Second chance a new choice

Moving forward

A grumpy James, escorted by McGonagall back to the Gryffindor common room, fumed. That's the second time in less than two weeks I've been caught by teachers. This is not up to my standards.

Technically, I didn't do anything wrong this time. It's not past curfew, but that fight with Snape— He almost growled. Detention with Spinner. Again. Marvelous...

Last time was such a pain. Polishing dark detectors while Spinner babbled about blood purity. "You're a superior wizard, Potter. You've got such a promising future," he silently mocked. Stupid detectors tried to eat my fingers. Or blind me.

Poor Remus. Spinner's stupidity about his Lycanthropy causing him to be shunned by others—it's hogwash! T e lling him he should seek more power—protection. Ha! He has all the power and protection he needs right here.

McGonagall accompanied James through the portrait hole.

Can this day get any worse?

On the other side of the common room, Sirius turned away in time to avoid McGonagall's gaze, but James caught his disheveled, dirty clothes, face filled with bruises and crooked nose. A nasty shiner already framed one eye and his bottom lip swelled.

McGonagall gathered everyone's attention. "You will be happy to know the school is now troll-free."

Stupid thing. Two flicks of McGonagall's wand, and it was out. I knew she was good, but that was... impressive. What was the troll doing so close to our common room, anyway? It took three other teachers to help haul the thing off campus.

McGonagall continued, "You'll need to stay here for now as we have no idea how the troll gained entrance to the school. Classes will resume in the morning. Until then, good night to you all." She gave everyone a stern glance and retired to her room.

James slipped through a knot of students and found Sirius sitting in the far corner. "What happened to you?" He took the chair next to Sirius and propped one foot atop his knee.

"The first person in the office—it was Regulus," Sirius hissed.

"No, it wasn't. I couldn't see who went in, but Snape came out."

"He got in through the wall," Sirius said.

"Regulus and Snape were in there? Who else could squeeze in? Would Hagrid fit too?"

"Your sense of humor never ceases to amaze me," Sirius grumbled. "Regulus got there first, and we both hid under the desk when someone else arrived—Snape, we realized. I wanted to do my part, but Reg wouldn't let me—wanted to help his pathetic Slytherin friend."

"Snape came out with the book, but I grabbed it," said James. "We fought—he threw the book to a girl who ran away while the teachers caught us. Snape wouldn't let go of me."

"Tough luck, mate." Sirius nodded, but seemed more grumpy than sorry.

"Where's Wormtail?" James checked the common room but didn't spot Peter anywhere.

"Probably still in Spinner's office," Sirius said. "At least he stayed out of the way."

"And Moony?"

"No idea. Saw him while running from that idiot, Regulus, but I'm not sure where he is now."

"What about your brother?"

"With Lily," Sirius hissed with a glare toward the stairs. "I couldn't just leave them to fight alone—not with a troll outside." He cursed quietly. "But, those two seemed pretty chummy to me."