A Trip to the Continent
The Four Marauders were gathered about their new masterpiece: The Marauder's Map.
Recognizing the need to know who was coming when setting up a prank, the four had started working the year before on making a map of the entirety of Hogwarts.
It was, perhaps, odd that their first use of it had nothing to do with pranks.
Sirius, seeing their quarry, pointed the dot out to his friends. "There she is."
James nodded. "How do we approach her?"
Sirius huffed to himself for a moment. He turned to Remus. "What do you think?"
Remus shrugged. "How about just asking her?"
Peter volunteered, "How about talking to him and then asking her?" The other three considered that. "First, we talk to her." He pointed a name out. "Then him." He pointed the second name. "And then her." And he pointed to the last name. Peter continued, "If we do it any other way, we're asking for one of them to blow up – and this isn't a prank."
Sirius and James looked at each other and then nodded. "Well, who talks to the first one?"
Peter replied, "I do. I've been doing some work with her on her projects for pocket money so she knows me."
The other three considered that. Remus supplied, "How about I go with and volunteer to assist as well? I could stand to make some pocket money as well."
Wormtail shrugged. "Fine by me, Moony. There's plenty to do."
The two marauders made their way to Madam Snape's office and knocked on her door.
"Come in!" they heard.
As they entered Eileen's face lit up. "Peter! What do you need? Our next repair day isn't for about ten days."
Peter nodded. "I know, Mrs. Snape. I'm here on another matter. Well, two actually."
"Oh?" she asked.
"First, Remus Lupin here could stand to make a few extra Galleons – his situation is not quite the same, but truly every Galleon would help him in the long run."
Eileen considered that. Like the rest of the staff, she was aware of Remus' condition. She was a bit surprised that Peter was in the know. "I can agree to that." She turned to Remus. "Well, Mr. Lupin? Would you be willing to lend your magic toward a project for Hogwarts for a few Galleons an hour every few weeks or so?"
Remus shrugged. "It sounds good to me. What kind of magic?"
"Repair charms, cleaning charms – we're taking old, broken antiques and repairing them, cleaning them of magic, and then selling them in the Muggle world where they are worth much more money. The proceeds are used as a source for Hogwarts upgrades."
Remus nodded. "It sounds good to me."
"Good! I have a few students considering opening repair shops when they leave Hogwarts as a steady source of income. Make your own hours and just don't use the magic in front of Muggles. It's quite easy if you think about it."
Remus was very interested. Make your own hours translated to working around the full moon for him. It was something he should consider when he had time.
"And what else do you need?" Eileen asked.
Peter sighed. "The Four of us in 5th Year Gryffindor have to go to Geneva by Portkey next weekend. Did the Headmaster tell you?"
Eileen nodded. "You have some registering to do at the ICW."
"Right. He also mentioned that your son should also go and take his solicitor to register some potions that are already registered here?"
Eileen nodded once again. "Yes. I am thankful that the Headmaster and staff seem to be looking after my son's interests."
"Well, we were told we were allowed to bring a guest each. While I plan on bringing the witch I'm tutoring, and the other Gryffindors have plans on people to bring, we would like permission to set up a guest for your son as well. Like us, he would have someone to see the sights with after the required work is done at the ICW offices. The Headmaster said there is a magical village near the ICW offices and he would allow us to treat it like a Hogsmeade weekend but in a new country."
Eileen was curious. "I would imagine that Severus would ask his cousin Lily."
Peter nodded. "James plans on asking her – politely. So as not to leave Severus out, we have a girl who might respond favorably if we ask her to act as escort."
Eileen narrowed her eyes. "And who is this that you are suggesting?"
"Ms. Felicia Channing, 5th Year Slytherin."
Eileen's eyes widened a bit at that. The Channing family was not unknown and she had seen the girl – she was quite attractive. It would be far different experience than Severus was used to. "And why would she agree?"
Remus and Peter looked at each other and chuckled. Remus replied, "When she was being harassed by an unpleasant Sixth Year Ravenclaw, we took steps to teach the boy a lesson about 'no' meaning 'no' when a witch says it regarding an advance. She was appreciative of our efforts."
Eileen considered that. "If Severus approves, I will accept it," was her only reply.
The two bowed briefly to the woman and left. They then went off to retrieve the other two and to face the Snake. After a brief discussion between the four, they decided to speak to Snape before the Dinner meal.
The four waited quietly until their quarry arrived, speaking with Lily as he did so. After they split off, they stood up. Sirius also saw his brother arrive.
A number of eyes watched as the Marauders walked over to the Slytherin table. Several were surprised when James Potter made a motion indicating Parley – this was a new development.
"Mr. Snape. If it would not inconvenience you, I would like to arrange to speak to you privately about a matter of mutual interest," James said somewhat formally.
Severus looked at his for former rivals with a blank look and one eyebrow raised. This was new. "I accept Parley. We shall speak after the dinner meal," Snape paused a moment, "just inside the main entrance. Is this acceptable?"
James replied, "Yes. And our thanks for your time and consideration." He bowed his head briefly with more deference than was strictly required: Potter was the son of a wealthy family and Severus Snape was a halfblood. Potter's depth of bow, however, indicated he was acknowledging Snape as an equal. It was quite interesting to the politically-minded Slytherins present.
They then noticed one of the four peel off and make his way to another Slytherin. Many tried to listen in without being obvious. When Sirius arrived he said to his brother Regulus, "Regulus. We also need to speak very soon regarding a family matter. Will you have time after dinner?"
Regulus was a bit surprised. Sirius, who he had long looked up to, had become distant after starting Hogwarts, especially once he had been sorted to Slytherin. Thereafter, there was always tension when they spoke. This time, Regulus saw no tension in Sirius whatsoever. "That will be fine. Before or after your other talk?" Reggie nodded briefly toward Snape.
"Which do you want?" Sirius asked curiously.
"Will it be fast?" Sirius nodded agreement that this was true. Regulus looked at the time. There were still a few minutes before dinner. "Why don't we talk now?" Sirius nodded in a agreement and led his brother out of the hall to an empty area. "What's this about?"
His brother grinned at him, and Regulus noted that this was friendlier than Sirius' smiles over the previous years. "I met with Grandfather a few days ago about family politics. During the Yule Break, he expects us to go to his place rather than Grimmauld so that a few things can be sorted out. Originally, he just asked for me but I told him I wouldn't come without my brother. He expects us straight off the train – he'll be sending a portkey for us. While I'm writing a note for Orion and Walburga, you should write your own letter. Tell them that you will visit for a brief time during Yule but don't have the exact schedule yet."
Regulus sighed. Sirius had long given up the idea of a good relationship with their parents. But he was heartened that Sirius so readily still called him brother and Arcturus Grandfather – it made it less likely that he was being disowned – something that had long worried Regulus. He did not want to take Sirius' place as heir. He gave his brother a small smile.
"Okay. I'll write them and let them know. Anything else I can tell them?"
"Tell them that it's up to Grandfather as Head of the Black family as to what you can divulge. And that I appear to be under the same limitations."
Regulus nodded. "Okay. Thanks for telling me, Siri."
Sirius grinned at the old nickname his brother had used when they were kids. "No problem, Reggie. I think we'll have fun."
The two farewelled each other and went back inside. It was noted by the more observant Slytherins that Regulus Black was far less distant and taciturn than he was wont to be. At times, he would even smile. The politically minded took note.
Severus Snape casually made his way out of the Great Hall after dinner. His plans for the night included compiling the notes on the modifications for the 6th year textbook. He and Lily had made much progress. After they would be going to Astronomy at Midnight.
Severus saw the four Marauders waiting near the front doors. He noted that Potter looked a bit nervous. He walked up. "Good evening, Potter and Minions. What do you wish to speak of?" he asked with a dry tone.
James sighed and replied, "You know of the upcoming trip to Geneva?"
Snape nodded. "I have been making ready for it."
"Well, in addition to the things we need to do at the ICW offices, I was told that we would be allowed to spend a few hours in the magical enclave near the ICW offices – kind of like a Hogsmeade visit."
Severus asked curiously. "What of it?"
James swallowed and said, "While I intend to politely ask Lily if she wants to accompany me, along with Petunia with Peter, Marlene with Sirius, and Ann with Remus, it was suggested that in the interest of cordiality and to make up for some of our past … indiscretions, we would also ensure you had a suitable companion."
Severus narrowed his eyes. "You know that I am not interested in frivolity as a matter of course. I would think that this would be eminently apparent."
James nodded. "I know. But, this is a bit different and, while I can't see you going wild, spending all of your time with Lily when she is a cousin might be considered … odd." James snorted. "Of course not that odd given Pureblood culture, but still a bit too closely related."
Severus rolled his eyes. "I grew up in the Muggle world. Such things are more taboo than the Wizarding world. Close enough to know how related you are means too close to marry in most cases, unless you are part of the Nobility. Even then – it's frowned upon."
James nodded in relief. "Right. So anyway, I was asked to insure you had a proper escort. Would you be offended if we asked Ms. Felicia Channing to be your escort? We will also fund the trip to the magical enclave."
Severus gave the Marauders a long look. "I have my own money now – I do not need assistance. I will ask Ms. Channing if she would like to accompany a group to Geneva a week from tomorrow and ensure she receives parental permission." Severus knew that his own stock in Slytherin had risen greatly due to his newly cleaned up image as well as the knowledge that he owned the rights to some of the potions now used in maintaining the potions classroom. He had also lost that "greasy" look with the potion for his hair.
These were the very potions that he would be registering for sale worldwide. He stood to earn a lot of galleons. His solicitors had already begun talks with several companies regarding the sale and delivery of the potions to educational institutions as well as potions companies. His hair potion was set to be sold to a cosmetic company.
He also already got on fairly well with the beautiful fifth year. If he needed to bring an escort – he could do much worse. She, unlike some other socialite witches, was not a brainless dunderhead only looking for an advantageous marriage. Her wit was also quite divine at times – he was always amused when she let forth with her cutting observations toward those who demonstrated abject stupidity.
All that was left was completing arrangements with Lily and her friends. They had agreed to wait until Petunia had arrived so that all could be asked at once.
Walking back toward the Gryffindor common room, the Marauders ran into their Defense Professor.
"Hello, Professor," James said. The others echoed him.
"Hello, boys. Have you completed making arrangements?" Gary asked.
"We're well on our way. We just spoke to Snape about asking Channing along. We plan to wait until Petunia arrives tomorrow night before asking the girls in Gryffindor."
The Defense Professor considered that. "Why don't you mention to the girls that you wish to speak to them tomorrow as a group as regards an opportunity? Let them know that you will not explain until Petunia also arrives as she will be involved. Be polite about it. It will be far more attractive than … some of your previous blandishments I have seen." Gary grinned. James had a history of acting the fool and they all knew it.
Sheepishly, James agreed and the rest followed.
"Now. You did a fairly decent job in keeping your new invention secret – but you haven't always paid enough attention. Let me see the parchment."
At first they tried to deny it but the Professor was too confident and finally they offered it up – unopened. The Professor was quite amused by the insults. After casting a spell so he couldn't "hear the password" he asked them to activate it.
After a long look the Professor said, "Before next week, ensure you have a complete record of all spells, runes, potions, and directions necessary to make this map. In addition to the registration you already have scheduled, you will submit a patent for this. I know that some people would pay a great deal for this – and you might as well profit from your intelligence. Do as I advise, and before Christmas you should all start seeing profits."
The Marauders were amazed by the idea. They had done the map as a pranking tool. Their Professor was talking as though it was a business asset.
Gary would "help them set up the Marauders Map Inc." (he had already done it – Gringotts was already paying royalties for their use in the tunnels – and Gringotts would then, once registered, start selling the ideas to different Ministries for security at a premium). It was the one weakness in his setup in the library – it already had a map. Gary had just divinely "encouraged" those in the know into not talking about it.
If he had any say, the Marauder's Map concept would find full use in keeping folks safe throughout the magical world. The fact that the Marauders had ignored this in his own world had actually kind of annoyed him once he thought about it: All of that brilliance and the four used it for pranking – and nothing else. What a complete waste.
A week later ...
Petunia Evans was finishing her last class at school, looking forward to going home and then going to Hogwarts. Normally, she went to Hogwarts on Saturday night, but she had been invited by her tutor and friend … boyfriend her mind whispered to her … on a trip to Switzerland. While he and his friends had some business to take care of, afterward Peter would escort her around the local magical enclave.
Peter had promised her Swiss chocolate and she was really looking forward to it. She was imagining what it would be like as she walked home.
Suddenly, she was interrupted by a voice.
Vernon Dursley, recent graduate of Smeltings Academy, was visiting with an old chum. His job at Grunnings would begin January and he was out to have fun. His friend, who was in his last year of school himself, had told him that the girl he saw walking home was a classmate. Her name was Petunia Evans.
So, with inflated ideas of his own prowess, Vernon waited next to the teenage hangout for the girl that had been pointed out to him. She wasn't such a great beauty that she'd be popular and she wasn't really ugly either – Vernon considered her easy pickings.
As the girl walked up, obviously distracted, Vernon spoke. "Petunia Evans?" he asked.
The girl stopped and focused on him. "Yes, that's me. Do I know you?"
Vernon gave an easy smile. "No. I'm a friend of one of your classmates – Jamie Johnstone. I finished Smeltings Academy last June and start my new job in a few weeks. We were hanging out and told me your name when I asked who the pretty girl was."
Petunia gave him a small smile. "I see. Well, thank you for the compliment."
Vernon scoffed. "Telling it like I see it. Anyway, I decided I wanted to get to know you. Would you like to go out to the cinema tonight or tomorrow night?"
Petunia, although flattered, had no interest in the boy that had just introduced himself. "I'm sorry. I will be travelling to Scotland tonight to visit with my younger sister who goes to a boarding school there. And then tomorrow, I already have plans to spend it with a good friend who I am close to. I would not want to disappoint him by changing my mind so late."
The smile she had for this unknown boy irritated him but he hid it with a smile. "I promise that if you stay in town, you'll have a grand time."
Petunia could see that attitude through the smile. She shook her head. "Sorry. But considering that arrangements have already been made to travel to the continent, stay overnight, and then return, it would be quite rude to disrupt those plans. Considering I've never been to the continent, I am quite looking forward to it."
"Come on. Why would you want to spend time with foreigners when you can spend time with a nice English boy?" Vernon was really trying to put up his almost non-existent charm.
Petunia just shook her head and started to move away. Vernon, who didn't want to let her go, moved to stand in her way.
With a move that Lily had practiced with her until she got it right, Petunia grabbed her hidden wand and, while still hidden, concentrated on a stinging hex – the only spell she could do non-verbally. As soon as she felt the pulse of magic, she covered for it by kicking the large boy right in the bullocks.
Vernon fell down heavily – his mind hadn't separated the two sensations and therefore there was no violation of the Statute of Secrecy..
She looked down and said, "No means no. It's best to learn that early in life." She quickly moved away.
Petunia arrived to the front gates at Hogwarts at 6:00, as she usually did. And, also as she usually did, she made her way to the Great Hall to eat with her sister and her friends.
Upon entering, she her Lily's voice. "Tunie!" looking over, she smiled at her madly waving younger sister. She made her way over and Lily, who was still standing, threw her arms around Petunia before dragging her to sit down.
Lily always was a bossy little thing.
Lily asked, "So. Are you looking forward to tomorrow?" she asked her sister.
"Yes. We've never been to the continent. It's very exciting."
Lily replied, "I know! It was nice to be asked, even if it was by James Potter." She hid her blush fairly well – James had long been her secret crush but she had promised herself not to agree to go out with him unless he grew up. And this year he had finally grown up a bit. Her sister, however, did not buy the casual dismissal.
"Yes. Like it's such a burden to you," Petunia said as she rolled her eyes. Lily's roommates snickered – they knew better as well.
"How are Mum and Dad? What's been happening? How is your other school?" Lily shot several questions at Petunia.
"Mum and Dad are fine – I think they are enjoying having the house to themselves on Sunday … a lot. They always have this odd happiness when I come back home, if you know what I mean."
Lily did. "Ewwww. I did not need to know that!"
Petunia nodded in agreement. "At least you don't have to see it every week. Anyway, school is fine. A boy tried to chat me up today – wouldn't take no for an answer when I told him I already had plans."
Lily was suddenly concerned. "What happened?"
"You know that trick you taught me until I could do it perfectly?" Lily nodded in anticipation. "One non-verbal stinging spell to the wedding tackle and then a swift kick to cover it up so they don't notice the spell … works perfectly." Petunia had a vicious grin as she said this.
Lily looked at Petunia with wide, worshipful eyes and then laughed loudly. "Tell me everything!"
It just so happened that Remus Lupin's sensitive hearing picked up the exchange and he listened to Petunia describe what she had done to the muggle who tried to get too friendly. Finally, he turned to Peter. "Wormtail?"
"Moony?" Peter asked curiously.
"Make certain you stay very nice to Petunia. Very nice."
"Why do you say that?" he asked curiously. Padfoot and Prongs also looked interested.
In a low voice Remus explained what he had overheard due to his sensitive hearing. When he described the spell and the kick, his friends all cringed a bit at the idea. "So – don't make any mistakes which might cause her to practice the move on you. That's all I'm saying."
Peter fervently agreed. "Complete gentleman! I will be a complete gentleman! I really don't need to experience that first hand." He turned toward Prongs. "And remember who taught her, Prongs."
James coughed a bit trying to keep his breath even. "Yes." Cough. "I'll … ah … remember that."
Early the next morning, the diverse group of Hogwarts students plus one chaperone plus one Solicitor met at the Ministry via the floo and grabbed hold of the International Portkey Dumbledore had scheduled for them.
The Ministry official counted it down. "Three … two … one … Good luck!" He said this right as the group disappeared.
The large group arrived right where they expected to. All of them landed lightly – except James Potter who had fallen down, taking Sirius Black with him.
The others heard Sirius' voice, "Ge'off me!" from under James. Remus quickly helped James and then Sirius up while Peter snickered. The girls with them also snickered a bit. Severus, however, kept his face neutral – even if he was laughing his arse off internally.
"Yeah, laugh it up, Wormy! I don't know why but I just can't stand Portkeys. Give me a broom and I'm great. I can even handle side-along. But the floo always makes me dizzy and Portkeys always make me fall."
Sirius, now that he wasn't under his best friend, said, "You'll get it. Eventually." Sirius then snickered himself.
Petunia looked at James. "I guess growing up a wizard doesn't help with some things. I did better than that the first time I ever used a Portkey."
James sighed petulantly even as Lily made a few sympathetic noises while she helped straighten him out – trying to hide her own laughter all the while. It did look quite funny.
Eileen Snape finally got their attention. "Okay. First, we have to visit registrations. We have patent registrations for Severus and Lily and restricted magic registration for three Gryffindors. Right?"
James actually raised his hand – even if it was unnecessary. "We also have a patent registration – our Defense Professor helped us with the parchments."
The Snapes' solicitor agreed. "I saw them. That's the same place as Potions patents as well. So we can all go there first." He turned. "Unless Petunia and the other ladies wish to wait elsewhere?" Petunia was the "of age" member of those who were just coming with.
Petunia looked at the other girls who were being escorted by the boys after their business finished. None looked interested in going off yet. She turned. "We'll go with you to the first office – maybe one of us will need to do something similar in the future. We can see after that."
There was agreement all around and the solicitor, who had been there before, led the way.
It took less than an hour to finish at the Patent Registration office and then another decision had to be made. "Okay." James really wanted to keep this a secret for the moment. "How about if I give Remus here enough for everybody to get a drink at the place across the road? I'll pay for everyone. Mrs. Snape can come with us to the other office as the responsible adult. Petunia will be in charge of everyone else." The Solicitor had quickly caught a portkey back when his part was done.
Everyone agreed and, after James coughed up the Galleons, Petunia and Remus led the group out of the building.
The remaining registrations took only half an hour. Each had to demonstrate their form and show they could maintain it under some stress (light stinging hexes and other low level jinxes as well as some physical running around the demonstration area). The specific characteristics of each animagus form was detailed in full and, finally, they were let go.
They met up with the group and each had their own hot chocolate (it was November, after all) before the students paired off and made their way around the magical enclave.
Eileen Snape and Petunia Evans were designated as the responsible adults. If there was trouble, they were to find one of them, preferably Eileen.
Overall, the students had a grand time. Although similar in some ways to Hogsmeade, there were marked differences. First of all, there were more than one of different types of businesses. Instead of one shop carrying sweets (Honeydukes) there were quite a few and each was doing good business for such a quiet day.
They learned that it was busier during the week because there were no schools nearby.
Ann rolled her eyes at the boy escorting her, which was Remus. As much as she loved chocolate, Remus was far, far more excited about learning the different types and tasting every one he could get his hands on. At one point, Amy accused him with a smirk of being a closet witch with how much he loved chocolate.
Lily had been interested in bookstores as well as a chocolatier. James convinced her to try a shop that had some magical games. Each also bought a few gifts for Christmas for loved ones as they knew that the likelihood of another chance before the Holiday break was nill.
Severus and Felicia inspected the local sights with a stately grace. Both were Slytherins and both considered it their duty to maintain a certain social propriety, especially in an environment they were not familiar with around people that they did not know but whom might be, no more how remotely it was likely, important in some way. Felicia did lighten up a bit when Severus bought her some of the Swiss chocolate as well.
Sirius led Marlene McKinnon around the enclave with an enthusiasm which quite amused her. Unlike the proper Slytherins or the still-hesitant James and Lily, Sirius quite literally grabbed onto life whenever possible and Marlene actually enjoyed being along for the ride. Games, chocolates, children's shows – anything that might contain some fun – and Sirius was all over it.
And Petunia? Petunia wanted to see everything.
Not having spent several years in a magical environment, everything she came across was new and interesting. And Peter was quite helpful in explaining things that she had been unfamiliar with. Shops with enchanted items, magical sweets, magical games, books, potions ingredients … there was a lot to see and Petunia took the chance to see as much as possible. Things that most magical people considered everyday and humdrum were fascinating. Even the idea of a foe-glass and sneak-o-scope were quite new to her.
She, however, thought a rememberall quite useless. Peter agreed with her.
After meeting back up with everyone and a suggestion that Christmas presents could be bought, there was some frenzied shopping on everyone's part. The boys, for the most part, financed the girls as necessary, even if some of it they would pay back once they returned to Britain. Luckily for Peter and Remus, they had made arrangements for an advance on some of the work they were doing for Eileen or they would have been broke within an hour.
At 6:15 local time (5:15 GMT) the group was on their way back to the British Ministry for Magic. And by 5:30, they were flooing into the Three Broomsticks. By 5:50, they were walking in the door to Hogwarts.
The group was met by, strangely, the Defense Professor. When he saw them, his face lit up as though he was relieved to see them. His first words confused the group. "Petunia! There you are. I need to talk to you."
"Professor? What do you need?"
The Professor glanced around at the other curious faces and then back. "Er. Do you have any current plans for when you finish your Secondary schooling? University? A particular job lined up?" The Professor looked quite hopeful.
Petunia thought about it. "Not really. With learning magic, my original plans had changed. I might still try to go to University but it's looking less and less appealing as I learn more and more here. Why?"
"How would you like a job for a couple years until your boyfriend here graduates Hogwarts?" he asked.
Petunia's eyes narrowed. "What kind of job are we talking about?"
"Umm. A job in a magical ice-cream shoppe?" he replied, his hopeful look in full bloom.