A Pensieve of Memories
Chapter Two:
First Detentions and Busy Wormtails
Chapter Graphic by dare4distance @ the Dark Arts
*****
“No, James, I don’t want that. It’s too low cut.” Lily said impatiently to James. They were looking for the perfect wedding gown for Lily since their wedding was already in two weeks.
“But Lily, it looks perfect on you.” James insisted, looking from Lily to the gown. She threw him a look that clearly said “I’m the one wearing it, not you.” before going to the next shop. He sighed and then followed her.
Meanwhile, a man a few blocks away was going home from a shop in Diagon Alley. He was once again refused by a shop owner to work for him because he was a werewolf. This man’s name is Remus Lupin.
Before going inside his house, he listened through the door for noises indicating that Sirius Black might have apparated there earlier. When he heard none, he went inside. Suddenly, someone grabbed him and pulled him towards the wall.
“Moony, my old friend! I was waiting for you to get home! You think sticking your ear to the door will help you find out if I’m inside or not? I was being as quiet as a mouse!” Sirius Black said, laughing.
“Padfoot, get off me or else I’ll hex you.”
“Wow, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today!”
“That’s because another wizard rejected me from a job- again.” Remus retorted gruffly. Sirius then let go of his arm and stared at him.
“Poor Moony, I better cheer you up!!” he cried, running from the room to the kitchen, holding two bottles of Butterbeer when he came back. Remus gaped at him. “I was starting to think you were going to fill me with Firewhisky instead of Butterbeer. And I’m very happy that you didn’t.”
Sirius laughed, opened his bottle, and drank from it. “You’re lucky you have something to do, applying for jobs. I’m completely bored!”
“Why don’t you apply for a job too?”
“What?”
“Apply for a job. I know you have lots of money, but it wouldn’t hurt to get some more. Besides, you said you were bored.” Remus explained.
Sirius paused for a moment before answering. “I’ve always wanted to be an Auror but since I’m a Black, I was wondering if anyone in their right minds would want to hire a Black to be an Auror.” He said, shaking his head. He drank again.
“Well you should at least try. I mean, not all Aurors don’t care.”
“Yeah. Maybe I should try.” Sirius pondered. “But then, why are you so concerned about me getting a job?”
“Maybe because I don’t want any of my friends to end up like me. Not allowed to earn money in the wizarding world, I mean. James is a Healer, Lily is a housewife, Peter said he’s already applying for something, and how about us?”
“Well, all of us are just a bunch of brainless bloody gits. I better annoy Prongs and Lily now, you’re getting boring.” He said, not meeting Remus’ eye when he said this. “Besides, as best man, I want to now what the bride and groom are doing with the wedding preparations.” He added, disapparating on the spot with his bottle of Butterbeer and leaving Remus.
He gaped at the place where Sirius disapparated, finished his bottle, and muttered, “Brainless, bloody git” While shaking his head.
A short, slightly plump man with mousy blonde hair and watery blue eyes was walking along a dark alleyway. He then met a man wearing a long black cloak and hood.
The mysterious man then said, “Peter Pettigrew, right? Well, I was ordered to contact everyone and tell that there’s a meeting tomorrow.” Peter nodded nervously.
“It’s your first, isn’t it?” the man said, sneering at him.
“Y-yes. But I’ll be happy to join. Wh-who wouldn’t?” he said, trying to sound confident. The mysterious man looked at him and said quietly, “Alright then. See you tomorrow, Peter Pettigrew.”
“Call me Wormtail.” Peter said and the man nodded.
Then Wormtail and the man departed.
James was looking around the shop for wedding apparel for brides and grooms and was clearly disappointed with this one when he heard a shriek from Lily. When he turned around, he found Sirius laughing and Lily looking furious.
“Padfoot, my old friend, why are you scaring Lily out of her wits?” James asked Sirius, trying not to laugh.
“Prongs, my old friend, I was merely greeting Lily by apparating right in front of her.” He replied, shaking with laughter at Lily’s furious face.
“It’s not funny, James! You don’t even care if your best friend apparates in front of me!” Lily snapped, clearly agitated.
“Flower, my love, it was just a practical joke pulled by Padfoot over here. No need to get so angry.” James said coolly. “Besides, there are several unexplored parts of Diagon Alley that we haven’t been to yet.” Then he pulled her out of the shop and onto the streets of Diagon Alley.
Lily had calmed down and threw a glare at Sirius before walking ahead of them. “Anyway, Sirius, how did you know exactly where to apparate? You have to know your destination before apparating, but you didn’t know where we were.” she asked, pretending as if nothing happened.
“Well, I apparated in Diagon Alley, knowing that you were shopping for your wedding, and began looking at the shops. Then I saw you in that “Twilfitt and Tatting’s” shop- don’t go back there, it’s a nasty place-, looking daggers at poor Prongs and I apparated in front of you.” Sirius explained sarcastically, looking at a shop that sold ancient-looking books. “I just came from Moony’s place, by the way.” He added, when he saw a book about werewolves at the shop window.
“Really? How’s he doing? Haven’t seen him since three days ago at your house.” James asked curiously.
“Well he just applied for a job somewhere near here a while ago. Rejected. Again. I’m surprised you didn’t see him.” Sirius said, looking at Knockturn Alley just around the corner with great dislike. “Hmm, I might see some of my family and their friends in there.” He added unnecessarily, quickly turning away from it.
“Hey guys, I was wondering if we could continue adding to the Pensieve tomorrow. I just couldn’t think of any other memory that happened in first year that was significant.” Lily said, turning to look at them.
“Well…er…I secretly added a memory when you weren’t looking.” James confessed guiltily.
“WHAT?” Sirius said, surprised. “What memory did you add, Prongs?” Sirius asked.
James was silent for a while and then grinned sheepishly. “Our first detention.” He mumbled. Lily stared at him while Sirius laughed. “I haven’t visited it yet, I only added the memory. I wanted to wait for you people.” He added.
Lily looked murderous but then her expression softened. “Well that’s a weird memory that you would want to remember, but at least I have proof that you weren’t such a perfect wizard back then, James.” Lily said, smiling. “Oh- and we can search for wedding clothes next time. I’m tired.”
And then the three of them went back to their homes.
There was a pop and then colorful, sparkling lights shot out of Sirius Black’s wand. “Padfoot, calm down, will you? The guy just accepted an interview; it’s not as if you’re an Auror already.” James Potter complained to his friend rather crossly. “Those lights are very distracting.”
Sirius stopped and stared at James. “You’re not even doing anything. You’re just sitting there in front of me. So why are you getting distracted?” he replied impatiently, happiness still etched across his face.
“It’s because I was thinking.”
“Daydreaming about you and your Lily’s wedding, more like.”
“Maybe you’re jealous because you haven’t got a girlfriend.”
“I don’t care about bloody girlfriends; I’m still celebrating over my soon-to-be job!”
James frowned and shook his head; Sirius must be like this because he hasn’t been doing anything important for a long time.
Just then, Lily entered the room with a delicious lunch. “Make sure you leave some for Remus and Peter, I know how much you two love to eat.” She said, looking at them knowingly.
Suddenly, someone apparated on the couch. “Hey, Moony! What’s up?” Sirius cried, jumping down on the couch. “Guess what? I’m going to have an interview for my Auror job!”
Remus looked at him and said tiredly, “Right. Good for you. It was a full moon last night.”
“WHAT?” James said, surprised. “You should have told us! We could have become Animagi and run around with you.”
“No. You guys were busy. Best not disturb you.” He explained wearily. “You and Lily were preparing for the wedding, then I think Sirius here was asking for that Auror interview, and Peter was- well, I don’t really know. Anyway, I’m fine.”
“But it was a full moon! No wonder you look like someone beat you up- and you even apparated directly to the couch.” Said James, concerned for his friend.
“Leave it, Remus is probably tired. Badgering him won’t help.” Lily said, even before any of them could reply. “Accio water glasses.” Then four glasses filled with water zoomed from the kitchen, without spilling a single drop.
“So, where’d Wormtail go? He’s not coming?” Sirius asked curiously. “I’ve noticed he’s been pretty busy lately.
“Well he told me he might not be able to come, I have no idea why.” Remus replied, grabbing a glass of water.
Everyone started eating Lily’s delicious cooking. “I can’t believe you only learned to cook two weeks ago!” James exclaimed, complimenting his precious Lily flower to make her happy.
“I learned it from my mother. My sister was really smug because she learned cooking earlier but then she started sulking when I started cooking using magic. She was so unbearable…I really hope I can move out of my house to ours, James! We haven’t even chosen a new house yet.” Lily said, cutting her steak.
James looked at her and answered, “Well, we’ll find a house with a big kitchen soon. My house isn’t exactly a new, cozy one.”
They continued eating until most of the food was gone.
“So why don’t we start with the Pensieve? You said the memory of our first detention was there already.” Remus asked, standing up from the couch and examining the Pensieve on the small side table.
“Hey, I want to add the memory that made us have our first detention! I remember it was in Defense Against the Dark Arts class when we were copying answers and talking back at that Professor, I think… it was hilarious!” Sirius said excitedly.
“Then add it in if Lily doesn’t mind.” James told him.
“I don’t mind, James. It’s just a detention, for Merlin’s sake, I don’t think it’s important. Well, maybe for a few laughs it is.” Lily said.
Then Sirius got the memory from his head using his wand and put it into the Pensieve. “Can we go down now?” he asked quietly, looking down at it with excitement.
“Maybe we should add a few more memories first, so we wouldn’t be viewing them one at a time. More to see, you know.” Remus explained thoughtfully.
“Oh, alright then.” Sirius said, disappointed.
“I don’t think I even want to look at that memory.” Remus said, shuddering. “The day of the detention was a full moon…you know, my furry little problem.”
“Well I don’t think its bad seeing what we did back then.”
“Well that’s your opinion, Padfoot, not mine.”
“Sorry, Moony, why don’t you stay here while, Prongs, Lily, and I go see the damn memory?”
“Jeez, sorry to get you mad, I didn’t say I wouldn’t go! I just said it might not be all too good for me.”
Sirius didn’t say anything to this but then was about to jump in the Pensieve when James grabbed him. “Hey mate, I think we do have to add more memories first, like what Moony said.” He explained. “And I was thinking about Christmas.”
Sirius stopped and looked at James. “Christmas, huh? Not a bad idea. It would be nice to remember what we got each other.” He pondered thoughtfully.
Then Remus took a memory and put it into the Pensieve. “There. Nice memory, that was.” The memory shined as it moved freely around the Pensieve below them. “Perhaps we can add another one?” he added, looking from the excited Sirius, to the curious James, and then to the thoughtful Lily.
“I remember we took revenge on that evil Professor that gave you detentions. He was driven out of the school, remember? I think it was because of us!” she said, her eyes lighting up making the brilliant emerald green shade of her eyes more beautiful.
Sirius and Remus nodded while James did nothing but stare at Lily, probably because her eyes were so beautiful. He then snapped out of his daze when he said, “Right. I’ll do it.” He then extracted another memory. The Pensieve shone more than ever.
The four of them looked at it then Sirius jumped in followed by Lily, then James, and last of all, Remus.
When they looked around, they saw that they were inside a classroom. It was Defense Against the Dark Arts when they had gotten detention! But what had happened?
Then an unpleasant voice spoke. “I am Professor Dawson. Now I would first like to discuss with you the rules and regulations you shall be following in this class. I don’t have much tolerance for trouble makers and rule breakers.” Professor Dawson said sternly.
“Rules and regulations? Trials and tribulations, more like.” The younger Sirius muttered under his breath. Fortunately, the professor didn’t hear. The older Sirius, meanwhile, snorted and shook with silent laughter. The professor looked like a strict monkey that was always mad. The students were starting to dislike him.
He continued, “You shall all raise your hands when you want to speak. All homework assignments must be completed in the right time, in the proper form. No smudges or cross-outs or tears in the parchment. If I find any of this, I shall toss it in the rubbish bin, ungraded. You will speak respectfully of me, no talking or snide remarks behind my back. You will always work quietly for the entire period, copy notes, and read whatever I tell you to. Understand?”
The students nodded and stared at him with wide eyes. “You will also start this school year with a little quiz.” He added, handing out papers to them. What a warm welcome they were having. “I pity us at that time; this Dawson guy is so nasty.” The older Lily said, shocked.
The students were now taking the test with disgruntled looks on their faces. Professor Dawson was not going to make Defense Against the Dark Arts enjoyable for them, they were sure of that.
After the test, the horrible professor scanned the papers for any mistakes. By the look on his face, it appeared as if he spotted a lot. “You should know by now that deserted battlefields are inhabited by Red Caps, Longbottom. Grindylows have brittle fingers and you must break their grip. You should know that by now, Black, Evans, and Gordon. And also, Boggarts are not water demons, Pettigrew.” He said nastily, sneering at them all.
“Oh- I almost forgot. Detention for Lupin and Potter for copying the wrong answers off each other’s papers.” He added, his evil grin becoming wider.
“That professor is a brainless bloody git.” The older Remus said in disbelief. James and Lily laughed while Sirius grinned. It was true, anyway.
Professor Dawson continued viewing the papers with a horrible look on his face. He then said harshly, “What have you brainless lot been doing before now?!”
“Being kids and having fun? Obviously…” the younger Sirius muttered. This time, the professor DID hear and then snarled, “Detention, Mr. Black!! I will not tolerate anyone saying something like that ever again and if I do hear any, the whole class will be having detention!”
After a whole lot more note-copying and silence, the bell finally rang signaling the end of the class, which was a relief to everyone in the room.
As James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter were about to leave, Professor Dawson barked, “Black, Lupin, Potter, up here NOW!” Then the three groaned and made their way to the professor’s desk. The older ones grinned and followed while Lily smiled and shook her head, she knew that detention came in monthly for them at Hogwarts. “Your detentions will take place Sunday on the fifth at 6:00 in my office. Understood?!”
James and Sirius nodded while Remus looked panicky. “No, Professor, I’m sorry but I don’t think I can make it in the fifth.” He said, trying to keep calm.
“Excuse me, Mr. Lupin?”
“I don’t think I’m available at that time.”
“But six o’clock on the fifth is the perfect time for me. Did I hear you correctly when you said you weren’t available?” the professor said in a mock concern voice.
“I said I can’t make it in the fifth!” Remus said angrily through gritted teeth.
“I’m afraid I don’t quite understand. All of you will be there in my office at six o’clock on the fifth and you will not contradict me again!” Dawson said with a horrible finality in his voice. “Five points from Gryffindor! Now get to class!”
“Yes, professor…” Remus muttered. It was clear that he was quite worried.
“Yes, it is clear that this professor is a brainless bloody git! Making Moony do a detention on the full moon!” James cried angrily. Sirius nodded fervently while Lily looked daggers at the professor. Remus muttered, “Yeah, horrible guy he was, wasn’t he?”
Suddenly, the room they were standing in changed. When it changed, they realized it was Professor Dawson’s office. It was dull and grey full of papers and documents. They had heard that Dawson had taught in other schools before. It seemed as if he enjoyed tormenting and torturing students.
It was only the professor, James, and Sirius in the room. “Well, I would have to give Mr. Lupin another detention tomorrow for his lateness." He said to himself, though James and Sirius heard.
“That’s not fair, he got sick!” snapped Sirius angrily.
“And would you like to join him in his extra detention, Mr. Black?” Dawson questioned viciously.
Both Sirius’ narrowed their eyes at Dawson. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I will.” The younger Sirius said firmly.
“Fine, I shall work out your detentions tomorrow.”
“What?” said Remus, who had just arrived at the doorway. “I can’t do detention tomorrow, you know I can’t!” The older Remus gaped at Dawson, he was having a full moon tonight and the effect would last until the next. There was no way he could take that detention too!
“Do you have a problem, Mr. Lupin?”
“Yes, I do have a problem and you know it!” Remus retorted angrily. At this time, James, Sirius, and Peter didn’t know about him being a werewolf yet.
Dawson shot Remus a glare and he reluctantly sat down beside James, looking sicker than ever. “You shall be extracting Flobberworm mucus for the Potions class. You will use your hands in squeezing them and the mucus shall be collected in the buckets I have provided for you.” He said nastily.
Lily was very grossed out by this and looked at James. She couldn’t believe he and his friends managed to do something so disgusting for half an hour!
After half an hour, Remus stood up, not being able to take it anymore, and approached Professor Dawson.
“Yes, Mr. Lupin?”
“I have to go.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Lupin?”
“I said I have to go!”
“NO, you will stay here and complete your detention.”
“No, Merlin, I have to go NOW!” Remus panicked, and ran out of the classroom. The other Remus followed and as Sirius was about to grab him, they had returned to James’ house.
“Merlin, I hate that guy!” James complained to the others, “He’s off his rocker for making Remus have a detention on the full moon!” Sirius nodded fervently and Lily said, “I never knew professors could get THAT unfriendly.”
“What do you mean?! Unfriendly is an understatement! Evil and cruel is more like it!” Sirius said in an outburst of rage, “You’re right, James. He IS off his rocker!!”
“I wonder why he did that, though.” Remus said quietly, “I mean, why didn’t he understand? Maybe he has a grudge against werewolves. That kind of stuff is sort of ridiculous. Why was he even a professor, torturing and tormenting us like that?” he wondered.
“I know, Moony. It’s horrible. Anyway, I have to go home. I got that interview tomorrow morning. Now that I think of it, I’m getting nervous. Bye, Prongs, Moony, Lily.” Sirius said, looking at them before disapparating with a small crack.
James looked at Lily and said, “I guess it’s time for you to go home, too, Flower.” Lily looked at him in horror and said, “I’m going to sleep here James. Maybe I can stay here until we get a new house after our marriage.”
Remus looked at them and saw that they were happy so he said, “Well, I’m going then. You people could snog as long as you want. Bye Prongs, Lily.” Then Remus disapparated with a crack.
James looked at Lily. “Hey, wanna have a nice snog?” James asked Lily jokingly. Lily looked daggers at him before she said, “Maybe next time James, I’m not in the mood right now. Goodbye, I’ll just have a nice shower.” And then she left James and went to the bathroom.
“Well that’s a bugger.” James muttered to himself. Then he looked at the window and looked at the sky. “Poor Moony, having to put up with being a werewolf when there’s a full moon.”
Then he went to close the windows as it started to rain.
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