THE SIXTH YEAR BEGINS HERE:::
Sun was setting, and James was alone in his house tomorrow he would be back at Hogwarts and no more loneliness. Sirius has decided to spend time with his cousin and her daughter. His parents were out for auror duty and so was Uncle Ben.
He decided for a ride on his broom, thankfully he had the invisibility cloak, he took his wand as his uncle has recommended just in case, he sat on his broom and covered himself with the cloak, and kicked off the ground, there was rain earlier, James could smell it in the air as he flew above the village area his house was in. James liked the people around here, James has played in this area and some of the people had become his friend. Sadly James could see them only in summer and as they grow their friendship has grown apart but they still smile and wave at him. One of them is Troy, a 20-year boy, James doesn't know him much they had only played together sometimes. Troy leaves alone his house after his parent's death, and he is famous for his drinking habits and fighting on the streets.
James was passing over his house when he spotted Troy standing in front of his house shouting at passersby, who all ignored him, James stopped to watch this to be true it was quite entertaining, James laughed at Troy's mimicry and funny comments(but rude). Then James saw three oddly dressed figures passing by, he could not see them properly as it was dark now and the street lamp was not lit yet. Troy made a comment at the three people, James recognized what they were going to do, they were wizards and don't know about Troy, James slowly got on the ground took off his cloak and hid his broom with it and ran towards the four. The three people's face was still not visible but they both had their wands out, James stopped a few distances away from the three, but none of them noticed him.
"He is drunk, please ignore him," said another passerby to the three persons who both laughed.
"Let's have some fun then," said one figure and with a flash of light Troy was thrown off his feet and the other two laughed.
"Crucio," said another and Troy shrieked. James has never seen someone in so much pain, his shriek was like asking for death which he wasn't getting, James felt a sting in his heart, Aunt May's image in front of him.
James recovered and took out his wand with one freed hand and shouted "Expelliarmus" the wand flown out of the man's hand and fall to his feet. James cursed himself he should have used the spell properly but the shriek of Troy made panicked him.
"How dare you to do that? Who are you?" asked one of them as the curser picked his wand.
"I was stopping you from using an Unforgivable curse, he was drunk you all should forgive him and leave," replied James.
"You will," they laughed "but how ? Because we are not going to leave you without some fun. Do you know we are Death Eaters, we can do anything now," and he sent a spell towards James who ducked it. James knew that his only chance was to run or they will attack him and Troy both.
"BOMBARDA" James shouted pointing his wand in place between him and them, the death eaters instantly produced a shield to protect themself. James took the moment and climbed his now invisible broom, after pocketing his wand, he removed the cloak from the broom and was about to throw it over himself when a red spark passed him, he looked behind and saw the three following him on their brooms which they have summoned or conjured, James didn't know or care. He pocketed his cloak instantly to free his hand as fully covering himself was not possible and then took out his wand.
Fighting 3 vs 1 in the air was what gave James otherwise if he was on ground he would have been dead. He has thought that the three were normal wizards but he knew he was wrong the moment they use the unforgivable curse but he has to stop them, it was his responsibility.
Now he has conjured a shield charm around himself and was shooting a petrifying spell at the three following him. James knew he has to create divergence otherwise he can't hold all three of them off for a long time. He was over the forest area which was 30 minutes walk from his house, but he can't go home when there was no one and it will take him time to open the door and enter the safety of his house and by then it will be late. He has to do something now.
He lowered his broom so he was flying just above the trees, he saw the three doing the same and throwing jinxes at him which he was ducking. He took out a candy he had in his pocket with the other wandless hand and then after casting a shielding charm again which was broken by the death eaters he muttered a spell and pointed his wand at the candy which transformed into a nearly human-like shape, with another flick he stuck the shape to his broom.
He then threw a blinding light towards the three and when they closed their eyes for a few seconds, James jumped from his broom which continued to flow forward before colliding with a tree a few 30 feets from where James had jumped from it while falling James saw the three following his broom. James hit a branch while falling, and wounded his chest. He was about to hit the ground when he muttered a spell and a soft and fat cushion appeared beneath him on which he fell.
His left hand was injured the most, his head was aching, he has a cut on his chest where he had hit the branch, and his back was aching. Somehow he managed to stand. He could hear angry voices from somewhere.
"Find the boy" shouted one of them.
"He fooled us, but he must be here, search the forest,"
James immediately vanished the cushion and covered himself with his cloak. He started to move but his leg was aching very much he couldn't walk. He sat there and heard the three footsteps around him, they were searching for him.
"He looked like a boy, he can't apparate, otherwise he wouldn't have used broom," one said
"He might have used disillusionment charm"
"We should use human revalio spell"
"He is here the spell says, he is here, a boy"
They will find him if he didn't do something, then he saw a few deers passing by.
"What was that?" asked one of them.
"Deers, there are deers here, ignore them and find the boy it looks like he has some invisibility cloak from that shop in Diagon alley."
"I suppose so, then he can't hide anymore and can't run, I have set a jinx if he leaves or anyone enters we will know,"
James knew there was only one way out, he made sure they were not watching in his direction and then pocketed his cloak and immediately turned to a stag, there was less pain now. He could smell more of his kind nearby and followed their scent and soon joined them. He acted just like other deers and stags.
After 5 minutes he saw two men passing him but they didn't paid attention to the deers, who all were now sitting, probably sleeping except for one. Hours passed and Prongs just sat there listening to three
"It's 4 in the morning and we haven't found him, if he tells anyone else then we will be in danger."
"The human revalio spell shows no human now"
"Shit you should have applied the intruder jinx properly"
" Do you think he saw our faces?"
"Dunno, it was dark, we didn't recognize him, so he might have not seen our faces too"
"Very well then let's leave"
James didn't there to move in case they are still there. He knew this place, he has come here for a picnic with his parents, Uncle Ben and Aunt May. That was the first time he had seen deers and stags and he had fallen in love with the antlers. He would force his family to come here so that he can see the deers and stags and their wonderful antlers. He would sit a safe distance away so as not to scare the stags and would watch them all day. He has fallen in love with them. This is why his Patronus and animagus are stag because he was happy when he saw them first. He has always felt more connected to them, it was a warm feeling to watch the stags. A tear dropped from his stag eyes as he remembered those days. Though he felt the emotions low, which happens to animagus.
When the sun raised James finally got up and roamed and scanned the area in stag form to make sure no one was there and then in a dense place he transformed back to human form. The pain increased in his body. After using all the relevant healing spells, he got up. He should inform his uncle, he will find him missing when he will arrive at 9 to take him to platform 9 3/4. He looked at his watch, it was 7 now.
He transformed back into the stag and ran to the edge of the forest before turning back into human. He could see his house from here just 10 minutes away now. His legs felt heavy as he reached the doors and entered the house.
An owl was there with a note attached to it's leg, it was from his uncle, saying about an attack in Brixton and that he will not be able to reach home in time so James has to go to platform 9 3/4 with a ministry person will arrive at 10 to pick him and apparate him.
James though tired packed his kinds of stuff, though his broom was no longer with him, he asked the house elf 'Pardey' to treat his wound and make him some breakfast who obliged. James took a quick shower and by the time he was done with his food, the man arrived.
"Hello Mr Potter, last night was a long night for ministry there were attacks in many places but the main attack was in Brixton, we lost 4 Aurors and 3 muggles were killed. Though no one of your family," said the person as he took his hand, James didn't respond or looked at the man as his face still had bruises. And then they apparated.
He immediately rushed to an empty compartment in the train so that no one can see his injuries and bruises, his body was aching and his eyes were heavy. As soon as he closed his eyes he fell asleep.
Remus and Peter found James sleeping in a corner in an empty compartment, and they entered. James' face was hidden from the view.
"He stinks like soil and forest," said Peter who was going to sit next to James but decided against it. Remus chuckled.
"He must have enjoyed last night as he was alone," said Remus.
The compartment door opened and Sirius entered looking tensed "Oh! here he is he didn't picked up the mirror neither last night nor in the morning and he is sleeping here,"
"Must have enjoyed yesterday, let him sleep," said Peter.
Soon the girls joined them too and were shocked to see James sleeping, the boys presented their opinions of what must have happened.
"Why does he smells," said Marlene moving away from James which left Lily to sit next to James.
"Must have been doing something," laughed Sirius who was sitting on the opposite seat.
"Lily that's a beautiful kitten, what's her name?" asked Mary excitedly.
"I have named her Felix" replied Lily.
"Did you brought it?" asked Sirius taking the kitten from Lily and stroking it.
"No, she is a gift," replied Lily as the kitten jumped from Sirius' lap and moved to sit in Lily's lap. Mary's cat Ivy watched Felix as she moved.
Lily and Remus went for a prefect meeting, and Dorcas was made the Head girl. When both of them returned after 30 minutes James was still asleep and Felix was sitting beside James, Lily picked up the cat and placed it in her lap.
The food trolley arrived after an hour.
"Should we wake him?" asked Mary.
"Nah, leave him, I will get extra food for him in case he needs it afterwards," replied Sirius.
James readjusted in his seat and his face came into view, but the others didn't notice as they were busy playing Exploding snap. Felix however moved slowly to sit in his lap.
Then James' hand came in touch with Lily, it was hot, she turned to look at him and when she noticed his face she gasped, the others turned and saw what has happened to James.
"Bloody hell what has happened to his face?" asked Peter.
"He has injuries in his hands too, it has healed though but not properly," said Lily.
An owl tapped on the window, Peter let the owl in and detached the letter.
"It's from ministry to James," he said horrified. Sirius snatched the letter from him and read it.
"He has been given a warning for using magic outside Hogwarts. He used many defensive and attacking spells including the disarming one. Why?" said Sirius.
"James, James," said Marlene shaking him gently, James groaned and opened his eyes, which were red.
"Shut up" he murmured.
"What happened to you? You have used magic outside and you are injured," said Remus.
"Were you attacked" ask Peter
"I am not in the mood of talking" James replied.
"But you are injured, Prongs," said Sirius
"I will tell you all later"
"But you are looking bad, and then this letter, we didn't even saw Ben. Are you all right?" asked Remus.
"I am fine just tired, I was up all night and need sleep, okay? Now shut up and let me sleep till we reach," he said stroking Felix who purred and James closed his eyes and fell asleep again.
The others exchanged tensed looks but remain silent.
"Mr James Potter, to my office, now," said McGonagall as James reached the castle, Sirius supporting him and Remus and Peter holding his trunk and owl.
"Hospital first he is injured professor," said Sirius, the professor nodded and left with James.
None of the six students were paying any attention to the sorting or feast, they were all talking about James, and all were worried about what has happened to him.
James didn't showed up at the feast nor in the Gryffindor room at night, he was still at the hospital. James explained to Dumbledore and Minnie, everything that has happened last night leaving out the part regarding his cloak or animagus form.
The next day James left the hospital wing, as soon as he entered the common room his friends attacked him with many questions. James explained to them the same story he has told to Dumbledore, though the marauders caught the hint that he has transformed.
"You are stupid James, you shouldn't have interfered them," said Marlene angrily.
"And would let them torture or worse kill Troy?" countered James knowing that Marlene was just worried.
"They could have killed you too," said Marlene.
"I didn't know they were death eaters at first, and even if I have known I would have done the same thing," replied James.
Marlene was about to argue but Lily cut her, "I think James is right, though it was foolish, but the right thing to do at that moment and he just disarmed them not attacked them."
"Thanks, Lily. Now I am going to rest as it's Sunday," James said and left. Everyone just watched him go, deciding that he has a hard time and needs rest they began talking about other kinds of stuff. Lily however was both worried about James and also was taken aback by his act of saving others whom he barely knows.
Lily sat happily with Mary and Marls for breakfast on Monday, McGonagall was handing out schedules to everyone, but for the sixth year, it was taking a lot more time than for others. The Marauders joined them all laughing except James who was barely smiling. Sirius greeted the girls happily as they all sat down.
"Have you got news of Troy?" whispered a worried-looking James to Minnie as soon as she approached them.
"He is alright, just needed some treatment after the cruciatus curse, otherwise he is fine, though he swears on never drinking again," she whispered with a smile and James smiled back. "Dumbledore talked to your parents and Ben, they were all worried and angry too, all of them wanted to come as soon as possible but Dumbledore convinced them that you are all right."
"That means a lot professor as they were all angry and sorry when they talked to me through floo network," replied James.
"You are very brave Potter but do try to be safe too, 30 points for behaving well" smiled Minnie before turning to Lily.
"I am very happy to see your transfiguration marks, Ms Evans. Potter's help I suppose," said Minnie and Lily blushed which went unnoticed by everyone except the professor whose lips twitched.
Lily and James took Herbolology, DADA, Potions, Charms, and Transfiguration. DADA, Transfiguration, and Charms were taken by all 7 of them, Remus took Care of Magical Creatures( along with Peter who also took herbology ) and Ancient Runes(along with Sirius who took Muggle studies whose fifth subject was Potions), Marlene took Arithmancy along with Potions and Mary took Arithmancy along with Herbology.
They had Transfiguration the first thing in the morning and to Lily's dismay all four houses were to do all classes together due to less number of students and this meant Slytherins will be there. McGonagall spent the first class explaining the N.E.W.T.s syllabus and curriculum.
The D.A.D.A. classroom was dark with all the windows closed and lit by only magic lights. The new D.A.D.A professor was Clara Murphy, pale and gaunt in appearance, a witch in her early 30s, who spent the entire class just introducing herself and fumbling through the curriculum. Mary had the impression that she was not experienced in teaching which others agreed, Sirius however was lost in her thoughts.
"She was rather nice though and smiled at me and when I winked at her she blushed.," the others just rolled their eyes, typical Sirius.
They had two more classes, the next was Herbology and the last was Charms. Lily was happy till the end of class but as she exited the class while her friends packed their stuff, she came face to face with Snape.
Snape had replayed this conversation in his mind a hundred times to make sure it didn't end up badly and after being convinced he was looking for the right opportunity to talk to Lily, which was this.
"Tomorrow we have our first potions class of N.E.W.T.," he said.
"I know," Lily replied coolly and was about to move but her way was blocked by other students moving out.
"This year's potions will be hard, but I can help you by being your partner."
"No thanks, I have my friends to partner with."
"But none of them is as good as I am and you know that. They can't help you as this year's potions will be hard but I can."
"I can help myself and my friends."
"You will not be able to do so, if it wasn't for my help, you wouldn't have become so good at potions and I can help you again."
"I don't need your help and I believe I can be as good as before without your help," and with that, she stormed off.
"You should leave her alone," said Marlene angrily, Snape scowled and left.
At dinner, James heard people talking about him and the incident regarding him using magic outside the school and some gossip of James being attacked by you-know-who alone and that James' house was attacked by 10 death eaters and he fought all of them.
"Hey James, I heard that you were kidnapped by death eaters and you escaped them by blowing their houses," said a 3rd year Gryffindor boy and James was asked on a date by 2 girls already.
"Really how did they knew that I used magic outside the school?" said James angrily.
The others exchanged looks and then Remus gave him an afternoon print of daily prophet, in which on the last page was an article regarding him flying in the sky followed by three death eaters, 2 muggles had reported about the incident, and both of their memory was modified. James slammed the paper hard on the table.
"At least it helps you in getting birds mate," grinned Sirius.
"Really do you think that? Sorry, but I was there flying for my life while three people were sending jinxes at me, I fell from a tree's height and hit a branch and I was hiding in the forest all night in pain while three people were looking for me. I was lucky to be in a forest and to find a herd of deer and stags, otherwise, they would have found me with the cloak or without the cloak." said James angrily though his voice was a whisper, he didn't mean to say these things but hearing and seeing Troy in pain and being reminded of Aunt May was hard, this was the first time he had seen anyone being hit by cruciatus curse.
"I didn't mean like that James, I was trying to cheer you up," said Sirius seriously.
"I know, sorry, it's just I was angry and all that ... I am going to bed," James stood and pressed Sirius's shoulder to assure him and then left. The others watched him leaving this was first time James has left in between dinner.
"Some hard day he is having, huh?" said Peter.
"I think being attacked by 3 death eaters and then coming home to find no one, and for the first time no one came to drop him, it all was a hard time for him," said Remus.
"I think there's something troubling him," said Marlene who knew James best.
Lily was reading the article about James and read about Troy being crucified, "Troy, he was hit by cruciatus curse and I think that seeing it performed on someone shooked him," she said.
"That seems reasonable," said Mary.
"Well he will get over it, he is strong," said Sirius and others nodded.