the students went back up to Hogwarts, keen to begin the Halloween Feast.
Arriving at the Great Hall, they saw the pumpkins, lit and suspended in the air, reflecting their eerily carved faces in circles across the Hall, giving a spooky light show, which granted a partying effect to the minds of the children. Severus and Lily joined their friends at the Gryffindor table. The prefects, Regulus and Melody joined them this time, much to the perturbance and abhorrence of the Slytherins, looking at Regulus as a blood traitor, and Melody as the filthy animal who corrupted him.
Malfoy was beginning the process of putting his latest scheme into action.
"What if we get caught?" asked Mulciber.
"Provided you paid attention when I taught you the spell, it won't be a problem!" snapped Malfoy.
Dinner was exquisite. The desserts, centred around candy and pumpkin pies and pasties, were the highlight and all the students were fairly pumped up with sugar.
"Always the same on this day." said Dumbledore to McGonagall.
"The annual sugar rush, Pomona and I call it." replied McGonagall.
Dumbledore was smiling at Severus, whom was also having a good time. He was glad that the boy was moving on in his new life so well, fitting in with friends, enjoying the holiday events and having a more enjoyable life than before.
But he had thought too soon.
That evening, after the feast had been long over, the Union headed to their respective dormitories, and as their habit was, due to the long circle of conversation for such a large group, they left last.
Most of the students headed up to bed, while the Slytherins, Andromeda, Regulus and Melody headed downward.
Severus and Lily lingered in the Entrance Hall. Both friends looked very cheerful. They had had such a good day together.
"Mary's loved up face was so funny." she recalled.
"No worse than Quincey and Sirius." chuckled Severus.
"You two coming or not?" called a voice.
It was James. He and Remus were on the top of the first staircase, waiting for them to catch up.
"Why don't you-?"
Before Severus could tease James to go and chase Rebecca's proverbial skirt, they heard a scream coming from the dungeons.
"What was that?!" cried Lily and James in unison.
James, followed reluctantly by Remus, rushed down the stairs.
"That sounded like Melody!" gasped Lily.
All four friends rushed to see what was going on.
What they saw shocked them. Andromeda was on the ground bleeding from her wrists, and Regulus was frantically looking around the Hall, wand raised, trying to shield a frightened Melody.
"What's-?"
"Stupefy!" whispered a voice in a put-on deep voice. It was unrecognised.
The Stunner aimed at Severus, whom dived aside, but the spell ricocheted and hit Melody in the back.
"NO!"
Then another spell hit Regulus and he hunched in pain. It was the hex that felt like ten punches to the gut.
"REGGIE!"
Sirius rushed to the scene, only to get blasted with a Petrificus Totalis spell, then James dived to avoid what was certainly a Dark Arts curse.
"WHERE IS THIS COMING FROM?!" cried James.
Severus knew that the Slytherins must be Disillusioned and looked around frantically. He saw a blurring movement behind a pillar.
"STUPEFY!"
The spell hit its target, and Avery fell to the ground, but remained unable to be identified.
Malfoy knew this could get them all exposed, so he shot a very powerful Stunner at Severus.
"LOOK OUT!"
Remus shoved Severus aside and took the shot, but the spell was so strong, that Remus was blasted off his feet and hit his head on the wall, and he crumpled to the floor, blood quickly beginning to ooze out of his head.
"REMUS!" cried Lily, Severus and James in unison.
The screams must have attracted attention, because footsteps were headed towards the dungeons. Malfoy heard them and quickly gathered Avery and ordered his minions, Mulciber and Rosier to retreat.
They did so just in time, as Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall and Murdoch came rushing to the scene. From the opposite direction came Professor Slughorn, who in his haste to attend the summons of the screaming and blasting had not noticed the Disillusioned students slip past him.
All four professors were horrified. Three students were Stunned, three were holding their wands out of breath and pale with horror, one student was bleeding from the head, unconscious and unresponsive and the Head Girl was feebly stirring with her wrists slit open.
"What the devil?!" cried Slughorn, immediately tending to Andromeda, while McGonagall and Murdoch tended to Remus. Dumbledore stared at Severus as he effortlessly woke Sirius, Regulus and Melody.
"Who did this?" he asked with his usual calm voice, though his eyes had no passion at all.
"We don't know." said Severus numbly. "But I can guess who."
"Guessing won't hold well, Mr Prince." said Dumbledore sadly. "Did anyone else see the attackers?"
Regulus and Melody shook their heads as all eyes turned to them.
"We were heading to the common room with Cousin Andromeda. But then a spell hit her, and she immediately fell down with her wrists…"
"There, there, child." said McGonagall soothingly. "Horace, Albus, I think these two need to see Poppy. Mr Lupin won't wake up and his pulse is weak."
"Same for Miss Black." said Slughorn gravely. "She's just lost consciousness. I've stitched her wrists up, but Madam Pomfrey can help her better than I."
Remus and Andromeda were taken away.
"So, your attackers were invisible?" asked Dumbledore to the remaining students in his office twenty minutes later.
"Yes, sir." said the group in numbed unison.
"Likely a Disillusionment Charm." said McGonagall.
"Yes, but as no-one was seen, we cannot identify or indeed point fingers at anyone. It would be seen as prejudice and Mr Prince's suspect; Mr Malfoy's father is a governor. It won't help to make him take Veritaserum when we have no proof. Besides, the use of the potion is forbidden on a student."
McGonagall sighed, knowing Dumbledore was right.
"So…those…evil…they're gonna go unpunished?!" cried Lily.
"But what about Andie?" cried Regulus.
"And Remus?!" fumed Sirius.
"I'm sorry, children, but unless we find proof, there is nothing we can do." said Dumbledore, showing genuine disdain at his own words.
Severus shook his head slightly. It was similar to how he got no justice for the original Sirius' attempt to kill or curse him all those years ago, but now Andromeda and Remus were suffering the injustice, and possibly worse if Madam Pomfrey didn't act fast enough.
"You may see your friends in the morning." said Dumbledore in conclusion. "Minerva, please escort them to bed."
McGonagall did so. Melody and Regulus were downright frightened, James and Sirius were seething with fury and Lily was pale and full of despair.
"Poor Remus." she whispered.
"And poor Andromeda." added Sirius.
"If we had only managed to finish…"
James was going to say 'finish the Map' but remembered that McGonagall was with them and stopped himself.
"Finish off invisible opponents?" asked the Deputy Head coldly. "Mr Potter, even if you had, you'd have been in as much trouble as them."
"But they're not in trouble." whimpered Melody. "And I'm expected to go back in that common room with them! I won't! They'll kill us!"
She fell to the floor, hyperventilating. She was sure that without Andromeda there to protect them, she would be badly hurt if not killed by Malfoy and his cronies.
McGonagall turned to see that Melody was having a panic attack.
"Come on, child. Let's get you to the hospital wing too. Mr Black, I think it would be best if you come too. It's likely safer for you there than in your dormitory. The rest of you, to your own dorms immediately. Don't make me regret leaving you!"
She escorted the second years away.
The other students obeyed without question, still in shock themselves and determined to get to their beds, though were unsure if they were going to get any sleep.
"I don't want you to go alone." whispered Lily. "I…I don't want to leave you at all."
"I'll be okay, Lils." promised Severus.
They hugged tight.
"I'll see you at breakfast, then we can go and see Remus and Andromeda." he said.
"Okay…"
The two best friends parted ways, and Severus hoped he could try and sleep before Quincey and the other Ravenclaws started asking questions about his absence.
And to think that the day had gone so well an hour ago, he thought dismally.
The following morning, as promised, Severus joined Lily for breakfast, though none of the Union were in the mood to eat. By now, they all knew what had happened. In fact, it was the talk of the school.
Malfoy and his cronies tried not to look quite as triumphant and smug as the rest of the Slytherins did at the thought of a blood traitor and a Gryffindor getting badly hurt.
Sirius was rageful at them. He and the rest of the Union were certain that Malfoy's group were responsible, but without proof, no legal action could be taken.
It was all that the entire Union could do to stop Sirius from marching over and confronting Malfoy, wands and fists a blazing.
After breakfast, McGonagall and Dumbledore himself escorted the immediate victims of the attack to the Hospital Wing. The rest of the Union had to visit their friends in their own time as there were too many of them to come in at once, due to Pomfrey's strict limitations.
There, in the Hospital Wing, were Regulus and Melody sitting around Andromeda's bed. She was awake, but distinctively pale and clearly struggling to sit up properly. Pomfrey had mended her wrists thoroughly and gave her some Blood Replenishing Potions, but the effects and the trauma she had gone through had terribly exhausted her.
"Are you alright?" asked Lily worriedly.
"Fine, just woozy and tired." replied Andromeda. "Madam Pomfrey says I can leave in a couple of days."
"What about Remus?" asked Severus, looking at the bed carrying the still unconscious Gryffindor, his head bandaged into a small turban.
"He's going to live." said Madam Pomfrey, to both Severus and the two Heads. "But his memory will almost certainly be affected by the impact."
Severus gasped. That would be horrible. If he forgot that he was a werewolf, Remus would have to suffer the realization of what he was all over again.
Remus suddenly moved as they watched over him, and he stirred.
"Remus, can you hear me?" asked Madam Pomfrey.
Remus whimpered and looked around. He saw the mediwitch, the two Heads and Severus, James and Sirius looking at him. Lily, Andromeda, Regulus and Melody were not visible from the bed opposite.
He gazed at them, and his gaze lingered on the closest smaller person: Severus.
He growled.
Everyone looked confused.
"Remus Lupin?" said Pomfrey.
Before anyone could do anything, Remus sprang from his bed, leapt at Severus and clawed his face with his right hand.
"OW!" cried Severus.
Remus was roaring like an animal and was baring his teeth wildly, as if he wanted to take a bite out of Severus' scratched and bleeding face.
"RESTRAIN HIM!" cried Dumbledore, using his wand to wrap Remus in ropes and tugged him back to the bed.
The third year writhed and roared in fury and frustration. His eyes were malicious yet dazed, with the air of a confused subject of hypnosis.
"Everybody out!" ordered McGonagall to the visitors.
"You too, Mr Black, Miss Royale!" added Pomfrey.
The terrified students did so, and in the heat of the moment, Dumbledore anonymously Stunned Andromeda.
As everybody waited outside, Lily cried.
"What happened?!" she shrieked.
"Lupin's gone mad!" cried Regulus.
Melody cried on his shoulder.
Severus, James and Sirius looked at each other with horrified and contemplating expressions. They had all realized what had happened.
Remus' human memories were gone…and his werewolf instincts remained.
Remus was now a feral child.
(There's Chapter 35, in time for Halloween! I hope you like it! Chapter 36 coming soon! Hope you forgive me putting a damper on things at the end! Please review!)