Sunday, October 26, 2008
Story (I copy and paste from internet) - Chapter 1 - 'MERRY CHRISTMAS SCORPIUS'
CHAPTER 1
Secrets Untold
On the day that the students were to leave for holidays, Scorpius carried his belongings up from the cold dungeons after breakfast, placing his trunk and owl cage with the others stacked near the main staircase. A large group of students were gathered around the open Great Oak doors, waiting for the carriages to come and take them to Hogsmeade station. Scorpius joined the crowd, staying in the rear with his hands stuffed in his black slacks. He was wearing his Muggle attire, like he always did when he traveled home. His father and grandfather detested that he dressed in that manner, and though many Muggle clothes did not suit his taste, Scorpius wore them anyways. His mother did not mind him donning those pieces as long as they were of 'good standards' which meant they had to be from some high-end designer whose name Scorpius could barely pronounce. It did not matter whether his clothes came from a simple Muggle boutique or the most renowned wizard robes shop in
Scorpius rocked back and forth on his feet while he waited, like the rest of the student body, for the coaches to come. Outside, there was a layer of glistening white snow on the ground, creating a frozen wonderland out of the usual lush green hills. A chilling breeze came in through the open doors, causing goose bumps to rise on Scorpius' skin through the three layers he was wearing. He wanted very much for the threstral-drawn carriages to arrive and take him to the train where he could sit comfortably instead of standing there in the stone hall with the winter wind blowing dangerously into the castle. As his thoughts wandered to warmer times and places, someone sidled next to him. He did not take notice of their presence until he heard them speak.
"Of all the years I've known you, Scorpius, I thought you to be a better gentleman than this."
Hardly startled by the familiar voice, Scorpius turned his head downward and in the direction of the voice. His eyes locked on a head full of raven curls. The corner of his mouth pulled up into a small grin.
"And what disservice have I caused you this time?"
"I had to carry my belongings up those monstrous steps all by myself because someone decided to leave the House without informing me first."
"I'm sorry you had to suffer that tremendous journey alone but I see you've gotten along quite fine."
The feisty sprite turned a head to Scorpius, her sapphire eyes boring into his steely pools, a black eyebrow arched smartly. Her red lips were pursed while her hands rested on her hips in a way that showed her annoyance. Despite her evident physical cues, Scorpius knew better than to believe she was irritated with him. It was more likely that she was furious with a lamp post than be angry with him for not helping carry her things. And besides, she was the kind of girl who pulled out her own chairs and opened her own doors - but that didn't mean she was any less of a lady.
"I wouldn't want your help anyways, Malfoy."
"Indeed you wouldn't."
Her face softened and her mouth turned into a smile. "Let's move to the front; I want to get one of the good coaches."
She linked arms with Scoripus and led them both through the crowd of students. He followed next to her, jostling between the other bodies to make his way to the head of the line. Once up front, the cold bit at him even more. He shook involuntarily from the roots of his blonde hair to the tips of his toes.
"Cold, are we?" asked his companion.
"I'll be fine."
"I'm sure."
Scorpius was ready to respond back but as soon as he opened his mouth he was overcome with sudden warmth. He looked to his neighbor and caught her pocketing her wand with a gloved hand. She really was too much for him sometimes. Thankfully he gave her a small nudge with his shoulder and she returned the gesture. The pair was silent then after while they looked for the carriages and their peers chatted excitedly around them. The quiet between them was never awkward; it was more comforting than anything else. Scorpius supposed that was why they were such good friends because they didn't have to fill the voids with useless chatter like so many others. Their presence alone was enough to say everything. Almost everything.
Something in the distance caught Scorpius' eye and when he looked more closely, he noticed it was the carriages making their way up the drive. He patted his friend's arm to get her attention and pointed out the objects steadily coming closer to the castle.
"Finally," she commented in an exasperated tone.
They walked down the snow covered steps and stood at the base. The snow was ankle deep, wetting his socks and chilling his legs – it felt like a thousand needle p.ricks. Fortunately, he didn't have to stand there long as the coaches arrived moments later. Scorpius led the way into one of the first to pull up. He and his companion situated themselves nicely on the soft cushions as it lurched forward again. The ride to the train station was pleasantly pensive as they both sat looking out onto the frozen world around them.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Continue Story (I copy and paste from internet) - Chapter 23 - 'HE KNEW EACH TEAR BEFORE IT CAME – HERMIONE AND GEORGE'
CHAPTER 23
The door opened and there was a sigh from someone. Hermione didn’t turn to look at the person but just heard their voice and knew right away who it was. “Listen, I’m sorry for all the problems I’ve caused you.”
Hermione turned around and looked into the cold gray eyes of Draco Malfoy. She gave him an extremely hard stare and stood up. She crossed her arms over her chest and just looked at him. “Get out,” she replied. “Come back when you are sincere about what you just said.” Malfoy just looked at her and stood there. “Did you not hear me?” she replied. “Did you go deaf after your dumb little friends ruined my life?”
“Ruined your life?” he asked. “Who did what to ruin you? You look rather cushy here.”
Hermione bit her lip and closed her eyes. The only people who knew everything were Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Lupin, Tonks, Mad-eye, and a few Ministry members. She didn’t feel like telling Malfoy that his friends were the reason why she was there at the moment and not spending her last few moments before trying to get an apartment in Diagon Alley with her parents. She didn’t want him to know the real reason why she had been crying for hours on end without anyone knowing. She didn’t want him to know what Harry and Ron didn’t even know. “I don’t want to talk about it. You probably know anyway!”
“I, honest to God, don’t know what you’re talking about,” Malfoy said. “I haven’t talked to anyone from Hogwarts since the day I left when Snape killed Dumbledore.” He took a step back and closed the door and looked at Hermione. “What happened?”
Hermione closed her eyes and sat back down on her bed. “Forget it. Forget I said anything,” she replied.
“Pot-head and Weasel don’t know do they?” he asked.
“Not at all,” she replied as she looked over at Draco who was walking closer to her and sat down next to her. “So why should I tell you when my best friends don’t even know?”
“Because I’m not them,” he replied. “I’m not going to show you any sympathy unless I really feel sympathetic.” He looked at her with an unreadable expression and his voice was completely emotionless. “Why not tell me if I’m going to act as if I either don’t care or really do?”
“Because the only people who know are Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Tonks, Lupin, Mad-eye, and about three Ministry members,” she replied. “I’m not in the mood to let you in on the story.”
“Just tell me,” Draco said as he looked at her. Footsteps could be heard lightly on the stairs and stopping right outside of Hermione’s door but neither Draco nor Hermione took any notice to it.
Hermione let out a deep sigh and closed her eyes lightly. “I was at home,” she started. “My mum, my dad, and I had been just sitting in our Sitting Room watching some TV and then all of a sudden, there was a loud blast outside of my house. I pulled out my wand and ran to the front door. My parents went to come after me but didn’t when I yelled at them to not go near the front of the house.” She sniffled lightly as she kept telling the story. “I opened up the front door and there they were. Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle standing there just looking at me and jeering! All three of them had their wands pointed at me and as they shot spells at me, I put shields up without them knowing because I was the only one in our Defense Against the Dark Arts class back in our 6th year to master it. They kept throwing hexes my way but nothing too big until…” She stopped and stood up. She walked over to her window and just stared out as the tears fell. “They all got closer until they were surrounding me. I couldn’t face just one without having my back towards the other two and there was noting I could do. I focused on Pansy and the other two ran into my house. When I realized, Pansy noticed and put me under the Cruciatus Curse. It hurt so badly and as I was trying so hard not to yell in agony, I heard my dad yelling for my mum to get back and then…” She stopped talking and just stood looking out the window as the tears rolled down her cheeks. She turned to face Draco and walked over to him and sat back down. She sniffled softly and closed her eyes tightly as if trying to block the memories from coming back. “…and then Pansy finally let me out of the curse right when I ran inside and a bright green flash was illuminated. I knew exactly what they had done and I cursed Crabbe so badly. Pansy was no longer laughing as she looked at me and then at Goyle who was trying to curse me first. I didn’t once take my eyes off of him and I shot the worst curse I knew at him. Do you remember that one that Harry used on you in our 6th year?”
“Sectumsempra? Or something like that?” he asked.
“That exact one,” she replied. “I turned to face Pansy who was looking at me in horror and I pointed my wand at her heart and just pointed it there. She looked past me, at Crabbe, Goyle, and my parents who were all lying on the ground and then back at me. She slowly lifted up her wand and I silently shot the same spell I shot at Goyle at her. By that point, Ministry members were now entering my house and I ran to them. Lupin, Tonks, and Mad-eye were three of the members. There were three others but I didn’t know them. I ran into Lupin’s arms that just held me closely as I cried. Tonks hugged me too and Mad-eye looked over at my parents and then at the three on the ground and then at me. I could feel his stares and I pulled out of the hug and looked up at Moody. I explained everything to him and he praised me for fighting as well as I did.” She took in a deep yet very shaky breath and let it out slowly. “I thought you of all people would have known.”
Draco just shook his head and looked at her. “I won’t tell anyone if you want,” he replied.
“Please don’t. I’m just not ready for the entire Burrow to know,” she replied as she stood up and walked over to the door. As she opened it, she gasped.
“How much did you hear?” she asked angrily.
“All of it,” George replied. Hermione shook her head and pushed past him. She didn’t even really look at him. He just followed behind her with Malfoy following behind him. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?” Everyone was looking at them now. Harry, Ron, and Fred still didn’t know. Lupin walked over to Hermione and just looked at her closely.
“I DIDN’T WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW!” she yelled. Everyone in the house was looking at her like she was crazy except for Lupin, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Tonks, and now Draco. “I want to block it all out of my memory!”
“WHY?!” George asked. “We could help you.”
“And how’s that George?” she snapped. “You can’t help me forget that I wasn’t able to save them! You can’t help me at all!” Ginny ran down the steps and looked at everyone like they were crazy.
“Why’d you tell Malfoy?!” George yelled.
“BECAUSE I THOUGHT HE HAD ALREADY KNOWN!” she yelled. “Then when he told me that he didn’t, I told him because he wasn’t going to show me sympathy because he liked me because he’s hated me since forever! He was going to show me sympathy because he would know that I deserved it!”
Mrs. Weasley walked over and stood in between George and Hermione and shot George a very angry look. “You leave her alone,” she whispered.
“No, Mrs. Weasley,” Hermione said nicely as she looked at her. “I can take care of this.” Mrs. Weasley looked at Hermione but backed away from the scene and walked over to Tonks. Hermione stepped closer to George and crossed her arms over her chest as tears rolled from her eyes. “What was I supposed to say to you? What was I supposed to say, huh? That Crabbe and Goyle killed my parents while Pansy was putting me under the Cruciatus curse?!” Gasps could be heard from Fred, Harry, Ron, and Ginny. “Was I supposed to tell you that Ministry members had to carry me out of my house because I was so distraught? I had to explain everything to Lupin, Tonks, Moody, and three other Ministry members and after I did, I was down at my parents’ side sobbing uncontrollably! Was I supposed to tell you that? Was I supposed to tell you that I couldn’t save my parents at all and that I had felt like such a failure that when Ron and Harry wouldn’t let me come with them, I felt even worse? I WANTED REVENGE ON ALL OF THE OTHER STUPID DEATH EATERS! I had gotten good enough revenge on Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle but I needed more! You don’t know what it’s like to be under the Cruciatus curse and then hear your father yelling to your mother to stay back. YOU HAVE PARENTS THAT CARE ABOUT YOU MORE THEN ANYTHING! Mine are gone and I wasn’t able to help them at all!” George took a step forward but Hermione stepped back.
“Herms,” Harry said as he walked over to her, “I know what its like. I know how it feels to…”
“You were a baby Harry,” Hermione said. “You know what it’s like to grow up without parents to care for you but do you really know what it’s like to be let out of an Unforgivable Curse and the moment you step into your house, you see a green flash? Do you know what it’s like to feel as if you’re so weak for not being able to fight off an Unforgivable Curse?” Harry backed down a little bit and looked down at his hands. “The only person who knows what it’s like to not have parents to go to anymore is Harry really because he’s never had them. But none of you know what it’s like to feel as if you are worthless and can’t do anything because you weren’t able to save the two people who had been there since the day you were born.” She turned around and walked over towards the back door, opened it, and stepped outside.
Harry and Ron looked at her and felt their hearts break. “Why didn’t she tell us?” Ron asked.
“Because,” Harry said, “do you see how badly it has gotten her now? Imagine if she told us the story and we still said she couldn’t come because we wanted to keep her safe. She’d never forgive us. Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle had ruined her life since the day they met her and they ruined her life the night her parents died. I know how it feels to have memories that you would love to forget. I hated falling to sleep at night and hearing voices yelling. Hearing my dad yelling for my mum to take me and leave and then hearing my mother sacrifice herself to save me. I know what that feels like. But that’s all. She sees everything. She remembers everything. She’s right. You guys really don’t know what it’s like to have those memories.” Harry left the room and walked outside and sat on the ground next to where Hermione was now crying.
George looked over at Malfoy who was standing still and looking out at Hermione and Harry. He walked over and stared down at him. “You,” he said. “YOU ARE THE REASON WHY SHE IS OUT THERE CRYING RIGHT NOW!”
“No I’m not,” Malfoy replied as he looked up at George. “You are.”
“HOW AM I THE ONE?!”
“You stood outside of her door while she told me and then she caught you,” he replied as Ron went outside with Harry and Hermione. “You’re lucky if she doesn’t break up with you if you two are going out, which it seems like you are. You are so lucky if she doesn’t leave you.”
“Don’t you talk to my brother like you know everything!” Fred replied.
“Shut up Fred,” Malfoy replied. “You guys are lucky that you even found out from her first!”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” George asked.
Malfoy looked at George and then at Fred. “I’m not allowed to read into it anymore but how much do you want to bet that it’s been in the papers for the longest time?”
Story (I copy and paste from internet) - Chapter 1 - 'ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT YOU CAN'T FORGET'
CHAPTER 1
Thirty-five year old Harry Potter paced the waiting room of St. Mungo’s
Harry glanced around at the large group of people in the room. This was mainly due to the size of the Weasley family, and the fact that all of his brother in laws and their wives had brought their children. Not to mention the family friends that might as well have been relatives. There was an excited buzz going through the room as the clock struck midnight and everyone realized what day it was. July 31st.
The Potter girls were distinguishable by their eyes. Vivid emerald green and almond shaped, all three of them had Harry’s eyes. His oldest daughter,
Nicole Lily, who had just completed her first year of school, was an image of her mother, except for her eyes. She was at the top of her class, but she had a flare for mischief. As she looked up at her father, her face was lit up by a beautiful smile. In
Looking back on his life, Harry glanced at the two people who had been there through it all. Ron Weasley took his wife Hermione’s hand and answered a question his son had just asked him. Arthur Bilius Weasley was as tall and gangly as his father had been when he was fourteen, with the red hair, freckles, and blue eyes common to the Weasley family. A grin spread across Harry’s face as a mane of brown hair sped past him. Jane, Hermione’s four year old carbon copy, was a completely wild girl. He’d never really gotten over the fact that someone who looked that much like his sensible, academically driven friend could be that crazy. He had a feeling her and Genevieve would get along fine.
“Hey guys.” Harry said, sounding bedraggled, as he slumped into a chair beside them.
“Are you okay? You look horrible.” Hermione had always had a habit of acting like his mother.
“Thanks.” Harry replied sarcastically. “No, really, I’m fine, but the sooner this is over the better. I can’t stand the waiting.”
“Yeah, but its your birthday. What are the odds of your son being born on your birthday?” Ron pointed out.
“That is kind of strange...”
“Hi Uncle Harry!” Arthur said.
“Hi Arthur. How’s school going?”
“Great, can’t wait to get back.” He said as he made his way over to the other kids.
“Harry, did you get that memo I put on your desk a couple of days ago.” Ron asked. He was an auror as well.
“Yeah. Why do you even bother writing memos? You work two feet away from
“I don’t know Harry, all the...er...seasoned professionals-“
“Old duffers.” Ron interrupted.
“Seasoned professionals.” she corrected, glaring at him, “Well anyway, they’re dreadfully slow.”
“No hurry, it’s just getting awfully boring staring at the walls all day.” he joked.
“JANE, could you please come over here and sit still for two seconds!” Hermione called, noticing that her small daughter was knocking things over and poking the other children.
“Good luck.” Harry muttered before getting up to continue his rounds. As he made his way over to Arthur and Molly Weasley, he saw they looked almost as nervous as he felt.
“So, are you two ready to grandparents...again?” he asked.
“Oh certainly. You know how much I love this.” Molly replied.
“How are you holding up Harry?” Arthur asked.
“Oh, reasonably well. At least I haven’t passed out cold this time.” Harry replied, suddenly remembering Nicole’s birth. The healer had rushed in to say there had been a problem, but Harry had never heard the last part of her sentence, for he had been unconscious on the floor of the waiting room. It turned out that their paperwork had been confused with another couples’ and by the time Harry came to it was sorted out.
“Yes, well we all got a fright that time.”
Harry resumed his pacing, wondering what was taking so long. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see the long blonde hair and comforting smile of his oldest niece, Renee. Bill and Fleur’s only daughter would soon be starting her seventh and final year at Hogwarts.
“It’ll be okay Uncle Harry. Auntie is strong. Oh and happy birthday!” she said cheerfully and Harry grinned at her.
“I believe congratulations are in order. Head girl is quite an accomplishment. Liz is looking forward to being bossed around by you.”
“Oh, I’ll try to go easy on her.” she smiled. “But really, I’m sure Liz will be my best prefect. I heard she got ten O.W.L.’s. Or else, I have embarrassing baby stories, you know.”
“Oh, I’ll make sure to remind her.” He felt a tap on his shoulder.
“Harry, it’s been a while since I’ve spoken to you. How’s the auror office holding up?” Percy asked him smugly as he shook his hand. It was still like being introduced to the mayor. Percy was the only one of the Weasley children that was unmarried and his relationship with the others was still on shaky ground. Harry, however, had chosen to let the past go. They’d all made mistakes during the war.
“Great, as always.” He was a tad annoyed Percy had decided to talk about work. He must know after all, he worked a floor above them in the minister’s office. But that was Percy. “Not a lot for us to do right now.”
“Oh, we’re quite busy, you know.” he said smugly. “The minister is always asking for our opinions on reforming laws and other matters of great importance.”
Alaster “Mad-eye” Moody, an ex-auror himself, had chosen to walk through the door at this time. Harry, slightly glad for an excuse to get away from the Junior Minister, greeted him cheerfully. Mad-eye was getting on in the years, but he was still energetic, and he hadn’t missed the birth of one of Harry’s children yet.
“Constant vigilance, Alaster. So how’s retirement.”
“Mercifully quiet. I don’t think I’ve been followed.”
“I’m sure you haven’t.” said Harry, amused. Old habits die hard.
“Urgh, this eye keeps sticking! Excuse me Harry, I need to go find a glass of water.”
“Harry, old chap, we haven’t seen you in two days!”
“Can I have your autograph?”
He turned with some apprehension to face the Weasley twins, thirty-seven years old, but not quite grown up yet. It was to be expected though, they did run a joke shop. Harry had a suspicion that they wouldn’t have any rules in their house if it wasn’t for their wives. Fred and his wife Angelina shared a large country home with George and his wife Katie. Fred’s twin boys, Andrew and Ryan, were entertaining the younger children with stories of their adventures in their three years of Hogwarts, with help of George’s son, David. They were all red head menaces on the Gryffindor Quiddich team. It was no surprise, seeing as all of their parents had been Quiddich players in their day.
“So how’s the daddy of the day?” asked George. He was holding his blonde ten year old daughter, Daniella’s hand.
“The daddy of the day is pretty nervous.” Harry replied. “How are you guys, Angelina, Katie?”
“We’re all great and soon you will be too.” Fred answered.
“Oh, I wanted to thank the boys for looking after Nicole this year. She told me they yelled at some Slytherins who were giving her a hard time.”
“Yes, well our sons don’t really mind yelling at Slytherins.”
“Well they do take after you.”
“Unfortunately.” Angelina said from behind Fred and they all laughed.
“Yeah, well I heard the Malfoy boy was one of them.” Katie mentioned. She had a certain distaste for the Malfoys ever since she was almost killed by one back in her seventh year.
“Oh yeah, Liz told me about him, he’s in her year.” Harry said. “He’s Draco and Pansy’s son right?”
“Yep, that’s the one.” said Fred grimly. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, huh.”
“Obviously.” Harry gestured towards their own sons, now reenacting a Quiddich game.
“Hello, Daniella, your birthday’s in a couple of days isn’t it?” he asked the young girl.
“Yeah! And then I get to go to Hogwarts! I got my letter and everything!” she said, looking painfully excited.
“Did you get her an owl yet.” Harry asked George in an undertone.
“No, not yet.” he said.
“Don’t.” Harry said, winking.
Just then a loud scream out in the hall caused the room to go silent. Harry was halfway to the door when Charlie Weasley burst through it, grinning from ear to ear.
“Sorry I’m late, I just got the message. Apparated right on the front desk. I don’t think the secretary was too happy with me.” Everyone laughed. Charlie had a way of always apparating where he shouldn’t be.
“Leslie and the kids send their love, Harry. She obviously couldn’t apparate, being so far along.” Charlie and his wife were expecting their sixth child soon. Their five boys, Philip, Jacob, William, Albus, and Timothy, all went to Beauxbatons even though they lived in
“How’s the dragons?” Harry asked.
“Large and fire-breathing.” he replied. “Speaking of which, I have to give Hagrid his update on Norbert.”
“SIRIUS THEODORE LUPIN, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?” Nymphadora Tonks was glaring at her sixteen year old son. Harry noticed that her daughter seemed to have blue hair and a five inch long nose. Like his namesake, Sirius enjoyed being the cause of chaos and the center of attention.
“Nothing.” he said, smiling innocently.
“You know very well she can’t control it yet, young man.” she replied, tapping Rebekah on the head with her wand so that she was restored to her usual blonde hair and dark blue eyes.
“Ah, mum, you take all the fun out of having a metamorphagus for a sister. And I believe I’ve seen several pictures of you with pink hair.” he said grinning happily as Tonks turned around to look at her husband.
“I told you to burn them!”
“Yes, well seemed like a waste of good paper you know.” Remus muttered.
“Whatever. And that was different. Becca is only six.” A loud cry interrupted her. “And you’ve woken up the baby!” she said, rushing over to comfort her youngest daughter, Violet. “It’s a good thing I can morph, otherwise I’d have grey hair by now.”
Remus and Tonks had decided what to name their son long before he was born, so it was as much their shock as anyone else’s when he ended up looking like the first Sirius. Yes, Tonks was related to him, but it was still strange. He was a bit shorter than Sirius, but he had the same handsome face, the same grey eyes and black hair. The same personality, even. Him and Elizabeth were in the same year, but fought constantly.
“Goodness Sirius, you’d think you could be a little more mature. I mean, you’re a sixth year, and even though your not a prefect you should still try to set a good example.”
“Why on Earth would I want to be a prefect? I’d never have any fun and I would have to see you more than I already have to.” he replied, grinning at her all the same.
“Just because your father’s a teacher doesn’t mean that you can do whatever you want.”
“And being a prefect doesn’t make you the queen of the universe.”
“Sirius, please stop being so rude, you’re already in trouble.” Tonks said dangerously.
“She started it, Mum.”
“Oh, that’s mature.” Liz muttered as she walked away.
“Those two are impossible, aren’t they?” Hermione were standing behind Harry.
“They remind me quite a bit of you and Ron, actually.” he said.
“Oh that’s just silly! We’ve never acted anything like that...” but Harry cut her off with two words.
“Yule. Ball.”
“Oh.” she said, blushing furiously, “Well yes, but we were young.”
“So are they.” Harry said. Hermione grinned.
“Not trying to marry your daughter off are you, Harry dear?” she asked sweetly.
“No!” he looked at her in horror. “I’m just saying he’s a good kid, that’s all.” He was beginning to get uncomfortable. “Oh, look, Neville and Luna are here.”
They went over to greet their old friends, who had been on vacation in
“Sorry we’re late Harry.” Neville said, smiling broadly.
“Nonsense, you’re just being fashionable.” Harry said, smiling back and hugging each of his friends and both of his god children.
“Celeste!” Nicole ran over to them to greet her best-friend. “I thought you weren’t coming back for two weeks.”
“We weren’t supposed to, but we came back when we heard Aunt Ginny went into labor early!”
“Oh, that’s good, I’ve been getting bored. Hi Uncle Neville, Aunt Luna, Lynn.”
“‘Arry, how are ya!” bellowed an extremely large man who had just entered the room, leaving an alarmed secretary behind him.
“Hagrid!” Harry exclaimed, glad to see his friend. “It’s been far too long, you know.”
“I know, I know. Maxime wanted ter come, but she had lots ter do gettin’ ready fer school ya know.” Hagrid had been living in
“It’s quite alright. I’m surprised you got here actually.”
“Well, I was comin’ up a couple a weeks early so’s I didn’ miss it, an’ when I got to the house, they said Ginny was havin’ the baby!”
“How’d you get here?”
“Flew.”
“You still have that blasted motorbike, don’t you?” Harry asked.
“Maybe I do.” Hagrid grinned. They both burst out laughing.
As everyone greeted Hagrid cheerfully, Harry looked around once more at the people he loved most in the world. ‘Yes,’ he thought, ‘All the hardship, all the pain, had definitely been worth it.’ He was glad his children could grow up in a world free of Voldemort, a world where they didn’t have to be afraid of coming home and finding the dark mark over their homes. It was a long road, yes, but it was worth it just to be able to smile without worry. Harry knew that someday, there would be a new dark lord, but Voldemort’s defeat had scared a lot of hopefuls. Maybe it would scare them for some time to come.
He thought about how his life would have been different if Voldemort hadn’t have chosen him and he concluded that it wouldn’t have been that different. He still would have fought him, maybe even defeated him, no matter what the prophecy said. It was something he was meant to do. Harry didn’t really believe in destiny, but there were some things that just can’t be argued with. His life was one of them.
The door to the waiting room opened. Harry turned when he heard Healer Pye say, “Mr. Potter.” He was terribly nervous, but relieved when he saw the healer was smiling. A hush had fallen over the room as everyone watched Harry walk through the open door.
“Are they alright?” Harry asked as soon as they reached the hall.
“Couldn’t be better. You have a very excited wife and a healthy baby boy.” Harry couldn’t take it anymore. He let out a whoop of joy.
“I daresay you’d like to see them.” Healer Pye asked while grinning.
Harry entered the room to see Ginny looking more beautiful than he’d ever seen her. Despite the fact she looked exhausted and her hair was soaked with sweat, she had an enchanting smile on her face. Harry smiled back.
“Happy birthday, Harry.” she said, mischief in her eyes, “Sorry I haven’t gotten you anything.”
Harry laughed. “Ginny, darling, I couldn’t have anything better than what you’ve given
“Would you like to see your son?”
Harry strode over to her side, kissed her on the forehead, and took a bundle out of her arms. As he pulled the blanket down over the small figure’s face, he saw his own eyes looking back at him, a shock of jet black hair on the top of his head. In his arms was the boy who he would teach to fly, who would inherit the Marauder’s Map, who would carry the name Potter into the next generation. In his arms, he held the future.
“He looks like you, doesn’t he.” Ginny mentioned casually.
This was the understatement of the century. Harry gazed at his son, who had already been named, in shock. The thin face, the long nose, every feature was the same. There was a moment when James Harry Potter’s vivid green eyes looked directly into Harry James Potter’s vivid green eyes, and Harry realized the only difference between his son’s face and his own was the absence of that telltale lightning blot scar.
Continue Story (I copy and paste from internet) - Chapter 2 - 'ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT YOU CAN'T FORGET'
CHAPTER 2
Harry was running around his manor frantically, trying to make sure everything was perfect. Ginny was coming home today, and he was throwing her and James a surprise party. He loved his home, an old mansion in the sleepy little town of
“Oh for goodness sake!” came a shout from the kitchen. He smiled. As he poked his head in to see what all the fuss was about he saw Sirius raiding the cupboards, watched by an irate
“Dad, could you please tell this git to stop pigging out and allow me to get ready for the party in peace!” she exclaimed the minute she saw Harry.
“Now, dear, Sirius is a guest.” he said, grinning. Nothing could dampen his good mood.
“He can hardly be called a guest, he lives two houses down!”
“Soweunelari.” Sirius choked out.
“That’s disgusting, you know.” said
“Yep.” he said, giving a huge swallow. “I said sorry Uncle Harry.”
Harry chuckled, “Help yourself.”
“Sirius, dear, did I mention I hate you?”
“Many times. But you know you can’t resist me, really.” Sirius said, smiling charmingly at her. She rolled her eyes. Harry laughed outright.
“Oh, I pity your poor, poor parents!” he said, grinning at his godson. He left Liz to badger him for a little while after telling them both he expected them to be in their dress robes in two hours, and continued his inspection of the house.
He was polishing his cabinet in the sitting room for the twelfth time when he heard someone apparate into the garage. Hermione, flushed from the cold, came rushing in, took one look at him with a feather duster in his hand and burst out laughing.
“What?” he asked, bemused.
“Harry, you’re my best friend, but right now you look just like an old lady. Now come on, the house is spotless, and you need to get ready.”
“Where’s the herd?” he asked.
“Ron’s bringing the kids a little later, I came over to help you cook. We’ve got three hours so it’s going to be a bit tight, but we can manage. Molly’s coming soon as well.” She smiled. She was dressed in light green dress robes with her hair up in a bun, whispies flying around her cheeks. They made their way down the hall, and when Harry entered his room to change, she called “Harry, wear the blue ones!” through the door.
She went to check on the girls. Nicole was already dressed in black satin, and was now helping Gen, who was in light blue, braid her hair. When she came to
“Hi.” he said, looking up at her.
“Hi, Sirius, what are you doing?”
“I’m waiting for CERTAIN PEOPLE WHO TAKE FOREVER” he replied, yelling into the closed door. The door creaked open and a green eye appeared in the crack.
“Aunt Hermione, is that you? Could you do my hair like you did at Uncle Bill’s Easter party last year, it’s totally hopeless.” she said, sounding frustrated.
“Oh, of course!” Hermione said happily as Liz opened the door a bit wider to allow her inside.
“Oh, and Sirius, no one asked you to wait.” She smirked. Oh, yeah, and what else was he supposed to do, clean? Everyone else was getting ready, it’s not like he chose to talk to her in the first place. He could go home, of course, but he was too lazy to walk down the road.
He was quite tired. The sunlight streaming in from the open window coupled with the musical tone of Liz’s voice lulled him to sleep. He was crossing the threshold from the land of the conscious into the world of dreams.
Thump.
The door had opened and he fell backwards painfully, hitting his head.
“In the name of Godric, Liz, what did you do that for?!” he exclaimed, getting to his feet and rubbing his head.
“Well, I usually open my door when I want to come out.”
“Haha, very...” he stopped. All the breath had been knocked out of him as he caught his first glimpse of Liz. She looked stunning. Of course, Liz was absolutely gorgeous, he’d always known that, but her being annoying and evil had outweighed her beauty. But right now all he could do was stare. She was dressed in floating emerald green robes that matched her eyes perfectly, her hair up and curled, laced with baby’s breath. The pair of diamond earrings dangling from her ears didn’t even shine brighter than her eyes.
“Wow.” he said before his brain had caught up with his mouth. He mentally kicked himself almost immediately. To his utter surprise however, Liz smiled and, no it couldn’t be, was that a blush? He smiled back, realized what he was doing, and stopped. ‘No, man, you’re not going there. This is Liz Potter were talking about, your arch nemesis, the girl you swore you’d hate forever at the age of two. She’s evil! But the way her eyes sparkle...urgh, did I actually just say that, I mean think that?’
“Oh put your eyes back in your head and come on!” Liz snapped, already halfway down the hall. The last bit of rosiness in her cheeks was receding. “Boys!”
They passed the portrait that usually housed Sirius Black, but he must have been his other portrait at Hogwarts today, for the frame was empty. Liz’s grandparents waved and smiled at them. Albus Dumbledore, however, spoke.
“Ah, Miss Potter, lovely day isn’t it? And young Mr. Lupin as well! Tell me, how’s the new addition to the family?” He asked, blue eyes twinkling.
“He’s great, wait until you see him, looks just like dad.” Liz replied enthusiastically.
“How many people are coming to this thing?” Sirius asked as they walked away from Dumbledore.
“Oh, a fair few.” she said. She actually wasn’t sure, but her family was huge, so it would obviously be very big. “Oh, but I’m supposed to greet people at the door and since you’re here, you can help!”
“Great.” Liz missed the sarcasm.
The smell of roast chicken reached them as they came down the last flight of stairs and made their way towards the kitchen. When they opened the door a loud screech was followed by a small elf running toward them.
“Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Sirius, I haven’t seen you since the end of the school year. How are’s you. Dobby is very, very happy to see you again!”
“Hey, Dobby, how’s it going?” Sirius asked, grinning. “Thanks for all the midnight snacks, by the way.”
“Sirius!” Liz exclaimed in outrage. “If Aunt Hermione had heard you! She’s worked so hard to get the elves wages and people like you still take advantage of them.”
“Oh, hark, who’s talking? Could it be the girl I found sneaking out of the kitchen using the Marauders Map while I was going down.” He laughed at the look on her face. “Now Lizzie darling, if looks could kill...”
“Call me Lizzie one more time and you’ll wish looks could kill.”
“Oh dear, was that a threat? Not Prefect Potter threatening a poor defenseless fellow student! What would Headmistress McGonnagal say?”
Ring-ring.
“Come on, that’s the doorbell. Please try to behave yourself.” She said, grabbing his arm and dragging him to the door. Like he would actually crash a family party celebrating a birth. Of course, after last year’s Christmas party, he couldn’t really blame her.
“Wouldn’t think of anything else.”
Liz opened the door to find Hagrid on the other side with an armful of presents and a grin just as large. He pulled them both into a bone crushing hug. Their heads knocked together.
“Hi Hagrid.” Liz choked. He must have noticed that Sirius was turning blue for he released them.
“Sorry. Forgot me strength.”
“So how’s being back at Hogwarts suiting you.” Sirius asked, rubbing his neck. Hagrid, being the Care of Magical Creatures teacher, spent his summers in
“Ah, grea’ as always.” he said, taking his coat off and putting the gifts on the table.
“Your quite early, actually.” Liz said, checking her watch. “Dad’s in the kitchen with Aunt Hermione and Grandmom if you want to go say hello.” He went through the house to greet them and Liz and Sirius sat down on a bench by the door to wait for more people.
Sirius looked down at the top of Liz’s head. She really was quite short. He himself was just a half inch shy of six feet and he had a good nine inches on her. He’d never really noticed the little things about her but for some reason he did now. Her hair was poker straight but she always had a piece that came loose from the rest no matter how hard she tried to keep it up. It hung down tickling her cheek, where she furiously tucked it behind her left ear, only to fall down again. Her skin was very pale, but not ghostly, more luminous. There was a hint of the freckles prominent to the Weasley side, but no more. Her long, black eyelashes set off the green in her eyes. She was tiny, like her mother, but had her father’s thin face. He suddenly realized as though a lightening bolt had struck him how beautiful she really was. Her hair broke free of her ear again. Sirius had the mad urge to reach out and return it to its rightful place.
‘She’s evil.’ a voice in the back of his mind whispered. But was she really? He’d seen her with her friends and her sisters and her personality was nothing but sweet. There were no biting remarks, no boiling anger, none of the wrath of Elizabeth May Potter he had grown so accustomed to. On the other hand, he was not anywhere near as arrogant and reckless as he appeared to be around her. They seemed to bring out the worst in each other.
It seemed she sensed his eyes on her. She raised her eyebrows as she looked up. Sirius opened his mouth to speak.
Ring-ring. Stupid doorbell.
He got up to open the door and found himself face to face with his parents.
“Mum! Dad! Fabulous to see you again, really.”
“Oh hello Aunt Tonks, Uncle Remus, did you put something strange in his food this morning, he’s being helpful.” Liz cut in with a completely straight face.
They both chuckled. Tonks said, “No, but I wish I would have thought of that sooner.”
“Here, we can take your cloaks.” Sirius said, ignoring the attack on his character. His parents and little sister, with normal appearance, entered the room. “Where’s Violet?” he asked, noticing the absence of his youngest sibling.
“Well, the party may go on quite late and you know how fussy she can get.”
They were about to close the door when the Longbottom’s appeared on the other side. Neville happily greeted them, Luna smiled at them and said a dreamy hello,
“Oh Merlin, you two are talking.”
“Shush.” Liz muttered, nudging her. “The party’s in the dining room.” she added. The rest of the guests filed in at a quick pace. Fred, George, and company all stopped to talk loudly, asking when they could set off the fireworks. Liz said later. Best to let her father deal with that. Shortly after a flustered Ron showed up with Arthur and Jane, muttering something about a sleeping drought. Bill, Fleur, and Renee came in, hugging everyone they saw. Charlie wouldn’t be coming as he was back in
“A fair few?!” Sirius asked Liz from under a tottering pile of cloaks. “I’m surprised the bloody minister isn’t here.”
“Dad doesn’t really like the minister.” Liz said, thinking of Rufus Scrimgeour with distaste. “Always said he’s hopelessly dense.”
A frantic Harry came running down the stairs.
“She’s coming!” he yelled to the assembled guests. They all hushed immediately. Liz turned off the lights.
The door opened and she heard her grandfather’s voice. “Oh, no dear I don’t know why it’s dark...”
“SURPRISE!” they all yelled together as Liz flipped the lights back on. Sirius stood on the bench.
“May I present the ravishing Ginevra Weasley Potter and her pride and joy, the handsome James Harry Potter!”
“Sirius, get down!” Liz exclaimed, but she was laughing.
“Ahh, Miss Potter here seems to have a problem with my introduction. Perhaps she’s jealous? Or perhaps she thinks she can do better?” He said, grabbing her hands and pulling her up on the bench with him.
“Don’t.” she said, trying to keep a straight face. He gave her a puppy dog look. “Oh, alright. May I present my lovely Mum, and my adorably sweet baby brother, home once again.”
“Weak.” Sirius muttered. The whole room burst into laughter. Harry walked up to his wife and put his arm around her shoulders. Everyone went into the dining room to eat, leaving Liz and Sirius alone.
Sirius jumped down from the bench and held out a hand to help Liz. She took it. He started to walk towards the dining room, but she grabbed his arm.
“What?” he asked.
“Why are you being so nice?” she blurted.
“What, I’m not always nice?” he asked, only half joking.
“No, your not. Usually you insult me, and make fun of me, and humiliate me, but you haven’t tonight. You’ve helped and you even paid me a compliment. Why?”
“Maybe I was just tired of us being at each other’s throats all the time.” he muttered. “You’re not always an angel either, you know. Do you think I like it when you tell me you hate me every five seconds?! Why do you hate me so much anyway?”
“I...I don’t know.” She sounded taken aback.
“Well maybe you should think about it sometime.” he said weakly. He walked away, and was glad to see that the two remaining seats were at opposite ends of the table. He sat between his father and Becca, staring moodily down at his plate. He glanced at his parents, who were holding hands as they talked to Ron and Hermione sitting across from them. He wondered vaguely if they’d always been that at ease, got along that well.
Liz came in a few minutes later and sat between her mother and Renee at the head of the long table. She looked okay, but Sirius saw her wipe a single tear off her cheek when no one was looking. He immediately felt a twinge of guilt.
Why does she do this to him? He could get her so riled up he couldn’t think straight one minute and make him feel as low down as a flobberworm the next. He really didn’t understand women.
Harry was making a speech. Ginny was smiling fondly at him, their new addition asleep in her lap. The dinner was great as always, but Sirius didn’t eat much. The party would have been wonderful if he’d been in a better mood. He’d been to a lot of the Weasley family’s parties, but the Potter’s were always the best. Liz seemed determined to keep him from having fun however. Even though she was not really doing anything to him the absence of her smile was enough.
At around midnight the guests started to disperse. The Lupin family made their way towards the door, exchanging last minute goodbyes with the Potters. Liz didn’t meet his eyes when she wished them a good night. That’s it, he couldn’t take it anymore.
“I’d like a word.” he said, grabbing her arm and leading her into a side hall.
“I’m sorry.” he said the minute he let her go.
She was quiet for a moment. Then she said, “Me too.” They looked into each other’s eyes for a long while before Sirius surprised them both and pulled her into a hug.
“Sirius.” she whispered into his ear, “I don’t hate you.”
“I don’t hate you either.” he replied.
“Good.” she said, pulling away. She was smiling. The room lit up when she smiled.
“I’d better go. Bye Lizzie.”
“Don’t call me Lizzie!”
Sirius grinned. Everything was back to normal.
**********
Liz was laying on her bed, flipping through her schoolbooks in her pajamas. She was in quite a good mood. She’d just taken a sip of hot chocolate when there was a knock on the door.
“Come in.” Renee, Lynn, Celeste, and Nicole all trooped in. The three former were all staying the night at the house.
“What’s this?” Liz asked, eying them suspiciously. They were armed with popcorn and more hot chocolate.
“Girls night in, of course!”
“Oh, and what might these be?” Liz asked, her curiosity peaking.
“Well, you see, Nicole was observing you when...”
“Spying.” Renee interjected.
“My own sister, spying on me?” Liz exclaimed, throwing popcorn at her.
“Yes, well that’s not the point.”
“Oh.” Her heart sank. “You saw that?”
“Yes I most certainly did! ‘I don’t hate you, Sirius’” she imitated
“So I said I didn’t hate him, what’s the big deal?”
“You hugged him!” her sister screeched.
“Correction, he hugged
“That’s not much of a difference.” Celeste pointed out.
“Yes, it is!” she said indignantly.
“Oh come on, you can tell us, were family!” Renee exclaimed.
“Yes, were here to listen to your confessions about how you find him completely irresistible and devilishly handsome.”
“Oh yeah, how would you like, oh lets say, the entire school to know all about your ‘feelings’ for a certain Andrew Weasley?”
Her eyes got wide. “You wouldn’t dare.”
Liz grinned. “Try me.”
Continue Story (I copy and paste from internet) - Chapter 3 - 'ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT YOU CAN'T FORGET'
CHAPTER 3
“Liz, Liz wake up.” Ginny Potter was shaking her very stubborn sixteen year old daughter gently.
“Why.” she asked, her voice muffled by her pillow.
“Hogwarts, dear.” she said patiently.
“What time is it?”
“Eight.”
“Why so early?”
“Because we have to floo to the Leaky Cauldron and then walk to the station. Unless you’d rather us drive, but in that case you should have got up about three hours ago.”
“Alright, I’m coming.” Liz said, exasperated. She really hated mornings. Okay, lets see. Jeans, check. Sweater, check. Trunk, check. Owl, check. She always hated walking through
When Liz entered the kitchen, dragging her trunk after her, she found Nicole and Sirius already eating breakfast. Her and Sirius had talked a lot over the last few weeks and decided they would try to be friends.
“Morning.” she yawned sleepily. “What are you doing here?” she asked Sirius.
“Mum got called into the office early this morning so I’m going to King’s Cross with you lot.” He replied. His voice was flat and there were dark circles under his eyes. He’d never been great with mornings either.
“Oh.” They ate in quiet. An hour later, Liz’s parents came in.
“Okay, I’m staying here with Gen and James, so your father’s going to take you to the train.” Ginny said, hugging them all. After last good-byes, promises to write, and multiple “behave yourselves” they made their way to the fireplace. Harry went first, then Liz, Nicole, and Sirius. They wiped the soot off their clothes, said a quick hello to Tom at the bar, and began walking towards King’s Cross. Leaning casually against the barrier of Platform 9 3/4, the Hogwarts Express materialized in front of them.
“Well, were a bit early.” Harry said, looking at the clock. It showed ten-thirty.
“We’ll go put our trunks away and meet you back here in a couple minutes.” Liz said.
They made their way down the train, stopping so Nicole could put her trunk in a compartment halfway down the train. Liz made her way to the last compartment, the one her and her friends had been sharing since their first year. To her bemusement, Sirius followed her.
“Are you going to follow me around all year?” he asked him.
“That’s the plan, yes.” He said while helping her stow her trunk in the luggage rack. His hand brushed against hers, and she felt a chill run down her spine.
“Aren’t you going to sit with your usual gits?” She asked, watching him lift his own trunk.
“My friends can survive one train ride without
She sighed. “Oh, very well, lets go say good-bye to Dad.”
They had just stepped out onto the platform when a woman coming through the barrier yelled, “Harry?”
Harry turned around to face her, and Liz recognized her as one of her best friend’s mother.
“Lavender, is that you? Goodness, I haven’t seen you in ages. How are you?”
“Wonderfully! It’s Lavender Finnagin now, you know.”
Liz walked up behind her father in time to see Angenette Finnigan coming through the barrier with her father.
“Yes, I knew that. Our daughters are friends.” Harry said.
“Oh, yes, of course. Hello, Liz dear, how are you.”
“Very good, Mrs. Finnigan.” Angenette came over and hugged her, squealing. They all said good-bye.
“See you soon!” Harry added. Liz thought that was strange since she wouldn’t see him again until Christmas, but her father wasn’t exactly what could be called normal. Nicole left for her compartment after promising to join them for lunch. Angenette, Liz, and Sirius made their way to the end of the train to find Marissa Davies, her other best friend, waiting for them. She blushed furiously at the sight of Sirius, both Liz and Angenette rolled their eyes.
“What’s he doing here, anyways.” Angenette whispered to Liz after they’d all sat down.
“Apparently, were friends now.” she almost laughed out loud at her friend’s expression. “Don’t ask.”
When the train started moving Liz got up to make her way to the prefects carriage. Sirius looked at her in horror.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“Prefects meeting, we’ve got to get our orders.” she smiled at his expression. “You chose to sit with us.”
‘Oh, that’s just great, Liz, leave me alone with one girl who likes me so much she won’t speak to me and another who can’t stand me, splendid.’ he thought angrily.
“Er, hi ladies, how were your summers?” he asked awkwardly. Angenette glared at him. Marissa muttered a shaky, “Fine.” He caught sight of red hair outside the door. ‘Well, its worth a shot.’ He threw open the door.
“Arthur, old buddy! Come in, join us why don’t you.” Arthur Weasley looked taken aback for a few moments, looked into the compartment Sirius had just come out of, and snorted loudly.
“Got yourself in a spot of trouble there?” he muttered.
“Your cousin left me with these two.” Sirius muttered back. “Please? Just until Liz gets back, okay?”
“Oh, very well, but you owe me.”
Liz came back around one, along with Renee. They had a very enjoyable time playing Exploding Snap and eating their way through a
The entourage got off the train, minus Liz and Renee, and stepped onto Hogsmeade Station. Sirius was carrying both his and Liz’s owls. His tawny, named Bob, looked quite plain compared to her Snowy, Miercoles. He remembered they had both gotten theirs as first years. Liz was making fun of him for naming his Bob when he pointed out that she named hers after the Spanish word for Wednesday. That had shut her up.
“Thanks.” The girls had caught up to them. Renee and Arthur went off to find their friends while the others made their way towards the horseless carriages.
“Firs’ years, over here!” the cry they had become so familiar to echoed over the moonlit grounds. They waved at Hagrid happily. It was quite a cold night for the first of September so the Gryffindor sixth years didn’t stall in finding a compartment. They did stop however, to call words of encouragement to the blonde head in the sea of first years.
“Bye Daniella, see you in Gryffindor!” her brother David called.
“Now, now, she may be in Ravenclaw!” Renee responded.
“Don’t forget Hufflepuff!” Arthur called.
Daniella gave them a shaky smile. She was very pale.
“Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. Everyone makes a fuss over the sorting, but it really isn’t that big of a deal. It won’t matter to us where your put.” Sirius spoke up. Daniella’s face lit up in a smile. Liz looked at him strangely. She’d never really seen much of his caring side even though she knew it was there. Maybe he wasn’t so bad after...
“Sirius, mate, where have you been?” Landen Wood, who in Liz’s opinion was the biggest idiot in the history of Hogwarts, walked up to them. He was also known as Sirius’s best friend. Christian Boot wasn’t far behind. Together they made up a group of extremely popular but very obnoxious boys. Liz didn’t particularly like any of them on their own, but together they were all but unbearable. She was really starting to regret becoming friends with Sirius.
“Ah, sitting with Potter, are we? Since when have you become too good for us?” Christian asked.
“I was just sitting with her for the train ride, it’s not like I’m marrying her.” For some reason he looked very annoyed. He looked at her.
“Your freezing.”
“No, I’m fine really.”
“No, here, take my cloak.” He said offering it to her. She was quite cold. Well, they were friends now. She took it and thanked him. Landen and Christian snickered.
“Can I hex them?” she muttered in his ear.
He laughed. “Leave it to
‘He really is different this year.’ she thought. They jumped into the nearest carriage, Angenette and Marissa following them. To
“So, how was everyone’s summer?” Christian asked. They all muttered “fine.” That was the standard response for that question. You never really told anyone about your summer, if they wanted to know, they already would. The short ride to the school was uneventful, the girls were talking amongst themselves, as were the boys. They finally lurched to a halt. Liz, being closest to the door, tried to open it and get out gracefully.
So much for that. She tripped over the hem of her robes and fell straight into a puddle of mud.
“Uck.”
“Need a hand?” Sirius helped her off the ground.
“Thanks.” she said, looking at her feet.
“And I thought I was the clumsy one.” he joked, wiping some mud off her cheek with his sleeve. “I must say, mud is not your color.”
She hit his arm. “I should curse you into the next...Dad?”
Sirius spun around. And there Harry was, standing in the doorway with a monster grin on his face.
“I told you I’d see you soon.”
“What are you doing here?” Liz asked.
“Something about it being the Sorting Hat’s thousandth anniversary, they wanted me to be the guest of honor for some reason.” Liz and Sirius shared a look. “But anyway, I thought I’d surprise you.”
He looked up at the castle. “Oh, it’s good to be back.”
“It is.” Sirius said more to himself than anyone.
“What’s with you and the other guys?” Liz asked him, suddenly wanting to make sure he was alright.
He looked thoughtful. “I don’t know. They’re just like suddenly annoying the **** out of me. This is going to sound strange after years of fighting, but I’d rather talk to you.” She looked at him so intently she almost ran into the door. He held out an arm to stop her and she ended up tripping over his feet. She would have ended up on the ground again if he hadn’t caught her.
“Sorry.” she stammered, blushing furiously.
“No problem.” he grinned. “You look cute when you blush.”
“Shut up.” she said, blushing harder than ever. It was quite a relief to reach the table. Nothing more to trip over.
Nicole and Celeste sat across from them. “Okay, now why is dad here again?”
“The Sorting Hat is one thousand years old.”
“So?”
“If you were a thousand years old wouldn’t you want to celebrate?” Just then a hush fell over the students as Professor McGonagall led a scared looking line of first years into the hall. In her hands she carried a tattered and worn hat on a three legged stool.
They were silent for a moment. Then the first years gasped as the brim of the hat opened and burst into song.
One thousand years ago today,
Godric ripped me off his head.
And said, “My friends when we are gone,
This hat can sort instead.”
I’ve sorted many students,
Through my noble history.
For no one knows the founders better,
Than a soul who was there like me.
I see this line of students,
On the first day of every school year.
I’ll tell you where you belong,
I’m always right, do not fear.
So come let me look inside your head,
See the deepest desires of your heart.
I will think, I’ll think hard,
And find what sets you apart.
Oh, you may become a Gryffindor,
If you are amongst the brave.
When you’re unafraid of selfless deeds,
And courage is your way.
Or maybe a Ravenclaw,
Where intelligence is key.
If you have a sharp and working mind,
Learning will give you wings.
And then again, there is Slytherin,
The most cunning of their kind.
Those clever folks with pure blood,
Are the friends that you will find.
But let us not forget Hufflepuff,
If you are kind and good.
If you are always calm and fair,
Be in this house you should.
So this is my duty,
To sort you into four.
I’ve been doing it for many years,
And shall continue for many more.
So now you know what to expect,
And where this school has been.
Enough musings of an old hat,
Let the sorting now begin.
The hat went quiet once more as the hall broke into applause. The Headmistress unrolled a long sheet of parchment and began reading names. The hat seemed to be very dramatic today, taking a long time to decide everything, and then pausing after making a decision. Liz thought it must have been quite annoying for the first years, being nervous already.
Finally there was only one student left.
“Weasley, Daniella.” Professor McGonagall called.
Daniella slowly approached the hat and put it on with shaking hands. It fell down over her eyes. A moment’s silence.
“SLYTHERIN!” Liz never knew silence could be so loud.
Continue Story (I copy and paste from internet) - Chapter 4 - 'ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT YOU CAN'T FORGET'
CHAPTER 4
Everyone in the Great Hall was staring at the small girl in the front of the room. She still had the hat on. Her face was as white as a ghost. Silently, shaking madly, she took the hat off, set it on the stool, and burst into tears as she made her way towards the Slytherin table.
Sirius stood up and clapped, the sound echoing strangely off the walls. Harry, sitting at the staff table, joined him. Liz stood next, glaring at the other Gryffindors, who promptly followed her. Then, to their surprise and slight amusement, the Slytherin table applauded their newest member. Soon the entire hall was on it’s feet, clapping for a girl, who, in Harry’s day, would have been ignored by everyone. Daniella gave Sirius a watery smile and sat down, looking unsure yet more determined than ever.
“That was amazing.” Liz whispered to Sirius when they sat down.
“I told her we’d be proud of her no matter what house she was put in. I meant it.” She smiled. He smiled back.
Professor McGonagall stood up at the center of the table. The hall went silent once more. Her speech was short, outlining the rules of Hogwarts for the first years and other assorted students who, in her words, “seem to have forgotten some of them.”
“...and finally, on this very special occasion in Hogwarts history, I would like to welcome our guest of honor, Mr. Harry Potter.” The hall exploded in cheers. Harry, smiling at the clapping Slytherin table, got to his feet.
“Hello, my dear friends, it is so wonderful to be back at Hogwarts at last. And under such happy circumstances as well. I remember my days here as though they were yesterday, and here I stand a generation later, to find this school as strong at it has ever been. One thousand years ago, we were all united. Now, I’m sure you all know the story, so I will not bore you with it here. But before you today, I see students close to being united once again. In my fifth year, the esteemed Sorting Hat gave a warning. It told us that if the school remained divided it would crumble from within. At the time, I scoffed it off like a foolish adolescent would. But that wise old hat was right. And not heeding his advice almost cost us this school. Now, years later, I see the importance of those words. And I see the progress that has been made. You are close, my dear students, very close to achieving something that was once thought impossible.
“Eighteen years ago, a wizard who was trying to take over the world was defeated. Yes, it is true that I administered the final blow, but I do not for a second take credit for his defeat. That credit goes to the hundreds of brave people that gave their lives to save those they loved. In the end, Voldemort was defeated by the power of love. If there is one thing you remember from my speech today, let it be this. Never underestimate the power of love. For it is strong enough to fix all the problems of the world.
“When I was a first year, a wise man named Albus Dumbledore said a few words I will never forget. I will repeat them for you now. Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Enjoy the feast.”
Professor McGonagall got up again. There were tears in her eyes.
“Thank you Harry. And now, the feast. Welcome, and welcome back!”
The tables filled with food before their eyes. The happy chatter that was so distinctively Hogwarts filled the hall once again. Liz glanced at Sirius. He smiled at her, an unmistakable twinkle in his eye. And for that moment, Liz was at complete peace with herself.
*************
She knew it was morning, but she didn’t want to gain consciousness. She had been having quite a nice dream. If only the person saying her name would shut up. And what was with all the shaking.
“Liz, for god’s sake, wake up!” She rolled over to look at her sister.
“What.”
“Come on, get dressed, Dad’s leaving and we’ve got to say good-bye.”
Grumbling, Liz got out of bed and groped around for her robes. First day back was always exciting but it seemed a lot better when you were fully awake. When she finally managed to get ready, she left for the common room to meet the others. She waved at the portrait of Sirius Black as she passed. There were a ton of portraits of fallen members of the Order of the
The party entered the Entrance Hall to find what seemed like the entire school already assembled there. Harry was cheerfully answering questions about his days at Hogwarts. Liz coughed.
“Um, Dad, were here. Do you think we could go somewhere else?” she asked, observing a first year gaping at her father with his mouth slightly open. She really didn’t understand people.
“Oh, yes, of course. I’m sorry, you’ll have to excuse me.” The crowd groaned. The Potter’s, Weasley’s, Longbottom’s, and a Lupin followed him out onto the grounds. He said good-bye to all of them separately, making them promise to write. Liz’s father never ceased to amaze her. He was so busy, yet he always managed to write to all of them every week.
“Oh, here Liz, I brought you some more pictures of James.”
“Dad, I already have five of them hanging on my headboard.” she complained, taking them none the less.
“You can never have too many pictures.”
Harry walked towards Hogsmeade with a final “take care” and in the crack of apparation he was gone. For some reason Liz felt quite emotional. She didn’t know what was wrong with her, she rarely missed her parents. But right now she could feel the telltale prickle of tears behind her eyes.
“Hey, are you okay?” Sirius put a hand on her shoulder.
“Yeah, I don’t know why I’m getting upset.” she said, now wiping away rapidly falling tears. Everyone else had gone back to the school. Sirius pulled her close, and she felt a lot better at once. He muttered something into the top of her head.
“What?” she asked, her tears slowing.
“I said I don’t like seeing you cry.”
She looked up at him, no longer crying. “You can be very sweet sometimes, you know that.”
He grinned at her. “All part of my charm. Race you back.”
“What?”
“Race you back!” he yelled, already running towards the school.
“Oh no, you don’t.” she grinned, following him at a sprint.
They entered the Great Hall, panting slightly. “That wasn’t fair, you cheated!” Liz whined.
“Ah, but all’s fair in love, war, and antics we are much too old for, my dear.”
“Where’d you get that, ‘A Prat’s Guide to Life’?”
“Oh, mature.”
“I know I am.”
At that moment, a harassed looking Professor McGonagall came up to them, muttering about why she couldn’t understand why the head of houses couldn’t check schedules. She looked at the classes Liz and Sirius wanted to take, approved them, and moved on to the next group at the Hufflepuff table.
“Here, swap.” Liz took the schedule he was offering her and handed over her own.
“We have your Dad first.” she said. “And Neville right after.”
“All the same except one class. I have Care of Magical Creatures and you have Divination. Why do you bother taking that bloody subject? Even Uncle Harry says it’s a bunch of rubbish, and his life was planned out by a prophecy.”
“I just think it’s fascinating. You know, that some people can see the future. I agree that Trelawney has no idea what she’s doing but that doesn’t mean other people don’t.”
“Well, I still think it’s rubbish.”
“It gets me away from you for a little while.” He glared at her and she laughed.
“Hey guys.” Andrew, Ryan, and David had sat down across from them. David spoke again. “We just wanted to ask Sirius when Quiddich tryouts were.” Sirius was the newly appointed captain.
“I’m not sure yet, either this weekend or next. We really need a new seeker, I don’t want to use that reserve. Fancy trying out Liz?”
“I certainly do not! You know I can’t fly.”
“You mean won’t.” he corrected. “Both your parents played, I bet you could be really good if you tried.”
“Well, Quiddich is stupid, so it doesn’t matter.”
“It is not!”
They continued to bicker all the way to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. They were still at it when their friends joined them ten minutes later. When the lesson started, they were still whispering insults toward each other.
“Elizabeth, Sirius, would you please pay attention.”
They looked around to see that everyone else had already paired up and were practicing whatever was assigned.
“Sorry, Uncle Rem-I mean Professor Lupin.”
“Yeah, sorry...er...sir.”
“It’s okay. Now we are practicing nonverbal spells today, so I guess you two will have to pair up. I can trust you to not hurt each other, right?” he asked, a little uncertainly.
“Of course.” Sirius said. Liz nodded.
They looked at the rest of the class. They were all purple in the face, trying desperately to make a spell work without uttering a word. Liz and Sirius grinned. Liz’s father had taught them both nonverbal spells in their forth year.
“Let’s give them a little show, shall we?” Sirius asked her mischievously.
“Yes, I think that would be in order.” They raised their wands. Liz mouthed three...two...one. She cast a jelly-legs jinx. He repelled it with a shield charm. She ducked, then sent a stunner. Fernunculus. Protego. They had the entire class watching them now. A little thing called Levicorpus. Then Liz administered the grand finale, one of her mother’s famous bat-bogey hexes. Sirius banged into a wall, fell down, and admitted defeat. She walked up to him and performed the counter-curse.
“Where did you two learn that?” Remus asked, looking astounded.
“My dad.” Liz said while helping Sirius to his feet.
He chuckled. “I should have known. Most impressive, I must say. Twenty points to Gryffindor, although I think I remember saying only disarmers and stunners.”
“We weren’t listening, remember?” Sirius asked innocently. The whole class, including the professor, burst into laughter.
“Nice hex.” he muttered to Liz. They had both been given the rest of the class off while everyone else continued to struggle with the spells.
“Thanks. You didn’t do so bad yourself, Mr. Lupin.”
“Yeah, but you beat
“All part of my charm.” she said grinning.
“You are honestly the most aggravating person I’ve ever met.”
“I know.”
“I think you might be annoying your poor friends to death. Or rather I’m annoying your poor friends to death.”
“Yeah, well what about you? They’ve been loyal to you, even if they are immature little gits. You should talk to them.”
“I did last night. They were complaining about me talking to you so I told them that you were my friend and I cared about you. I said that if they wanted to be friends with me they’d have to deal with you and not insult you while I’m around. They agreed. As long as they don’t break their promise we’re cool.”
“That’s good. Because I don’t want you ruining anything for me. I’m not worth that.”
“What if I think you are?”
“Don’t”
“Why do you do that? You always put yourself down, and I don’t like it.”
“Why do you stick up for me when I don’t deserve it? All I’ve ever been is nasty to you, but you gave me a chance. Why?”
“Because I know your more than that. And somewhere deep inside your heart you know that too. Your amazing and you don’t even know it.” She looked into his eyes for some hint of a joke. She found none.
And then the bell rang. They trudged off to Herbology, leaving Liz quietly walking beside Angenette and Marissa as they chatted happily about make-up, and boys, and other assorted things. For some reason she was in a foul mood. She thought about what Sirius had said. She didn’t really believe him even though she knew he was sincere when he said it. Then she thought about Daniella and how she was doing on her first day. She wished she didn’t have to be in Slytherin. It must be really hard on her. Even thought they had all assured her this morning that they weren’t angry in the least, she still seemed worried. Liz knew she was worried about what her parents would say. Liz knew they wouldn’t care, but then again she must be the first Weasley in at least a few hundred years to be put in that house. Liz would probably be worried too.
Thinking about Slytherins made her think about her father’s speech at the feast last night. He was right. All this inter-house rivalry was so stupid. They wasted all their time focusing on their differences instead of seeing how much they all had in common.
Her thoughts continued along these lines until she was positively seething.
She stared at the Thiplybluff Bush she was supposed to be pruning and began whacking one of the branches repeatedly with her clippers.
After a few moments of this she received a note in her lap. She looked up to see Sirius grinning at her. The note said, You show that bush who’s boss! Inclosed was a single chocolate frog.
She smiled.
Continue Story (I copy and paste from internet) - Chapter 5 - 'ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT YOU CAN'T FORGET'
CHAPTER 5
Liz was sitting in the library late Wednesday evening with her nose buried in a book. It was only the third day of school and they were already swamped with homework. She looked at her half finished transfiguration essay blankly, wondering if she’d make it through the year. Professor Roshwick had assigned them two feet of parchment on conjuring inanimate objects. She glanced at a table on the other side of the room to see Lynn and Andrew studying together. Grinning, she tried to get back to work. No such luck.
“Hi.” Sirius sat down beside her. “Transfiguration?”
“Yes.” she said, pushing her essay away from him. “Do you get what were supposed to be writing about?”
“No idea.” She grinned at him. A look of mischief flashed in his deep grey eyes.
“Why do you always do your homework the first day it’s assigned?” he asked.
“Why not?”
“Because.”
“It’ll be just as annoying this weekend as it is now.”
“What’s your favorite color?”
“Red.”
“Do you enjoy aggravating me?”
“You’ve got to have some fun with life.”
“And driving me mad is fun?”
“Is it not?” He laughed.
“So, do you want to pool our collectively vast knowledge and see if we can get this done?”
“Sure.” she replied, smiling at his use of words. He was so cute when he did that. Wait, did she just think something Sirius did was cute?
An hour later, they triumphantly put away their essays and began their equally long and grueling potions essay. Liz was so bored with writing, even though Sirius made the process considerably more enjoyable.
“Do you remember that one time I turned myself purple when we were trying to make a shrinking solution?” Sirius asked her.
“Oh, I’ll never forget that.” She laughed.
“Urgh, I hate potions!”
“So how’s the quiddich?” she asked, desperate for a change of topic.
“I thought you hated quiddich?”
“I do, but you like it and I thought I should show a little interest.” she said, looking into his warm eyes. He smiled his gorgeous smile.
“I’m surprised you aren’t out there playing. The sun was out today and everything.” Liz pointed out.
“Those who are happy when the sun shines...”
“...have never danced in the rain.” Liz finished for him. He looked at her, all trace of a joke disappeared from his eyes.
“You have to be the strangest girl I’ve ever met.” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She blushed crimson. His hand drifted to her cheek, gently stroking the soft skin. They were very close. His mind was racing, her’s totally blank.
That’s when Sirius did something completely foolish, completely mindless, and completely right. He leaned in and kissed her.
She stiffened at first, not really sure what was happening. But then, as though being driven by another force, she melted. She could feel his soft lips on hers, his hand settling on the nape of her neck, sending shock waves through her. She didn’t know why she was letting this happen, only that it seemed to fit so well she couldn’t protest.
And then he pulled away as though he had been burned. Shaking his head wildly, he muttered “Oh no, oh no.” and ran out of the library at top speed.
Liz stared at the spot where he disappeared for a moment before she promptly burst into tears. She had only been friends with Sirius for about a month, but he already had this hold on her that she couldn’t explain. And she didn’t think she could bear to loose him now.
“Erm, Potter?” She looked up to see grey eyes peering into hers. But they were nothing like Sirius’s, however. They held none of his warmth, his depth, his glint of humor. They were slanted, cold and detached. She slowly took in the blonde hair and pale face of Abraxas Malfoy.
“What, did you come over here to gloat?” she snapped. He was the last person she wanted a conversation with right now.
“No!” he said, slightly offended. “It’s just, well, you’re crying.”
“No, I hadn’t noticed.”
“There’s no need to bite my head off, I just wanted to see if you were alright.”
She was so shocked she stopped crying. She’d heard so much about the Malfoys that it was hard for her to understand why he would be concerned for her.
“Why do you care?” she asked cooly.
“Why shouldn’t I. You’ve never done anything to
“You’re a Malfoy, I’m a Potter.” she said as though this settled the matter.
“Oh, come now,
“Well maybe you thought wrong.”
“Did you ever consider that you were the one that is wrong.”
“No.”
He actually laughed. “Ah, yes, you are most definitely a Potter.”
“Exactly. Will you be going now.”
“I really don’t think so.”
“WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM!” she screamed, standing up and earning herself a reproving look from Madam Pince.
“I only have one?” he asked innocently. She was reminded horribly of Sirius.
“Sarcasm will get you nowhere.”
“It got you to stop screaming.”
“Oh would you stop it!” She was really starting to get annoyed. “I can’t think straight with you twisting my words around.”
He sat there smirking at her.
“Don’t look at me like that.” she snapped.
“Like what?”
“You know very well like what. Why are you here again?”
“I wanted to see if you were okay.”
“And why exactly do you care?”
“Because it’s common human courtesy to ask a girl what’s wrong when she’s crying in public.” he replied smartly.
“Your human?” Liz asked with her best straight face. He was not amused.
“I thought you would be better than that.”
“Better than what?”
“Letting petty family differences get in the way of your life. Yes, our fathers hated each other at school, they probably still do, but we’re not our fathers.”
There was too much truth in this to argue. She looked straight at him, as though trying to read his mind. “You were actually concerned?”
“Yes, I was.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s quite alright,
“Well, you are a Slytherin.” she pointed out.
“I’m up for a little inter-house unity if you are.” He winked. She giggled.
“Now, you never answered my question. Why were you crying?”
Her lip trembled again as Sirius’s face swam in front of her. “Oh, it was silly.”
“The tears in your eyes say otherwise.” he said gently.
“Why do guys have to be so stupid?”
He chuckled. “Don’t tell me. Lupin?”
She was astounded. “How did you know?”
“Oh, erm, well...couldn’t help but notice...quite perceptive...”
“Forget it.” Liz said quickly, suddenly unsure whether or not she wanted to hear the rest of his sentence.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
She shook her head. “Not really.”
He looked relieved. She raised an eyebrow at him.
“I’m just not good at emotions.” he said, blushing. “Or girls.”
Liz smiled. She needed a challenge. “Got your eye on anyone in particular?” she asked innocently. He blushed harder than Liz thought was possible.
“Well...um...”
She laughed. “Don’t worry, well have that mystery lady fawning over you by the end of the year. Until then, I hear your good at potions. What do you think of the ethical use of Felix Felicis?”
Sirius Lupin watched two people tackling a potions essay behind a shelf of books. One’s shiny black hair belonged to a girl he had recently found himself infatuated with, the other’s cropped blonde head was that of a person he never had a proper conversation with, but suddenly loathed.
He sighed. Why had he pulled away? And why was she studying with Malfoy? This just wasn’t turning out to be one of his better days. He silently made his way to the door, dropping a bouquet of beautiful red roses on the dusty floor as he went.
**********
Daniella sat in one of the cushy armchairs by the fire in the Slytherin common room, writing a letter to her parents. Her first couple of days at Hogwarts had been a whirlwind, but she was having the time of her life. She didn’t mind being in Slytherin. She had been nervous at first, of course. And she had attracted a number of funny looks from the student body in general on the first day of term. But all that was behind her now. They had accepted her as just another first year.
She looked down at her half completed letter, at a loss of what to say. Harry had told them that she was sorted into Slytherin, and they had promptly sent word that they were very proud of her no matter what. But she was still having an internal battle over whether or not to tell them how happy she really was.
The wall slid open behind her, and she turned to see who had entered. Two girls, Daniella’s newfound friends, hurried over to her. They both shared her dormitory, and were the first people to accept her as a member of their house.
Felicity Baddock looked quite a bit like Daniella, with long blonde hair and grey-green eyes. She was very outgoing, and quite loud for a first year. She had three younger brothers and was fairly rich, but still down to earth.
Contessa Nott was the plainest of the three, with mousy brown hair and dark brown eyes. She was quieter, but by no means shy. Being an home schooled child living with a single mother, she had never had any real friends before she came to Hogwarts. Her elderly father died a few years after the second war, although he unfortunately was imprisoned for Death Eater activity at the time. She had a grown half-brother named Theodore, who was Uncle Harry’s age.
“Hey Dani, what are you doing?” Contessa asked, both of them taking a seat on either side of her.
“Trying to write a letter. It’s getting bloody boring though.” They laughed.
“Now ladies, we’ve been positively well behaved up until now. It’s disgusting. We need at least one late night excursion in out first week of school.” Felicity assessed, as though ordering troops into battle.
“Want to go steal some food from the kitchen?” Daniella asked, stowing the letter in her bag. “My brother told me were the secret entrance is.”
“Now your talking.” Felicity grinned.
‘Nope.’ Daniella thought as they disillusioned themselves as a disguise. ‘This year won’t be bad at all.’
Continue Story (I copy and paste from internet) - Chapter 6 - 'ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT YOU CAN'T FORGET'
CHAPTER 6
It was the first Friday back at Hogwarts, and Liz was on her way to Ancient Runes when she caught sight of blonde hair walking alone about ten feet in front of her. She and Abraxas had become fast friends, studying together and joking around. She’d found that she greatly enjoyed his company. He made the fact that she wasn’t on speaking terms with Sirius easier.
“Ax, wait up!” she called. He turned and smiled as she fell into step beside him.
“Where are you off to?” he asked.
“Ancient Runes. You?”
“Muggle Studies.” She looked at him strangely.
“Why?”
“I know absolutely nothing about them.”
“Oh. I’ve met quite a few, they’re very nice. Except my father’s relatives, I really can’t stand them.”
“How many times have you met them?” he asked, truly interested.
“Only twice. Once at some woman named Marge’s funeral, and another when my father invited them to tea last year. He seemed to think they could reconcile. That was a disaster, that was.”
“Why? What did they do.”
“Well my Great Aunt Petunia, she’s really not that bad. But she’s married to this oaf named
“Will do. Bye.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.” Liz said for the last time, laughing. She sat in her usual seat in the back of the classroom and pulled out her heavy rune dictionary. She felt someone sit down beside her. Assuming that it was either Angenette or Marissa, she was startled when she looked up to find Sirius sitting next to her. She uttered a small scream and fell off her chair.
“Nice to see you too.” he said sarcastically as she picked herself up off the floor.
“Can I help you with something?” she asked, her face now resembling a tomato.
“I’m sorry, even though I’m not really sure what it is I’m supposed to be sorry for.” He sounded very bitter, and she wasn’t sure why.
“You’re not sure what you have to be sorry for?” she asked angrily.
“Do you know what I have to be sorry for?” he asked, looking straight into her eyes.
“Of course I do!” she exclaimed.
“Well...”
“Erm...oh...alright, maybe I don’t, but that’s not the point.” He smirked at her, then frowned again.
“I went back to the library, you know. Even brought you flowers. But you seemed to have found other company.” he said cooly. Her eyes widened.
“Oh, is that what your so angry about! Honestly, me and Ax were just studying.”
“Ax?”
“His name is Abraxas, of course he shortens it.” she said, exasperated.
“My name’s Sirius.”
“Fine, I’ll call you Siri from now on.” He gave her a look. She glared back.
“I thought you hated him.” he said.
“I never knew him.”
“Okay, I’ll make you a deal. You never say anything about Wednesday and I’ll never try to stop you from ‘studying’ with him.”
“We were just studying.” He shrugged. “But fine, on one condition. Never make me call you Siri.” she said desperately. He laughed a genuine laugh.
“Sounds good to me.”
Professor Milanthus, head of Hufflepuff, gave them their translations for next week, and they set to work on it. Liz liked this class because the professor was kind and did not mind talking. She usually just sat at her desk while they helped each other with their homework.
“That’s partnership, not defense.” she said, pointing at one of Sirius’s lines. “And he’s really nice, you know.”
“Let’s not talk about your boyfriend right now.”
Angenette turned around in her seat so fast Sirius thought he heard a crack. “Liz has a boyfriend? Why didn’t you tell us?” she demanded.
“He’s not my boyfriend!” Liz exclaimed.
“You’ve been spending enough time with him.”
“No one asked you to join this conversation, Lupin.” Angenette said.
“I started this conversation!” he replied in disbelief.
“Oh for bloody Merlin just tell us who you were talking about!” Marissa hissed unexpectedly. Sirius looked at her strangely. This was the first time he’d heard her talk properly.
“Malfoy.” Sirius said, looking like he had something sour in his mouth.
“MALFOY!” Angenette screamed.
“Miss Finnigan, please keep your voice down.” Professor Milanthus said.
“Sorry professor.” she replied. “Malfoy?” she asked quietly.
“I don’t see what everyone’s problem is.”
“He’s a Slytherin!”
“My cousin’s a Slytherin.”
“Yes, but that’s different.”
“How?”
“I don’t know, it just is.”
“My problem isn’t him being in Slytherin.” Sirius put in.
“Then what is your problem exactly?”
“I just think he’s a rotten git.” he replied. “You can be a rotten git without being in Slytherin.”
“You don’t even know him!”
“I can tell.”
“Can you at least try to be civil to him?”
“Why?” Angenette and Sirius asked at the same time.
“Because you’re my friends and he’s my friend and I don’t want to spend all year splitting up fights!”
“I think you may be asking for a miracle.” Marissa put in, eying the other two.
“I concur with Marissa.” Sirius said, causing her to go ever so slightly red.
“Well Mr. Inter-House Unity, here’s your chance to walk the walk. Be nice to him.” Liz interjected.
He looked at her pleadingly. “Do I have to?”
“Yes.”
“Fine.” he gave up as the bell rang, “I’ll be civil to him.”
“That’s all I ask. Come on, we have break, and I believe we have a debate to settle.”
“Oh yeah, I almost forgot,” he said as they sat down at the corner of the courtyard. Angenette and Marissa had gone back to Gryffindor tower. “I owe you flowers.” He produced a bouquet of roses.
She blushed. “Oh, you didn’t have to.”
“No, I did.”
Liz pulled an old piece of parchment out of her bag and muttered, “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” The Marauder’s Map sprang to life.
“No, see, look, I was right.” Liz stated. “The Room of Requirement’s not on here. It should be right there.” They had been having a debate on the matter Tuesday night.
He leaned over her to look at the map. “Oh, yeah, guess you are.”
“Someone owes me five galleons.”
Looking for a change of subject, Sirius looked at the map. He saw a tiny dot labeled “Abraxas Malfoy” headed towards them. ‘Oh, this could be fun.’ he thought.
“Liz, your friend’s coming.”
She looked down, then looked up, and whispered a hasty, “Mischief managed.” Stuffing the map back into her bag, she tried to look surprised at the sound of her name.
“Hello Elizabeth.”
“Hi, Ax. Erm...you know Sirius right?” she said awkwardly, jumping up off the ground. Sirius quickly followed. Both boys were eying each other with dislike.
“Lupin.” Abraxas said.
“Malfoy.” Sirius responded. Liz glared at him.
“But you can call me Sirius.” he said. Liz nodded in approval. “When Liz is around.” he added. She sighed.
“Same.”
They stood in a strained silence for a few minutes before Sirius took pity on Liz and spoke.
“Alright, look. Were obviously going to have to get used to each other since you and Liz are friends now, so let’s just try to be mature about it.”
“That sounds fine to me.”
“But be warned, Liz is like my little sister.” he said, putting a protective arm around her shoulders. “If you so much as think about hurting her...”
“Sirius, I’m older than you.” Liz interrupted.
“Only by a day!”
“There’s still the fact that you hated me for most of our lives.”
“Well...” Abraxas cleared his throat.
“As, er, lovely as this has been, I need to be going. I’ll see you later.” he directed at Liz. He gulped, “Sirius, hopefully not as soon.”
As soon as he was out of earshot, Liz rounded on Sirius. He was expecting to get yelled at, and was surprised to see a small smile on her face.
“What?” he asked, perplexed.
“You are completely impossible.” she laughed, then turned on her heel and began walking back to the castle. Sirius chuckled to himself as he watched her retreating back. This would be almost too easy.
“Mischief managed.”
