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The Lions of Gryffindor by Equinox Chick

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Chapter Notes: Sorry, this has taken so long. Brief recap ... James and Sonia are out in the open as a couple. James is also trying to remember why Brackenfen (where Flaxen's body was found) is so familiar. Lily likes a flash git from Hogsmeade. Sirius is lush ...

Lily was hurrying back to the castle when she saw Peter. He was sitting on one of the tree trunks throwing stones into the lake and, although she didn’t feel obliged to stop and talk, there was a disconsolate air about him that made her falter.

–Hiya,” she called. Peter raised his hand but said nothing. –Aren’t you cold without your cloak?”

–A bit,” he muttered.

–Well, shall we go back inside then?” she asked as she walked across. –It looks as if it’s going to rain.”

Peter shrugged. –I’m not keeping you, Lily.”

Only slightly affronted by his manner, Lily sat next to him. Picking up a flat stone from the ground, she flicked her hand and watched it skim across the surface. –What’s up?”

–I think you probably know,” he replied sourly. –It seems everyone knew apart from me.”

–Um, knew what?” Lily asked, wracking her brains.

–James and Sonia,” he said in a dull tone.

–Sorry?”

Peter turned his face towards her. –James and Sonia are going out together. Explains why he’s been sneaking around the castle without us.”

–Ah, that makes sense,” she replied. –I thought there was something funny going on. Sonia’s been so secretive lately, which is so unlike her. They’ve been very discreet, though. I mean, I suspected something, but she’s not said a word.”

–Yeah, so discreet. She was all over him in the common room, and he wasn’t objecting,” he said, and resumed his stone throwing. –I had no bloody idea.”

–It’s not entirely unexpected. She’s a pretty girl, Peter, and she likes having a boyfriend,” she murmured, thinking back over the past few weeks. In the past when Sonia had started seeing someone, she’d witter on about it for days, but recently she’d been quiet. Her smiles had been soft and secret and although Lily had suspected she was seeing someone, she’d not spared too much time thinking about it.

–She’s been after him since the beginning of term,” Peter said, interrupting her reverie.

Lily grinned. –She’s very tenacious; I wasn’t sure Potter would succumb, though.”

–Well, he has,” Peter said. He stood up and threw the last stone across the surface of the water, watching as it skimmed the surface before plummeting to the lakebed.

As he bent down to find more stones, Lily touched him on the arm. She’d known Peter liked Sonia, but also knew there wasn’t a chance her friend felt the same way. She took a breath, picking her words carefully. –Are you that bothered? I know Sonia’s pretty, but she’s not worth getting cold and miserable over, is she?”

Peter screwed up his nose. –I knew I didn’t have a chance. She’s made that perfectly clear. I ... just ... He’s my mate, Lily. He should have -”

–Asked permission?” she said, her tone slightly mocking. –Peter, James Potter doesn’t think he needs permission from anyone to do anything.”

–I would have liked him to have told me, that’s all,” he said, sighing. –We are supposed to be friends.”

–There’s no ‘supposed’ about it. That’s probably why they kept it secret,” Lily said sagely. –And that could also be why Potter’s heading this way with your cloak in his hand.”

–Really?” Peter looked away from Lily then turned back to the lake. –Hell, what shall I say?”

–Um, well if you were a first year, I’d suggest you could try sulking until he feels so guilty he gives you all his Chocolate Frogs,” Lily said, relieved when she saw him smile. –But unless you really want to hex him, I think you should just pretend you don’t give a Kneazle about it.”

–He knows I’m annoyed though,” Peter muttered. –I walked out of the common room without saying anything. I must have looked a right prat.”

–No,” she whispered. –You were late for meeting up with me because ... I needed to ask you about Snitch. Now, I’m going to pretend you’ve just told me this incredibly funny joke.” She burst out laughing making Peter jump, but he quickly took her lead and started laughing along.

–So, the next time he refuses to eat all his owl nuts -” Peter said, –you have to ... Oh, hi, Prongs.”

Lily glanced across at James, affecting disinterest, but was pleased to see he looked incredibly uncomfortable.

–Peter, I ... uh ... It’s about me and Sonia ...”

–Mmm, I was just telling Lily,” Peter replied, his voice steady. –We couldn’t work out why you had to keep it secret.”

–I suspect Sonia’s ashamed of him,” Lily butted in and rolled her eyes at James. He smiled uncertainly back at her.

–Yeah, you could be right,” he muttered. –Lily, can you go? I really want to speak to Peter.”

–No need,” Peter tried to say, but James stopped him.

–Yeah, there is. I’ve been a prat and I’d rather not say all of this in front of Evans.”

Lily stood up and carefully brushed the mud off her robes. –Chocolate frogs,” she said quietly to Peter. He chuckled and waved as she stepped away and turned towards the castle.


–So you and Sonia,” Peter murmured to James. –Been going on long, has it?”

–Not long.”

–I thought you didn’t like her. You kept saying how annoying she was.”

Handing Peter his cloak, James swallowed, then sat down on the trunk next to him. –I didn’t know her,” he said frankly. –But then we got talking, that day I followed her and Lily into Hogsmeade, and I realised I’d got her wrong.” He breathed heavily, and stared at his hands before continuing. –I should have told you, sorry.”

–You don’t have to ask my permission,” Peter replied hoping he sounded unconcerned. –Look, James. Really, it’s fine. Sonia’s pretty, and yeah, I would have liked to go out with her, but I’m not that bothered. Plenty more witches in the coven. Anyway how was your practise?”

–Uh, very good, actually,” James replied, pouncing on the change of subject. –Except Martha was late - again, and then Lily turned up with that tosser of a barman who tried to tell me -” He trailed off.

–You sound jealous,” Peter remarked, with an edge to his voice.


–Bloody hell!”

–What?” Peter stopped walking, and turned back to James. –Prongs, what is it?”

–Brackenfen!” James exclaimed. –That place where Flaxen was found.”

–You’ve remembered why it’s familiar?” Peter stared at him.

–Too right,” James muttered. He increased his pace, breaking into a run as he headed back to the castle.

–Where are you going?” Peter yelled after him.

–To speak to Lily,” James called back.

–Yeah, thanks, that says a lot,” Peter replied, but he knew James wasn’t listening. With a sigh, he swung his cloak around his shoulders, fastened it at the top and trundled after James.



Because he was running so fast and only concentrating on Lily ahead, who had reached the main courtyard, James failed to see the figure emerging from the greenhouses until he was sent sprawling onto the ground.

–Merlin, watch where you’re -” he gasped, then stopped to catch his breath, suddenly realising who he’d knocked over. –Ah, sorry, sir.”


Fabian Prewett raised one eyebrow and picked himself up from the grass. –Watch where I’m going, Potter?” he said sternly. –Where are you off to in such a hurry?”

Panting slightly, James pointed towards Lily. –Need to talk to her,” he wheezed.

–Surely you can speak to Miss Evans, anytime,” the professor replied. –Or is this the pair of you making up after an argument?”


–Nothing like that.” As he stood, James bent over catching his breath and saw Lily had now entered the castle. He couldn’t catch her alone now, and now he thought about it, jumping in with two feet to accuse her boyfriend of Merlin-knows-what would only get her back up. Perhaps he should talk to the others first or ... No, they liked him, too.

–Sir, can I have a word?”

–I have a spare few minutes, or so,” Fabian replied, after studying his watch. –I doubt you’re having problems with your homework?”

–Uh, no, nothing like that. It’s um ...”

–Not your love-life, because really, Potter, I’m not qualified in that area-–


–No, no, sir, please, it’s important.”

Fabian studied him thoughtfully and then, with one hand, steered him towards the main entrance. He didn’t speak, but as they climbed the stairs, James knew they were heading for Professor Prewett’s office. He’d not been here since last year when their old professor had summoned both him and Sirius for a weeklong detention, and he was interested to see what changes the new incumbent had wrought.

Professor Tweddle had liked his comforts, but nothing luxurious. He’d had two old armchairs by his fire and a shelf of neatly arranged pot plants. His study had been cosy and not at all forbidding, which had summed up the man perfectly. He’d been an adequate professor, guiding them through their OWLs, but James hadn’t been that sorry to see him go. He’d been safe, that was all. And as he looked around the study, James wondered again about their new teacher and just why Professor Dumbledore had hired him.

Fabian Prewett had very few possessions and little to no books on display. There were a stack of newspapers in a box by his desk, which were probably used for kindling, but apart from that, everything else was functional. On his desk were essays and a quill, and on the shelf, he kept wand cleaning wax and a bottle of ink. The one surprise - the one personal item - was a photograph on his desk featuring a red haired couple and three children. James grinned as the two oldest boys in the picture pulled faces at the camera, whilst the baby stared straight ahead.

–My sister and her family,” Professor Prewett explained. –Now, Potter, what can I help you with?”

–Uhm...” James bit his lip, not knowing where to start. He’d been sure of the link, and knew he was right about the place, but if Soule’s presence at Brackenfen was suspicious, then did that also place Lily, Mary and Martha under equal suspicion?


–Potter, I don’t have all day,” the professor chided, but gently. –There’s obviously something bothering you, so if you don’t want to speak to me, shall I fetch Professor McGonagall?” He gestured with his hand towards a chair and sat on the corner of his desk while he waited

James deliberated then took the proffered seat. –It’s probably nothing, sir.”

It didn’t take him long to tell the tale. He explained about Jeremy Flaxen and Remus’ dad’s connection. He told the professor that Remus had met him, and Peter remembered him from school. Then he paused.

–Thing is, sir, the Prophet says his body was found at a place called Brackenfen.”

Fabian nodded, his blue eyes holding James steady in his gaze. –You know this place, do you, Potter?”

–I know of it,” James replied. Then he cleared his throat. –Lily went there over the summer. She, Mary and Martha visited Godric’s Hollow, where I live, and had some help from my father. They were touring the Founders’ places of birth, and my dad thought Brackenfen was a contender for Slythy Fen, so that’s why they went there and - really - there was no other reason. I don’t think for a moment -”

Fabian smiled. –Being in the vicinity doesn’t make them guilty, James. Now, is that all you need to tell me?” He got off the table, sounding dismissive, but James didn’t move.

–Soule was there!” he blurted out.

Was he imagining the flickering of tension in Professor Prewett’s eyes?

–Who?”

No, James wasn’t imagining it. The professor knew exactly whom he was talking about.

–The barman at The Three Broomsticks, the flash git that I was telling you about,” he replied. –Lily’s been seeing him. She met him in Brackenfen.” Swallowing, James got to his feet. –Sir, I think that’s suspicious.”

–You don’t like the man, though, do you? You’re not still jealous, are you, Potter?” he suggested.

–Uh, sir. Soule turns up in England and visits a place where a body’s found. You’re right, I don’t like him, but it doesn’t alter the fact that he was in Brackenfen over the summer.”

–You need more than that to accuse a man of murder, Potter. And, as you said, the girls were there, too. That makes them culpable if we apply your logic.” He didn’t sound as dismissive now, and there was an edge to his voice, but James stayed firm.

–I just think it’s suspicious and if I do nothing else, then I should tell Professor Dumbledore and also warn Lily about her boyfriend.”

–Because she’ll believe you,” Professor Prewett said scornfully. Then he sighed. –Potter, I know what it looks like, and believe me if I were you, I’d be suspicious and a touch jealous too-”

–It’s not jealousy, sir,” he interrupted.

–Okay, it’s not jealousy, and if you want to tell Professor Dumbledore, then I’m not going to stop you.” He hesitated and then touched James on the arm. –But the Headmaster is a very busy man, and I’d rather we kept this between ourselves.”


–Sir?”

Professor Prewett stared at him intently. –I think there’s something in what you’re saying, Potter, so I’d like you to let me take a look into it. But this has to be between the two of us, okay? No telling Black or anyone else.”

–Why not?”

–The more people know, the more likely it is that word will reach Soule, and if he is a murderer, then you don’t want him coming after you - or Lily.”

James thought about it, fixed a smile on his face and nodded. –Okay, sir. I’ll leave it with you. But don’t you think I should warn Lily?”

–She’s not allowed into Hogsmeade, is she?” Professor Prewett remarked. –So, she won’t be seeing him for a while. Besides, if you tell her, then she’s bound to tell Soule and that will put him on his guard.”

About to protest that he’d had seen Soule in the grounds that afternoon, James suddenly stopped. Whatever he said, Professor Prewett seemed to be putting obstacles in his way. And he was right. Lily would no sooner believe Soule was a murderer than he believed it of her. James could get her confined to Gryffindor if he mentioned she’d been showing him around the grounds, but knowing Lily as he did, she’d only be more likely to sneak out. And she would warn Soule, who would then scarper.

–You’re right,” he agreed. Standing up, he smiled at Professor Prewett. –Thanks, sir. I know I’m probably making too much out of this, but I thought I should mention it, just in case.”

The professor half smiled back. With his wand, he opened the door, clearly indicating that the chat was now over. –Not at all. I’m glad you felt you could come to me. Remember what I said, though, Potter. The more people who know about this, the more chance Soule will find out.”

–Sure,” James said. He left the classroom, pleased to get away from an atmosphere that had suddenly felt oppressive. He didn’t quite know why, but he trusted Professor Prewett and wasn’t about to blab to Lily. However, he had no intention of keeping quiet about this.

As he headed up towards Gryffindor Tower, he caught sight of Peter ahead, and loped up the stairs after him.

–Did you speak to Lily?” Peter asked.

James shook his head, then in a low voice, started to tell Peter about his suspicions and his subsequent interview with Professor Prewett. Peter listened intently, but said nothing until James had finished.

–You’re really serious about this, aren’t you?” Peter said at last, sounding incredulous.

James turned irritably. –Not you as well. He was in Brackenfen and it just happens to be the place where Flaxen’s body was found. That’s too much of a coincidence, don’t you think?”


–He was probably there for the same reason as they were - a holiday. A tour of the Founders’ birthplaces. He told us that he’d met Sirius’ Uncle Alphard, who’d told him about Slythy Fen - remember?” He swallowed. –Prongs, you can’t go round accusing someone of murder just because you don’t like them. And why would he do that? He’s not even from this country.”

Staring at the wall, James thought over Peter’s words. –I don’t trust him,” he mumbled.

–Because Lily likes him?” Peter asked quietly and stopped on the stairs. –James, you’re going out with Sonia, aren’t you?”

–It’s got nothing to do with that,” James protested. Pushing past Peter, he started up the stairs again, before turning back to assess his friend. –Soule was in the forest, remember?”

Peter shrugged. –So were we.”

James gave up. Perhaps he was being an idiot. He smiled ruefully. –He turned up at my Quidditch practise and tried to tell me how to run my team - stupid arse.”

Punching James on the arm as he resumed his climb up the stairs, Peter burst out laughing. –Ha ha, to you that’s worse than murder.”


The consensus from Sirius and Remus was that Peter was right. Soule’s presence in Brackenfen couldn’t be counted as incriminating, especially when Remus remembered Mary telling him that he’d not spent much time there. They’d seen him in the cafe and then when Lily hurt her foot. The next morning, he’d left early.

–Isn’t that more suspicious?”

Sirius snorted. –Prongs, give it up. If he’d bumped someone off, he’s not going to do a runner and then go and work in Hogsmeade, is he?”

–It’s a coincidence, that’s all,” Remus said. –And Jeremy could have drowned anywhere and the tide brought him to Brackenfen.”

Removing his glasses, James rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed. –Fine, fine.” He turned away, mildly irritated at their objections, but not wanting to prolong the discussion. At least this has distracted them from Sonia, he thought in relief and stood up.

–You going somewhere?”

–Uh ... well, I said I’d meet Sonia,” he muttered sheepishly.

Sirius rolled his eyes at Peter and Remus. –Go on, then, lover-boy.” Then he pouted. –You will still play with us, won’t you, Prongs?”

James grinned. –Yeah, sure, just not in the Restricted Section,” he said, laughing. He could have bitten his tongue off as soon as he’d said it. A bleak expression had flashed briefly across Peter’s face, so quick James wondered if he’d imagined it. But he knew he hadn’t. Peter might have said he was fine about him seeing Sonia, but he wasn’t.

–You are all cool about this, aren’t you?” James asked. His eyes lingered on Peter’s face then switched to Sirius, who shrugged.

–Not my business, Prongs,” he replied. –Don’t say I haven’t warned you, though. Sonia’s all right for a month when all you’re doing is snogging, but she’s bloody hard work on the ears when you come up for air.”

Resisting the urge to hex the knowing smirk off Sirius’ face, James left the dormitory. At least Peter was laughing now.

***


To a counterpoint of Phyllida and Sonia’s chatter, Lily brushed her hair and stared at herself in the old mirror hanging on the wall over the mantelpiece. Sonia’s high spirits had initially been infectious but were now rather irritating. So, she was seeing James, but was it really necessary to giggle over every detail? Lily scowled, examining her reflection as Phyllida laughed even louder. Then she felt ashamed. Only this morning, Phyllida had confided in her that she wanted to be treated normally. She shouldn’t begrudge her this harmless fun.

–You’re very quiet,” Sonia said, looking up from the floor where she was sprawled on a cushion, sharing chocolates with Phyllida. –And you still haven’t explained how Rich managed to get into Hogwarts.”

Slowly, Lily turned around; she smiled at them both and allowed the light-headed feelings inside her to surface. She giggled as she sat on the plush pink rug next to them. It made a change for her to have someone to talk about.

–He was delivering wine to Professor Slughorn for one of his ‘soirees’.”

–And had to make a detour via the Quidditch pitch,” said Sonia.

–And the greenhouses,” Lily replied, her lips curving into a smile at the memory.

–Ohh, so more than a ‘sort of’ kiss then?” Phyllida said, and sighed. –He is good looking, Lily.”

–Is there a ‘but’ coming?” Lily asked, fearful because she realised that Phyllida and Rich hadn’t really seen eye-to-eye.

But Phyllida shook her head. –No, just that it’s going to be a bit difficult seeing him when you can’t get to Hogsmeade. It’s hard enough for me to find time with Jacob, and he’s only in a separate house.”

–Going out with a Gryffindor is the best,” Sonia said smugly. –And now we’re out in the open, I’ll get to see James whenever I want.”

Sitting on her bed, reading a magazine, Mary snorted. –You were the one telling us how awful it was going out with Sirius because he wouldn’t put you first. What makes you think James will be any different?”

–Killjoy!” Sonia exclaimed, and playfully chucked the cushion at Mary. –I’m happy, don’t ruin this for me.”

Mary winked at Lily. –Sonia Slattery you have spent all term being very cynical about me seeing Remus. I now find you’ve been sneaking around with James, so I think I’m entitled to some fun at your expense!”


As Phyllida began to laugh, Sonia poked out her tongue. Very haughtily, she stood up and brushed out her robes. –Well, I am going to meet James and have some fun of my own,” she said airily. –I might see you at dinner; it depends whether we lose track of time.”

–Makes a change that we’ve all got boyfriends,” Mary said as they watched Sonia leave.

–Mmm,” agreed Phyllida. She leant across Lily and dipped her hand into the box of chocolates. –I’m not up for a quadruple date, though. Jacob wouldn’t understand at all if I turned up with my ex.”

–At least you’re likely to get a date,” Lily muttered gloomily. –I can’t rely on Professor Slughorn getting deliveries every weekend. Although ...”

–You’re looking suspiciously pleased with yourself,” Mary remarked. –Please tell me you’re not thinking about sneaking out again, are you?”

–No,” Lily replied, –but Professor Slughorn is fond of throwing parties, and if he says we can bring a partner, then I can ask Rich, can’t I?”


As she turned back to the mirror, she caught sight of Phyllida rolling her eyes. She couldn’t see Mary’s expression but heard her muffle a cough.

–Do you two have a problem with Rich?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

–No, no,” Mary replied, but she sounded flustered and Lily knew that her friends must have been discussing him. –Only ... well ....”

–He’s older than you,” Phyllida said succinctly. –That’s all. And we don’t know him very well, do we?”

–What does that have to do with anything?” Lily demanded. –I’m getting to know him slowly. Isn’t that the best way?”

Phyllida opened her mouth to say something, but then must have thought better of it. Her hand hovered over the chocolate box before she looked back at Lily. –Just be careful, okay? You can’t trust people because they have a pretty smile, Lily.”


***


It made a change being able to walk along a corridor holding hands with Sonia and not ducking into alcoves whenever anyone came past. Although James had rather enjoyed the subterfuge, it was quite a relief to have a normal conversation with Sonia instead of continually checking over his shoulder.

–So Peter was okay about us, was he?” Sonia asked.

James shrugged, not really wanting to talk about it. His mind was still whirring with thoughts of Rich Soule, but he didn’t want to talk about that, either. –He said he was. In fact, his exact words were ‘plenty more witches in the coven.’”

–Charming!” she exclaimed, then giggled. –That sounds like one of Sirius’ lines.”

–Er, yeah, it is. You disappointed not to have him after you anymore?” he asked, trying to sound casual.

Sonia stopped walking and gave him a look. –Since the beginning of this term, I’ve only wanted one person after me, James Potter, and if you haven’t realised that by now, then I’m not sure how you managed to pass your OWLs because you must be thick.” She gave him a smile and, with a toss of her head, carried on walking. –Where are we going, anyway?”

–Anywhere you want,” he replied, –but I wouldn’t mind a kiss before we get there.”

She stopped and allowed him to pull her back into his arms. Automatically, Sonia tilted her face up to his and slid her hands to his shoulders. As she closed her eyes in anticipation, James licked his own lips and stared just for a second down at her face. She was so very pretty, and now he didn’t have to sneak around to be with her. She was also clearly into him, so who knew where this could lead. Touching his lips softly to hers, he kissed her once, and then trailed his fingertips across her cheek and to her neck.

–I’m Quidditch captain, you know,” he murmured.

–Yes, I know,” she said, and started to giggle. –Why are you reminding me of that?”

–Because I have certain privileges,” he whispered, –and one of them is the use of the Prefect’s bathroom. I could check it’s free if you’d like to ... uh ...”

–That sounds inter- Oh, hell!” Sonia stopped speaking, bit her lip and buried her head in James’ chest.

–What’s up?” he started to say, but then a voice carried towards them.

–Well, well, well, what have we here, Potter and Sluttery. ”

–Ignore him, please,” Sonia hissed.

–Can’t do that, Son,” he muttered in reply as he groped for his wand. –Avery, how ... pleasant,” he drawled. With a smile, he released his hold on Sonia but stepped slightly in front of her. –Now, I’m not going to start anything, but I think you’ll agree that Sonia and I can take you quite easily, so ...” He paused and stepped closer to Avery, flourishing his wand in front of him. –We’d like an apology for ‘Sluttery’ and then you can go on your way.”

Avery raised one eyebrow, and then he laughed. –I’m exactly where I want to be, Potter. And what makes you think I’m alone?”

He let out a whistle, and from both ends of the corridor, two figures emerged. In the lamplight, James could make out the shapes but not the features as they approached.

–Let Sonia go,” he said, staring at Avery. –It’s me you want.”

–No, no, no,” Avery said, letting out a sigh. –This is the bitch who hexed me. You’re just a bonus, Potter.”
Chapter Endnotes: Thank you if you've read this despite the wait. I am a bad bad person, but will try to update more regularly.

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