The Other Malfoy {Marauders Era}

Going Home For The Holidays

     A few days after Aquila and Sirius snuck out, it was officially the Christmas holidays. Many students were going home to their families, though those few who preferred to stay at Hogwarts were enjoying the peace and quiet.

     "Aquila, get up right now or I'm leaving you here!" James yelled as Aquila slowly made her way down the stairs.

     "I'm already up, no need to yell," she yawned, too tired to fight back.

     "Poor Aquila, having to wake up before noon." James laughed, earning a dark look from Aquila.

     "Well excuse me Mr. I-can-wake-up-whenever!" She fired back. Sirius just chuckled and took Aquila's suitcase from her and walked out the common room door.

     "I'll be on the train, slowpokes!" He laughed, leaving the two behind. Aquila looked at James.

     "What just happened?" She inquired. James just shrugged and left, with Aquila following close behind. The trio boarded the train, quick to find the compartment that they used. Remus had left already, going on one of the earlier rides. This was the last one of the day, the only one that Aquila would even consider waking up for. Aquila quickly flopped down into one of the seats next to Sirius and laid her head on his shoulder.

     "Wake me up when we get there," she yawned, and then she was out. Sirius just shook his head while James was grinning.

     "Merlin, just wait until next year. You two will win the cutest couple- after Evans and I that is." James added quickly. Sirius just rolled his eyes.

     "You're just jealous that she actually likes me, unlike someone I know," he grinned cheekily. James feigned surprise while Sirius laughed quietly so as not to disturb Aquila.

     "So what's on the agenda for a Very Potter Christmas this year?" Sirius asked. James just grinned.

     "You'll see," he replied. Sirius raised an eyebrow but didn't question it any further.

     Aquila was walking around Malfoy Manor, just exploring the rooms when screams started. She quickly ran towards them and opened the door, only to see herself writhing on the floor, her Father with fire in his eyes and a wand pointed at her.

     "You will never amount to anything. I thank Merlin every day that Draco is here because without him the Malfoy name would be ruined. Oh, and your Mother says goodbye. Avada Kedavra!" Lucius said, and a green beam came out of his wand, waking Aquila up. She was panting and looked around the small compartment frantically, forgetting where she was for a moment. After seeing that it was just a dream, she calmed down and rested back on Sirius's shoulder. He didn't see her moment of panic as he was asleep, but James had woken up and was staring at the girl with concern.

     "What's wrong?" He asked quietly. Aquila turned her head to James, and he could see that she was shaken up about something. He sat up and looked into her eyes, saying, "what happened?" Aquila shook her head and hugged herself.

     "I-It was just a dream. Nothing to worry about. Go back to sleep, James," she tried assuring the boy, but he wasn't having it. Now fully awake, he just gave her a disbelieving look before Aquila sighed. "I dreamed that I was walking through Malfoy manor. Then I heard screams, so I ran there, and I saw myself and L-Lucius. He pointed a wand at me and said 'you will never amount to anything,' and something else about how 'the Malfoy name would be ruined' with me. T-then he used the k-killing curse..." Aquila finished, getting quiet at the end, looking away and trying not to cry. Sirius woke up and yawned, looking around the compartment in confusion. James was looking at Aquila sadly, and Aquila looked like she was about to cry. Sirius immediately pulled her onto his lap and she buried her head in his shoulder, all while he was looking at James questioningly.

     What happened? He mouthed to his friend. James shook his head and mouthed 'later' back. Sirius frowned but continued to comfort Aquila, wondering what shook her up this much. A few minutes later Aquila composed herself and wiped her eyes, but she stayed with Sirius and James took note of that. No matter how close Sirius and James were, Sirius would always be closer to Aquila. To James, Aquila was like his sister. Sure they bickered and fought, but they always made up, and they would do anything for each other.

     "So!" Sirius says, trying to break the tension, "do you know what you're getting everyone for Christmas?"

     "No clue," James replied with a shrug.

     "Of course," Aquila said with a smile.

     "Well, I don't. James, we should go shopping." Sirius said, and James nodded. Aquila rolled her eyes.

     "I need to go shopping too. I don't have what I'm getting everyone, I just know what I'm getting." Aquila stated, and Sirius looked at her.

     "You mean you're going to willingly go shopping with us again?" He asked, eyes wide.

     "Of course I am you prick. Only because I have no choice though," she added after she saw James's face. Sirius waved a hand.

     "Sure, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night. Well this is great! We can all harrass the people of Diagon Alley together! Wouldn't that be fun?" He said enthusiastically. James grinned and nodded.

     "Yeah! I have some extra pranks in my trunk..." James said with smirking evilly. Aquila sighed and shook her head.

     "I have no idea why I still hang out with you two. While you plan pranks, I'm going to find Lily before the train stops." She said while getting up, only to be stopped by Sirius putting a hand on her wrist.

     "No, you're going to stay here and help us! We could use you since Remus is at home and Peter stayed at Hogwarts. I mean, James might look smart, but let me tell you, he really isn't." Sirius whispered that last part, making Aquila laugh.

     "Fine. But you owe me." She gave in, and Sirius smiled triumphantly and pulled her back down onto the seat where James pulled out the leftover pranks and the trio went to planning.